Massoud Hayoun Boeken

Exploring the rich tapestry of Arab Jewish identity, this memoir recounts the lives of Massoud Hayoun's grandparents in Egypt, Tunisia, and Palestine, juxtaposed with their experiences in Los Angeles. It highlights a time when being Arab transcended religious definitions, showcasing figures like Oscar Hayoun, who embodied cosmopolitanism before facing the harsh realities of a changing world. Through personal storytelling, Massoud seeks to reclaim a nuanced identity, offering insights into complex cultural heritages and a nearly forgotten era of sophistication in the Arab world.

Sam Saadoun, a closeted Jewish-Arab from Los Angeles, travels to Beijing to study. He is in pursuit of a romantic gay dream, desperate to escape the United States. When he arrives he is harassed by shadowy characters. All the while a disturbing murder mystery is unfolding in the halls of the university's most curious building.

Set against the backdrop of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, the story follows Sam Saadoun as he navigates his final night with a lover, only to be transported back to 1930s Alexandria, Egypt. Blending biting satire and deep melancholy, the narrative explores themes of longing, love, and lust within the context of the Arab world and North African diaspora. With rich imagery and a unique perspective, it serves as a captivating conclusion to the Ghorba Ghost Story Series, reflecting on the political and emotional landscapes that shape identity and belonging.