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Story summary
- Rabih Alameddine's novel follows Raja, a 63-year-old gay philosophy teacher in Beirut, during a writing residency in the United States.
- The narrative weaves Raja's history with major events like the Lebanese civil war and the Beirut port explosion.
- Raja recalls his relationship with militiaman Boodie during the war.
- The book argues past trauma can be reshaped and the journey is poignant and humorous.
