Can we talk about Zeitoun, by Dave Eggers?
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Anonymous
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Sorry, I know this is a 15+ year book.... I read it when it came out (in 2009), but after a recent trip to New Orleans, I decided to re-read it. It's nonfiction book about a Muslim man from Syria (Abdulrahman Zeitoun) who married an American woman in New Orleans. During hurricane Katrina, Zeitoun's wife and kids leave the city, while he stays behind to take care of their contracting business. But in the days after the hurricane he's unjustly arrested and thrown in to prison.
It's a great book, but after re-reading it I googled the main character and learned that he and his wife slit up in 2012 and that he was subsequently tried for her attempted murder. Eggers has never commented. Was anyone else aware of the turn this story took? https://abcnews.com/US/hurricane-katrina-hero-charged-kill-wife/story?id=16977139 |
Anonymous
| This is crazy! Thank you so much for posting. This is one of my favorite books, and I’m so sad to hear this. |
Anonymous
OP here. I finished the book last night right before bed. And then I googled him. And then I couldn't sleep. It made me very sad too. Part of me wonders if the violence against Kathy can be traced to the trauma he experienced during Katrina, but it sounds like there was violence in their relationship before the storm too that Eggers wasn't aware. The Zeitoun foundation has also folded. https://www.edrants.com/the-zeitoun-foundations-finances-an-investigation/ |
Anonymous
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I read it when it first came out, but I didn’t know about what happened after. He was acquitted of attempted at trial, it seems, and then ordered deported after serving time on a stalking conviction relating to his wife (although unclear if the deportation order was ever enforced).
Katrina and its aftermath took a huge mental toll on so many people. That’s not to excuse this guy’s criminal and abusive behavior, but it’s still part of this family’s tragic story. As for Eggers, the article mentions that he was focused on helping the wife and had been in contact with her. It’s entirely possible that his silence on the matter has been at her behest. It’s also possible that he got what he wanted from the family and moved on, which would track with his reputation for being a self-indulgent jerk. |
Anonymous
| I loved that book. Although I don’t remember any details whatsoever. I don’t even remember the main character! Sounds like there should be a follow up. |
Anonymous
| Eggers is such a good writer. What is the What is one of my favorite books ever. This thread is inspiring me to read Zeitoun now. |
Anonymous
Wow, +1! |
Anonymous
What is the What was wonderful!! One of my favorites too! |
Anonymous
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I also read Zeitoun around the time it came out and had no idea about what happened after. That’s shocking and upsetting … understatement.
Also upsetting about the murkiness surrounding the foundation/charity. I can’t remember why - maybe it was shared here - but some time ago I read this article about DE and his estrangement with little brother Toph. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/toph-eggers-rift-brother-dave-1236065886/ |
Anonymous
| Dave Eggers is an egomaniac jerk. I am not surprised Toph is estranged from him. I think that his older brother, Bill, who is a DC local, is also estranged from him. I have liked a couple of his books, but can't imagine being related to him, or friends with him, shudder! |