Picture a Syrian American storyteller weaving tales of exile, identity, and resilience—meet Zeyn Joukhadar! Born in New York City, this rising star in literary fiction has captivated readers with lyrical novels like The Map of Salt and Stars and The Thirty Names of Night. Joukhadar’s evocative prose and multigenerational narratives shine a light on the Syrian diaspora, earning critical acclaim and a devoted following.
With a unique perspective as a nonbinary, transgender author of Syrian descent, Joukhadar crafts stories that blend magical realism with raw human experiences. His work invites readers into worlds where history and myth intertwine, making him a vital voice in contemporary fiction. Ready to dive into his unforgettable stories? Let’s explore Zeyn Joukhadar’s journey!
The Making of Zeyn Joukhadar
Zeyn Joukhadar was born in New York City, rooted in Syrian heritage that deeply shapes his storytelling. Before becoming a full-time writer, he earned a PhD in Pathobiology from Brown University and worked as a biomedical research scientist. This analytical background contrasts with his poetic prose, creating a unique blend of precision and imagination. Inspired by the Syrian Civil War and his own identity as a Syrian American, Joukhadar began writing to process grief and explore themes of home and belonging.
His transition to writing was fueled by a need to tell stories that reflect the complexities of the diaspora. As a nonbinary and transgender individual, Joukhadar also brings queer and trans perspectives to his work, amplifying marginalized voices. His journey from scientist to celebrated author is a testament to the power of embracing one’s authentic self.
Zeyn Joukhadar’s Unforgettable Stories
Joukhadar’s debut novel, The Map of Salt and Stars (2018), is a breathtaking tale of two girls separated by centuries: Nour, a modern Syrian refugee, and Rawiya, a medieval mapmaker’s apprentice. Translated into twenty languages, it won the Middle East Book Award and was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist. Its lush prose and parallel narratives weave myth and reality, capturing the pain and courage of exile.
His second novel, The Thirty Names of Night (2020), is a lyrical exploration of a Syrian American trans boy uncovering family secrets through a mysterious bird. This multigenerational story, set in New York’s Little Syria, earned the Lambda Literary Award and Stonewall Book Award for its poignant portrayal of queer and trans identities. Joukhadar’s signature style—folkloric, vivid, and emotionally intense—creates worlds readers can taste, smell, and feel.
His shorter works, like “The Voyeurs” in the Kink anthology, showcase his versatility, blending sensuality with cultural depth. Currently, Joukhadar is adapting The Thirty Names of Night into a theatrical production, promising to bring his immersive storytelling to new audiences.
Why Zeyn Joukhadar Matters
Zeyn Joukhadar’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the Syrian refugee crisis and amplify queer and trans voices within the Arab American community. His novels offer a lens into the resilience of displaced people, blending historical and contemporary narratives to highlight shared humanity. By centering marginalized identities, Joukhadar challenges stereotypes and fosters empathy, making his work essential in today’s literary landscape.
As a mentor with the Periplus Collective and board member of the Radius of Arab American Writers, Joukhadar nurtures emerging writers of color. His contributions extend beyond the page, shaping a more inclusive literary world. For readers, his stories are both a mirror and a window, reflecting personal truths and illuminating unfamiliar experiences.
- Born: New York City, Syrian descent
- Key Works: The Map of Salt and Stars (2018), The Thirty Names of Night (2020)
- Awards: Middle East Book Award, Lambda Literary Award, Stonewall Book Award
- Pronouns: He/him, they/them (nonbinary)
Snag The Map of Salt and Stars or The Thirty Names of Night and dive into Zeyn Joukhadar’s lyrical world of myth, migration, and self-discovery!