I’m in Seattle, Where Are You?: A Memoir

Iraqi novelist Gzar (My Beautiful Cult) unfurls an exquisite story of life and lost love in this sweeping memoir. Raised in Basra, Iraq, Gzar spent his youth collecting scrap metal to sell for money while hiding his homosexuality, as, in Iraqi culture, gay men were often murdered. He recounts stories of violence, such as his transgender friend Mahiya, whom soldiers stalked slowly for weeks then “killed... on the spot. She was in the wrong place, dressed in the wrong clothes.” While attending the University of Baghdad in the mid-2000s, Gzar met an African American GI named Morise; they began a clandestine romance and vowed to reunite in Seattle after Morise’s tour ended. However, they quickly lost touch. Gzar immigrated to the United States in 2016 to attend the Iowa International Writing Program and, upon completion, began his search for Morise. In Seattle, Gzar befriended members of the HIV positive community, who aided in his quest. Gzar’s nonlinear narrative and lyrical prose convey his deep desire to reunite with his lover: “When I’m not with you, life is hard. Nothing seems to matter. I’ll see you in Seattle... I’ll see you somewhere.” This is hard to put down and difficult to forget. (Apr.)

Correction: An earlier version of this review misstated the name of the writing program the author attended.