Yasmin Zaher's 'The Coin': A Powerful Tale of Exile and Identity in Trump's America

February 20, 2025
Yasmin Zaher's 'The Coin': A Powerful Tale of Exile and Identity in Trump's America
  • Zaher's writing challenges conventional narratives in American literature, offering a unique critique of capitalist structures and cultural norms prevalent in the U.S.

  • The review concludes by praising The Coin as a complex and insightful exploration of identity, trauma, and the struggle for dignity, resonating with contemporary literary discussions.

  • Zaher employs the metaphor of 'dirt' to explore the complexities of her character's life, linking it to themes of national identity, psychological burdens of exile, and the notion of cleanliness.

  • As an heiress who is also a second-class citizen due to her Palestinian heritage, the protagonist grapples with feelings of alienation and the stark contradictions between wealth and poverty.

  • The novel intertwines elements of humor and tragedy, ultimately leading the protagonist to recognize her Palestinian identity and reconnect with her roots, despite ongoing struggles for liberation.

  • The Coin is positioned as a significant work of 'minor literature,' engaging with political themes and providing a critical perspective on the immigrant experience in America.

  • Yasmin Zaher's debut novel, The Coin, delves into the themes of exile, identity, and the American dream through the lens of a Palestinian protagonist navigating life in New York City during the Trump presidency.

  • The protagonist's obsession with cleanliness and material possessions serves as a reflection of her internal struggles and her quest for identity amidst the chaos of her environment.

  • The title of the novel refers to a coin swallowed by the protagonist as a child, symbolizing her personal trauma and the broader socio-political challenges faced by Palestinians.

  • Zaher's narrative style is characterized by a stream-of-consciousness technique, rich imagery, and a focus on fashion and consumer culture, which highlight class distinctions and personal desires.

Summary based on 1 source


Get a daily email with more Literature stories

Source

The Devil as the Dream | Los Angeles Review of Books

Los Angeles Review of Books • Feb 19, 2025

The Devil as the Dream | Los Angeles Review of Books

More Stories