Looking for Palestine: A Memoir | Najla Said

Looking for Palestine: Growing Up Confused in an Arab-American Family

Extended Synopsis

In this frank and entertaining memoir, Najla Said explores the complexities of growing up as the daughter of a prominent Palestinian intellectual and a sophisticated Lebanese mother. Raised in Manhattan, Najla found herself constantly negotiating the divide between her family's deep-seated connection to their homeland and the pressure to conform to the class-conscious environment of New York City's private schools. Struggling to reconcile her background, she spent years in denial, attempting to align herself with the WASP and Jewish identities of her peers while suppressing her true roots.

As the psychological toll of this internal conflict grew, Said’s journey toward self-acceptance began through increased visits to Palestine and Beirut. The aftermath of the 9/11 attacks served as a final catalyst, making it impossible for her to remain in the shadows of her own identity. Looking for Palestine is a candid, moving account of a woman finding her voice, ultimately transforming her personal confusion into a powerful platform as an advocate for second-generation Arab Americans.

Reader Targeting

• Readers of contemporary memoirs concerning identity, immigration, and the immigrant experience.
• Individuals interested in the intersection of Middle Eastern culture and American social life.
• Fans of biographical works that explore the lives of children of famous intellectual and cultural figures.

Author Biography

Najla Said is an author, actor, and playwright. As the daughter of the renowned scholar Edward Said, she provides a unique perspective on the challenges of biculturalism. Today, she is a recognized voice for Arab American identity, blending her personal narrative with a broader exploration of heritage in modern America.

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