Rabih Alameddine
Lebanese-American novelist and painter, author of The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother), whose work often draws on family experience and Lebanese history.
Best podcasts with Rabih Alameddine
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Dec 29, 2025 • 10min
In Rabih Alameddine’s new novel, a mother and son share a tiny Beirut apartment
Rabih Alameddine, a Lebanese-American novelist and painter, discusses his latest work, exploring the intricate bond between a mother, Zalfa, and her son, Raja, who teaches philosophy while navigating their shared life in a tiny Beirut apartment. He reflects on Raja's self-deprecating humor, the affectionate language between them, and Zalfa's intimate connection with another woman. Alameddine also addresses his mother's memory loss and how everyday experiences shape his storytelling, emphasizing the power of humor to connect and heal.
Sep 9, 2025 • 10min
In Rabih Alameddine’s new novel, a mother and son share a tiny Beirut apartment
Rabih Alameddine, the author known for weaving personal experiences into his storytelling, discusses his latest novel featuring Raja, a philosophy teacher living with his elderly mother, Zalfa, in a cramped Beirut apartment. They explore the humor and tension in their relationship, alongside the warmth of companionship between two older women. Alameddine reflects on family influence in writing, the role of memory loss, and how humor becomes essential for navigating life's challenges, illustrating the richness of non-linear narratives.
