Zeitoun (book)

Zeitoun is a non-fiction book written by Dave Eggers, published in 2009. The book tells the story of Abdulrahman Zeitoun, a Syrian-American business owner living in New Orleans, Louisiana, and his experiences during and after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Zeitoun, a devout Muslim and owner of a successful painting and contracting business, chooses to stay in New Orleans to protect his property and help his neighbors during the hurricane. After the storm, he travels the flooded city in a canoe, rescuing stranded people and animals.

However, Zeitoun's good deeds take a dark turn when he is mistakenly arrested by National Guard troops and police officers. He is held incommunicado for several days in a makeshift prison at the Greyhound bus station in downtown New Orleans, along with other suspected looters and criminals. During his detention, he endures harsh treatment and experiences racial and religious profiling.

The book chronicles Zeitoun's ordeal, his wife Kathy's frantic search for him, and the challenges they face in rebuilding their lives after the storm. It explores themes of faith, family, community, the government's response to Hurricane Katrina, and the impact of the disaster on the lives of ordinary people. It also raises questions about the justice system, racial and religious discrimination, and the abuse of power.

Zeitoun received critical acclaim and spent several weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. However, the book has also been the subject of controversy, particularly regarding the accuracy of some of Eggers's portrayal of Abdulrahman Zeitoun’s character, following allegations of domestic violence against him.