What
is to be said of a man born in Syria, that marries a lady from Baton Rouge (who
already has a child) and owns a painting company in New Orleans. To say that this man is cosmopolitan would
encapsulate a tiny bit of the feeling that Zeitoun exudes. Dave Eggers, the author of the book, has no
voice in the storyline. Now, I guess
this is the way it should be— after all he is just retelling the story of
another family, but I expected more of a sassy and witty tone from Eggers. Zeitoun
has provided me with a reasonable amount of knowledge regarding the mindset
surrounding the (not really) average New Oleander. Eggers has provided me with great words. Some of these words I know, and are included
because they’re used in an astute way.
Others are included because they are new to me.
New to me
Technophile: “Ahmad was a technophile. At home and in his
spare time he paid close attention to the weather, to developing storms.” (20)
(noun) a person who is
enthusiastic about new technology.
Foyer: “
High ceilings, a grand winding staircase descending into the foyer, hand-carved
everything, each room themed and with a distinct character.” (21)
(noun) an
entrance hall or other open area in a building used by the public, esp. a hotel
or theater.
Swarthy: “’They’re
swarthy,’ she said. ‘I only want white people working on my house.’” (36)
(adjective)
dark-skinned: she looked frail
standing next to her strong and swarthy brother.
Interesting
usage
Staunch: “Be
one who is staunch in equity, witness for God even against yourselves…” (38)*
adjective
1 loyal
and committed in attitude: a staunch
supporter of the antinuclear lobby
2 (of
a wall) of strong or firm construction.
Myriad: “She
wanted everything— all seven rooms and their myriad tasks— done in five days.”
(39)
(noun) a countless or extremely great
number: networks connecting a myriad of computers.
*Quote from
the Qur’an
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