The Bottom Line
Grab this book. It deserves to keep you reading through a dark night and into a hopeful morning. In Zeitoun, Dave Eggers expertly captures the Zeitoun family’s story of perseverance through forces of nature and man. This book is a testament to the city of New Orleans and the survivors of Hurricane Katrina who carry on and strive to rebuild. Zeitoun is narrative nonfiction at its storytelling best and Eggers valiantly provides writing worthy of the source material.
Pros
- This is a family saga, a love story, a survival tale, a suspense thriller and a character study.
- Eggers continues to hone his considerable talents. He brings journalistic expertise to a true story.
- Eggers’ writing is practically transparent. He knows the best way to relate this tale.
Cons
- None. This book can and should be read by anyone. Some material only suitable for teenagers & older.
Description
- 'Zeitoun' by Dave Eggers was published in July 2009.
- Publisher: McSweeney's
- 342 Pages
Guide Review - 'Zeitoun' by Dave Eggers - Book Review
The brilliance of Dave Egger’s writing in Zeitoun is that you not only feel like you’re reading a strong journalistic endeavor, but a revelation of the human heart. Zeitoun inspires genuine hope, fear and sympathy. You respect every word because it feels as if the person who experienced every moment is relaying the story to you.
Abdulrahman Zeitoun’s heart and soul are in these pages, honest and open. Why he decided to stay behind in New Orleans when his wife and four children left. How he helped others from his simple canoe as the city soaked and drowned. What his shameful and unjust incarceration did to his spirit. And the final question that asks if devastation can and should spurn a city, a family and a soul to wonder if there is any true, guided purpose in the ebbs and flows of life.
Zeitoun is an astounding achievement for Dave Eggers as an author. For Eggers to capture the spirit of Zeitoun and make the telling of this Syrian Muslim’s story resonate as an essential American tale is something to be read, respected and applauded.
