You Exist Too Much

Name: You Exist Too Much
Brand: Gardners Books Ltd
SKU: 9780349701776
Price: 27.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

By Zaina Arafat

0.0 (0 reviews)

3.63

( 21,101 ratings, 3,088 reviews)

Summary

In You Exist Too Much by Zaina Arafat, the narrative follows a young, queer Palestinian-American woman as she navigates her identity and complex relationships. Struggling with familial expectations and romantic entanglements, she searches for self-acceptance while confronting cultural and personal challenges. The story intricately explores themes of belonging, love, and self-discovery against a backdrop of varied cultural landscapes.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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You Exist Too Much

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're drawn to introspective narratives about identity, love, and cultural dislocation. It delves into the complexities of a young Palestinian-American woman's life as she grapples with her sexual orientation and the expectations of her traditional upbringing. The poignant storytelling and deeply personal journey offer an insightful exploration of belonging and self-discovery.

You Exist Too Much

Set between the US and the Middle East, this is an electrifying coming-of-age story about love, identity and sexual desire against the backdrop of traditional values and religious views.

Description

‘Deeply compelling... sexy.’ Roxane Gay

‘Takes you on a dizzying tour of love addiction, rehab, homophobia, betrayal, obsession and the aching need for a mother's unconditional love. At different times throughout, you'll find the protagonist needy, reckless and selfish but also smart, intuitive and trapped between two cultures - because as we all know, humans are nothing if not complicated. Roxane is right: this deserves five stars.’ Stylist

Told in vignettes that flash between the US and the Middle East, Zaina Arafat's powerful debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to creative and confused adulthood.

In Brooklyn, she moves into an apartment with her first serious girlfriend and tries to content herself with their comfortable relationship. Soon, her longings, so deeply hidden during her teenage years, explode into reckless romantic encounters and obsessions with other people, which results in her seeking unconventional help to face her past traumas and current demons.

As heard on Radio 2 Book Club, this captivating novel is perfect for readers who love Maggie Nelson and Garth Greenwell. Opening up the fantasies and desires of one young woman caught between cultural, religious, and sexual identities, You Exist Too Much is a captivating story charting two of our most intense longings - for love, and a place to call home.

What people are saying about You Exist Too Much:

‘Real and deliciously messy.’ Attitude

‘An elegantly written debut... A thought-provoking exploration of love and belonging, and how the two come together to create a sense of self.’ New European

‘Exquisitely written and crafted with a compelling lightness of touch.’ Living Magazine

‘A nuanced, sparky debut.’ Observer

‘A wonderfully written, queer, coming-of-age story.’ i Newspaper

‘A novel of self-discovery following a Palestinian-American girl as she navigates queerness, love addiction, and a series of tumultuous relationships.’ The Millions, One of the Most Anticipated Books of the Year

‘Powerful... With You Exist Too Much, Arafat announces herself as a provocative and insightful writer.’ Irish Times

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The book by Zaina Arafat is widely praised as a compelling queer coming-of-age story that navigates themes of bisexuality, love, and addiction. Critics highlight its captivating narrative, taking readers through a journey defined by cultural complexity, emotional struggles, and the search for belonging. The prose is noted for its freshness and wit, while the debut is lauded for its compassion, nuanced portrayal of relationships, and the exploration of the protagonist's multifaceted identity.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780349701776

Publisher: John Murray Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 November 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Dialogue Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 217g

Pages: 272

Collections

Fiction General Fiction LGBTQ+ Literary Fiction Zaina Arafat

About the Author

Zaina Arafat is a Palestinian-American author. Her debut novel, You Exist Too Much, won a 2021 Lambda Literary Award and was named Roxane Gay's favorite book of 2020. Her work has appeared in publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, VICE, BuzzFeed, Granta, Guernica, The Believer, Harper's Bazaar and Virginia Quarterly Review. She holds an MA in international affairs from Columbia University and an MFA from the University of Iowa. In recognition of her work, Zaina was awarded the Arab Women/Migrants from the Middle East fellowship at Jack Jones Literary Arts and named a Champion of Pride by The Advocate. She is currently at work on a novel and an essay collection.