Author: Rabih Alameddine
Narrator: GM Hakim
Format: Audiobook (Unabridged)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Audiobook Length: 8 hours and 38 minutes
Award: 2025 National Book Award for Fiction
Publisher’s Summary
From National Book Award finalist and winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction comes a tragicomic love story set in Lebanon, a modern saga of family, memory, and the unbreakable attachment of a son and his mother.
When Raja—a 60-something gay former philosophy teacher in Beirut—is offered an unexpected residency in Virginia, it sets off a series of reflections and recollections. Dancing across six decades, the novel explores the bond between Raja and his firebrand mother, Zalfa, amidst the backdrop of Lebanon's turbulent history, from the Lebanese Civil War to recent crises. It is an expansive, funny, and deeply moving novel about national trauma, community, familial devotion, and forgiveness.
Opening My Mind (and Headphones) to a Slow Burn
When I first hit play on the unabridged audiobook for The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother), I have to admit I was on the fence. The initial chapters move with a deliberate, quiet pace, and for a short while, I wasn't entirely sure if the narrative was going to capture my attention.
However, as I continued listening during my quiet reading hours, the story began to unfold like a rich, intricate tapestry. My early hesitation faded completely, replaced by a deep appreciation for Rabih Alameddine’s immersive storytelling. By the time I reached the final chapter, I was thoroughly swept up in its world, earning this National Book Award–winning novel a solid four stars in my book log.
Complex Family Dynamics & Queerness in Lebanon
Set primarily against the vivid, layered backdrop of Lebanon, this novel excels in its exploration of human relationships and cultural nuance. At its heart is the tender, complicated, and fiercely emotional dynamic between Raja—a gay former philosophy teacher—and his mother, Zalfa.
Alameddine navigates the intersections of family, deep devotion, and LGBTQ+ identity with incredible sensitivity. The novel doesn't shy away from complex realities or historical trauma; instead, it leans into the messiness of love, memory, and belonging. It treats its characters with a profound level of empathy, allowing their flaws and triumphs to feel intimately human.
The Audio Experience
What truly elevated this listen for me was GM Hakim’s brilliant narration. Bringing a book with such rich cultural texture, shifting tones, and emotional subtlety to life requires a skilled performance, and Hakim delivered flawlessly. Across its 8-hour and 38-minute runtime, the pacing, emotional cadence, and voice work brought Raja and his mother off the page, making the audiobook a deeply rewarding way to experience the text.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother) isn't a fast-paced thriller to rush through; it’s a contemplative, expansive novel that invites you to settle in and let the characters breathe. If you enjoy multi-generational family sagas, nuanced international literature, and stories that thoughtfully center LGBTQ+ lives, I highly recommend picking this one up (or grabbing the audiobook!).
I asked Google Gemini to help me change up my book review a bit. I feel like my book reviews are kind of stagnant. Tell me how you like this book review!
Lastly, it should be noted that The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother) by Rabih Alameddine was the last book selected this year for the Online Rainbow Book Club I've participated in this year. We will be discussing this novel next week.
Until my next post, happy reading.
