National Book Award Winner Rabih Alameddine Wins Hearts with Darkest of Comedies: 'The True True Story of Raja the Gullible'
Lebanese author Rabih Alameddine has taken home the National book award for fiction with his darkly comic epic, "The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother)". Spanning six decades in the life of a Lebanese family, this sprawling history traverses the country's civil war and economic collapse, told through the eyes of its titular protagonist: a gay 63-year-old philosophy teacher confronting his past and relationships.
In a darkly irreverent tone reminiscent of Alameddine's style, he accepted the award with a hint of self-deprecation, thanking doctors, drug dealers, and even those responsible for ICE agents' brutal actions against asylum seekers. When addressing crises in Gaza and the US, Alameddine called out injustices, urging writers to "say enough".
This is not an isolated moment in a long history of socially charged wins at the National Book Award. In recent years, winners have reflected on literature's role in combating global tragedy, often serving as powerful voices for marginalized communities. The 2022 and 2023 award recipients spoke out against injustice, with many citing the need to address crises head-on.
Author Omar El Akkad emphasized that literature's purpose extends beyond celebration but also serves as a means of protest against atrocities committed by world leaders. His own work, "One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This", delves into Israel's war on Gaza and explores the consequences of tax money supporting such actions.
Gabriela Cabezón Cámara won the translated literature award for her book 'We Are Green and Trembling', an Argentine author who took to the stage in Spanish to assert her right, pointing out that some people are "fascists who don't like" doing so. Other first-time nominees Daniel Nayeri and Patricia Smith also claimed their spots in the spotlight.
Meanwhile, Roxane Gay and George Saunders received two lifetime achievement awards for their contributions to literature, with George Saunders addressing how writing offers a unique perspective on power dynamics. Emphasizing that artists occupy a less delusional space than those who wield absolute authority, he urged people to continue spreading awareness through words.
Ultimately, Alameddine's award is a testament to his unflinching voice and unwavering commitment to using literature as a force for change.
Lebanese author Rabih Alameddine has taken home the National book award for fiction with his darkly comic epic, "The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother)". Spanning six decades in the life of a Lebanese family, this sprawling history traverses the country's civil war and economic collapse, told through the eyes of its titular protagonist: a gay 63-year-old philosophy teacher confronting his past and relationships.
In a darkly irreverent tone reminiscent of Alameddine's style, he accepted the award with a hint of self-deprecation, thanking doctors, drug dealers, and even those responsible for ICE agents' brutal actions against asylum seekers. When addressing crises in Gaza and the US, Alameddine called out injustices, urging writers to "say enough".
This is not an isolated moment in a long history of socially charged wins at the National Book Award. In recent years, winners have reflected on literature's role in combating global tragedy, often serving as powerful voices for marginalized communities. The 2022 and 2023 award recipients spoke out against injustice, with many citing the need to address crises head-on.
Author Omar El Akkad emphasized that literature's purpose extends beyond celebration but also serves as a means of protest against atrocities committed by world leaders. His own work, "One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This", delves into Israel's war on Gaza and explores the consequences of tax money supporting such actions.
Gabriela Cabezón Cámara won the translated literature award for her book 'We Are Green and Trembling', an Argentine author who took to the stage in Spanish to assert her right, pointing out that some people are "fascists who don't like" doing so. Other first-time nominees Daniel Nayeri and Patricia Smith also claimed their spots in the spotlight.
Meanwhile, Roxane Gay and George Saunders received two lifetime achievement awards for their contributions to literature, with George Saunders addressing how writing offers a unique perspective on power dynamics. Emphasizing that artists occupy a less delusional space than those who wield absolute authority, he urged people to continue spreading awareness through words.
Ultimately, Alameddine's award is a testament to his unflinching voice and unwavering commitment to using literature as a force for change.
rabih alameddine's book sounds so intense i love how he was salty about the whole thing too, like who needs humility when you're a national book award winner lol 
but seriously though, its awesome to see more people speaking out against injustices through their writing. like, we need more voices like that right now 
and i gotta say, george saunders is a total hero for talking about power dynamics in his acceptance speech 
. I mean, it sounds like just another bleak retelling of the same old Middle Eastern drama that always gets trotted out when someone needs a reason to be "angry" and "sensitive". Newsflash: literature isn't some kind of get-out-of-jail-free card for complaining about everything. Can we please have some more books with happy endings for once? 
His acceptance speech was so raw and honest, it's clear he's not afraid to speak truth to power 
️. It's about time we hear more voices like Omar El Akkad's and Gabriela Cabezón Cámara's, who are unapologetic about speaking out against injustices 
. And kudos to George Saunders for his powerful speech on the role of art in challenging power dynamics 
.
. And I think that’s what makes Rabih Alameddine's win so special - he's not just an author, he's a voice for the marginalized and a beacon of hope in these dark times 
. It’s about time we had more writers using their talents to speak truth to power and bring attention to issues like asylum seekers being targeted by ICE agents 
. I don’t usually comment but I guess I just have to say that this year’s winners are truly inspiring 
. I love how he threw shade at those responsible for injustices too, keeping it real and true 
. This award is all about spreading awareness through words, which is so essential in today's world 
. It's amazing to see authors using their platforms to speak out against atrocities and promoting change 
. Can't wait to dive into his book and explore the true story of Raja the Gullible 
.
. It's like we're seeing a shift in how literature is being used as a tool for change... and I am HERE. FOR. IT 
.
i love how he tackles dark topics like civil war & economic collapse with a sense of humor, its not easy to make light of such heavy stuff. but what i really admire about this book is how it sheds light on injustices in Gaza & US & calls out those in power