Rabih Alameddine

Rabih Alameddine is a Lebanese-American writer and painter. Born in Amman, Jordan to Lebanese Druze parents, he grew up in Kuwait and Lebanon, which have both influenced his writing. Alameddine is best known for his novels, which include 'Koolaids: The Art of War', 'I, the Divine: A Novel in First Chapters', 'The Hakawati', 'An Unnecessary Woman', and 'The Angel of History'. His work often explores themes of identity, displacement, and memory, and he has been recognized for his unique narrative styles and his ability to weave together elements of history, mythology, and contemporary life.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. I, The Divine

    Cover of 'I, The Divine' by Rabih Alameddine

    This novel presents a unique narrative structure, unfolding through a series of first chapters of an autobiography that its protagonist, a Lebanese woman named Sarah, attempts to write multiple times but never completes. Through these fragmented beginnings, readers explore Sarah's complex life, from her upbringing in a tumultuous Beirut to her experiences as an immigrant in the United States, facing the challenges of identity, belonging, and self-expression. The book offers a rich tapestry of family dynamics, cultural clashes, and personal reinvention, all while showcasing the struggles of articulating one's life story amidst the chaos of historical and personal upheavals.

    The 6988th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. An Unnecessary Woman

    Cover of 'An Unnecessary Woman' by Rabih Alameddine

    The novel centers on the life of a reclusive, elderly woman in Beirut who has dedicated her life to translating her favorite books into Arabic, despite never having them published. Living alone in her apartment, she reflects on her personal history, the Lebanese Civil War, and the complexities of love, memory, and the power of literature. As she contemplates her existence, the narrative weaves through her past and present, revealing the rich inner world of a character who has chosen to live on the margins of society, finding solace and meaning in her literary pursuits amidst the backdrop of a city marked by conflict.

    The 9894th Greatest Book of All Time