Picture a Syrian American storyteller weaving tales of resilience and hope through the lens of Arab and Muslim experiences—meet Zeyn Joukhadar! Known for his lyrical debut novel, The Map of Salt and Stars, Joukhadar crafts stories that bridge cultures, challenge stereotypes, and shine a light on the human spirit. His journey from scientist to celebrated author is as captivating as his prose.
The Making of Zeyn Joukhadar
Born in New York City to a Muslim father and a Christian mother, Zeyn Joukhadar grew up in a vibrant, multicultural world. After earning a PhD in Pathobiology from Brown University, he worked as a biomedical research scientist. But the pull of storytelling was stronger. Joukhadar traded lab coats for notebooks, embracing his Syrian heritage and transgender identity to craft narratives that resonate deeply. His early short stories, published under the name Jennifer Zeynab Maccani, appeared in outlets like The Kenyon Review, setting the stage for his literary ascent.
Zeyn Joukhadar’s Unforgettable Stories
Joukhadar’s debut, The Map of Salt and Stars (2018), is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful tale of two girls—Nour, a modern-day Syrian refugee, and Rawiya, a medieval mapmaker’s apprentice—whose journeys intertwine across centuries. Critics hailed it as a modern The Kite Runner, praising its vivid prose and strong female characters. The novel won the 2018 Middle East Book Award and was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist. His follow-up, The Thirty Names of Night (2020), explores identity and belonging through a Syrian American trans artist, earning the Lambda Literary Award and Stonewall Book Award. Joukhadar’s style blends magical realism, rich sensory details, and themes of displacement, making his work both intimate and universal.
His short stories and essays, featured in The Paris Review and Salon, further showcase his ability to tackle complex themes with grace. Joukhadar’s synesthesia—a neurological trait where senses blend, like seeing colors in sounds—infuses his writing with vibrant imagery, as seen in Nour’s colorful perceptions in The Map of Salt and Stars.
Why Zeyn Joukhadar Matters
Zeyn Joukhadar’s work is a beacon for underrepresented voices, particularly in Arab American and queer literature. By centering strong Muslim women and exploring the Syrian diaspora’s pain and resilience, he challenges Western narratives and fosters empathy. His mentorship with the Periplus Collective and involvement with the Radius of Arab American Writers (RAWI) amplify emerging writers of color. Joukhadar’s stories remind us that home is not just a place but a story we carry, making him a vital voice in contemporary fiction.
- Born: New York City
- Key Works: The Map of Salt and Stars, The Thirty Names of Night
- Awards: Middle East Book Award, Lambda Literary Award, Stonewall Book Award
- Fun Fact: Joukhadar’s synesthesia shapes his colorful prose!
Snag The Map of Salt and Stars or The Thirty Names of Night and dive into Zeyn Joukhadar’s lyrical world of hope and heritage!