A man who hides his savings in cash inside frozen chickens, a butcher who occasionally embraces transgenderism by wearing an abaya and niqab, and a community disrupted by the sudden appearance of a man in a Speedo—these are just a few of the intriguing scenarios explored in Ghassan Zeineddine’s humorously deceptive book, Dearborn (Tin House, 2023).
Dearborn, Ghassan Zeineddine
Dearborn, situated adjacent to Detroit, boasts the largest Arab-American population in the US, with a majority-Arab demographic as of 2023, constituting 55% of its 110,000 residents. Initially settled by Lebanese Christians in the early 20th century to work in the auto industry, the city has since welcomed a significant influx of Iraqi and Yemeni immigrants. Noteworthy landmarks in Dearborn include the world headquarters of Ford Motor Company, the massive Ford Rouge plant, and the museum at Henry Ford’s estate, Fair Lane.
Zeineddine’s narratives revolve around immigrants who fled the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990) and their offspring navigating their own challenges. While some aspire to pursue acting careers, others, like Yasser who dreams of becoming Yusra, aim for business success and a lavish lifestyle in affluent West Bloomfield. Throughout Dearborn, two prevailing themes persist: the older generation’s longing to return to their Lebanese villages and the pervasive fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI.
Against the backdrop of post-9⁄11 America, Zeineddine sheds light on the unjust treatment of men in Dearborn and Arab-Americans by the US government. More than 1,200 individuals were detained under suspicion of terrorism, while countless others faced interrogations. The entire city grappled with the ominous presence of government agents and heightened aggression fueled by anti-Arab sentiments perpetuated by the media and authorities.
Zeineddine’s storytelling is marked by a delicate touch, allowing events to unfold without intrusive commentary. From heart-wrenching encounters with law enforcement to the limitations faced by Middle Eastern men in travel, the stories resonate with authenticity. Intergenerational conflicts over identity, particularly the desire to return to Lebanon, underscore the characters’ struggles. In “Money Chickens,” Baba, an autoworker, saves money in frozen chickens to fulfill his dream of building a home in Lebanon, juxtaposed against his daughter’s assertion of their American identity.
While touted as “hilarious,” Zeineddine’s stories derive humor from subtle, situational elements rather than overt comedy. The characters, like Yusra in her niqab, evoke empathy before amusement. Despite the whimsical motifs of money chickens and Lebanon-themed Speedos, the narratives delve into profound emotions and resonant themes.
Ghassan Abou-Zeineddine, a faculty member at Oberlin College, enriches the collection with well-crafted characters whose actions align seamlessly with their motivations and life experiences. In “I Have Reason to Believe My Neighbor Is a Terrorist,” Badria emerges as a multifaceted character in an emotionally intense narrative, culminating in a poignant conclusion.
The poignant tale “Marseille” diverges from the Dearborn setting, unfolding aboard a ship and in the French port city. Through Ayda’s recollections of surviving the Titanic disaster, Zeineddine showcases his storytelling prowess. The narrative, interspersed with reflective moments between Ayda and her husband Nabil, captivates with its understated prose and compelling character dynamics.
Zeineddine’s narrative style, characterized by clean and direct prose, coupled with engaging plots and authentic characters, captivates readers with its compelling storytelling. Dearborn marks Zeineddine’s debut in fiction, drawing on his experiences growing up in the Middle East and teaching at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
While Dearborn fearlessly tackles complex subjects like domestic violence and depression, it approaches the Lebanese civil war with a more delicate touch. The conflict, a pivotal backdrop in many stories, is portrayed as a harrowing ordeal to escape rather than a politically charged event. Despite the war’s profound impact on characters’ lives, the narrative sidesteps delving into the broader political implications of the conflict.
In a nuanced exploration of Arab-American experiences, Dearborn excels in its portrayal of human truths and the intricacies of American and Arab-American life. Though the collection navigates challenging themes with candor, the treatment of the Lebanese civil war leaves a notable gap in the narrative, underscoring the characters’ apparent detachment from political discourse.
The omission of American imperialism’s role in the Lebanese civil war in Dearborn raises questions about the characters’ seemingly apolitical stance. While Zeineddine skillfully addresses various societal issues, the absence of political engagement surrounding the war creates a thought-provoking void within the narrative. In “Rabbit Stew,” a politically charged story, the characters’ indifference to the conflict contrasts with the emotional depth prevalent throughout the collection.
Despite the narrative’s avoidance of political intricacies, Dearborn shines as a poignant exploration of human experiences and Arab-American life, distinguishing itself in contemporary fiction with its candid portrayal of societal realities.