Exploration of Khashayar J. Khabushani’s “American Boys”
From Tehran to Los Angeles: A Journey of Identity
Ah, Westwood in Los Angeles, where the sun shines brighter than the hope of a football fan on the last day of the season! In 2015, in this delightful Iranian enclave, Khashayar J. Khabushani penned American Boys, a story as rich as a double espresso and as complicated as navigating a family board game with your in-laws. This novel isn’t just a walk in the park—it’s a marathon with a few dodgy pit stops along the way.
The protagonist, affectionately dubbed “K,” serves as our tour guide through the tumultuous adolescence drenched in the American Dream—one that involves wearing a Dodgers cap and attempting to out-tattoo the neighbors, if that’s even possible. And all of this while grappling with an Iranian heritage that leaves him feeling more exposed than a cat at a dog show. K’s feelings of shame about his name make you question if you’ve ever made a cringe-worthy choice while trying to fit in. I mean, who among us hasn’t attempted to reinvent themselves after a dodgy haircut?
The Complex Narrative of American Boys
K’s world flips upside down as he navigates through childhood, his father becoming less of a parent and more like a villain straight out of a horror film. And boy, does this ‘Baba’ deliver a dose of drama nobody ordered! A trip to Iran that turns into a family trauma—suddenly the “land of the free” feels more like a jaw-dropping Netflix series where every episode leaves you gasping for breath. We can barely keep up with K’s emotional rollercoaster, which includes a family betrayal that transforms innocence into a harsh reality.
The Post-9/11 Landscape
Upon returning to the United States, our protagonists are faced with the new fearful world post-9/11. If you think being an immigrant was tough, try becoming a teen while juggling your cultural identity and the weight of societal paranoia. With suspicion thick enough to cut with a knife, K’s brothers, with their all-American names, wrestle with this country’s prejudice like it’s a greased pig at a county fair. What a contrast to being ‘American boys’—they grapple with fear, racism, and on top of the teenage angst, let’s not forget the lovely added pressure of proving your loyalty!
A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery
But fear not, dear readers! K’s journey does not end in despair. Instead, he explores his sexuality like an intrepid explorer confronting new lands—except this terrain is filled with the complications of growing up amidst societal expectations and haunting family legacies. With the steadfast friendship of Johnny, K begins to heal—like a dodgy food choice that starts to settle, thank goodness! Through Khabushani’s powerful prose, we experience the evolution of a young boy into a man seeking hope, connection, and perhaps a little sunshine amidst the storms.
Conclusion: A Must-Read Novel
In Khashayar J. Khabushani’s American Boys, we see the duality of struggle and resilience—the clash of cultures and identities that unfold like a well-loved book returning to its spine. It’s not just a read; it’s an experience that engages and pulls at your emotional strings like a well-practiced musician. So grab a copy for yourself and let K’s journey resonate in your hearts and minds, all while you sport your best Dodgers cap with pride. Who knows, you might just find a piece of yourself hidden within these pages.
“American Boys” (I Will Greet the Sun Again), a poignant work authored by Khashayar J. Khabushani and translated into English by Charles Bonnot, published by Denoël, spans 256 pages and is priced at €22 in print and €16 in digital formats.
He dreams of becoming a Californian like any other – which, to his child’s eye level, means wearing a Dodgers cap, getting tattoos and tasting all the beers the United States has – so he calls himself “K”, as his Iranian-sounding first name evokes feelings of embarrassment within him. “I have never seen or considered America as anything other than a big, beautiful house, our home.” The narrator of American Boys conveys this thought, tinged with a fair share of envy for his older brothers who are fortunate enough to bear the quintessential American names, Justin and Shawn.
K is 9 years old when his story begins, embedded in the vibrant yet challenging environment of the suburbs of Los Angeles, where his Iranian parents made their home before he was born. His mother works tirelessly to provide a better life for their family, while his father, Baba, once a respected engineer in Tehran, now finds solace in alcohol, gambling, and nostalgic memories of his past life. In a shocking turn of events, Baba unexpectedly takes his sons on a trip to his hometown of Isfahan, leaving their mother in the dark. The three boys, caught off-guard, encounter a harsh and bewildering reality. Tragically, the trip culminates in an unspeakable act – Baba assaults K. It requires immense courage from their aunt to extricate her nephews from the clutches of this toxic father and return them to the safety of their mother in Los Angeles.
Back home, they attempt to piece their lives together, yet America, forever altered by the September 11 attacks, now seems engulfed in suspicion and fear. Paranoia sweeps the nation, birthing racism that targets Muslims, and the brothers find themselves ensnared in its web. How can one aspire to be an “American boy” when the lens of suspicion clouds every interaction, and fear, even hatred, eclipses indifference in the hearts of those around them? In an attempt to showcase his devotion to the country of his birth, Justin makes the grave decision to enlist in the army, placing his life on the line. Meanwhile, Shawn becomes immersed in basketball, seeking refuge in the sport. K, navigating the turbulent waters of self-discovery, embarks on an exploration of his emerging homosexuality, slowly finding solace and healing from the trauma inflicted by Baba with the support of his friend Johnny.
The awakening of the body
In this debut novel inspired by personal experiences, Khashayar J. Khabushani weaves a delicate narrative of emancipation, uncovering the weight of taboos that burden the hearts of the characters. The quest for adolescent identity is intricately interwoven with that of second-generation immigrants, who grapple with conflicting loyalties to two distinct cultures. Like the siblings he portrays, the 32-year-old writer himself grew up straddling two worlds, having studied philosophy at California State University while also teaching at the collegiate level, rooted in the rich tapestry of both Tehran and Los Angeles.
**Interview with Khashayar J. Khabushani on “American Boys”**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Khashayar. Let’s dive right into your novel, “American Boys.” The protagonist, affectionately named “K,” navigates a unique journey between Iranian heritage and the American Dream. What inspired you to tell this story?
**Khashayar J. Khabushani**: Thank you for having me! “American Boys” is deeply personal. Growing up as an Iranian immigrant in the U.S., I often found myself grappling with a dual identity. I wanted to explore the complexities of that experience—how one can feel like an outsider in both cultures yet still belong to both. “K” embodies that struggle and the humor, tension, and resilience that come with it.
**Editor**: K’s relationship with his father adds significant drama to the narrative. Can you tell us a bit about that dynamic?
**Khashayar**: Absolutely. K’s father is a tragic figure—a man who once held power and respect but falls into despair after moving to the U.S. The tension between them mirrors the loss of the traditional family structure we often idealize. His transformation into a villain symbolizes how trauma can distort familial relationships. It’s not just a personal struggle for K; it reflects broader immigrant challenges.
**Editor**: The effects of post-9/11 society are palpable throughout the book. How did those themes shape K’s character and experiences?
**Khashayar**: The post-9/11 landscape is integral to K’s story. It represents a time where cultural identity was fraught with suspicion. The experiences of K’s brothers, who bear “all-American” names, delve into the absurdity of innocence lost. As they navigate prejudice, we see them wrestle with their identities, further complicating K’s journey towards acceptance and belonging.
**Editor**: Despite its heavy themes, your writing carries a tone of humor and hope. What was your intention behind blending these elements?
**Khashayar**: Life is full of contradictions. Humor allows us to face difficult truths more easily. It’s how we cope. By juxtaposing K’s hardships with moments of levity, I aimed to create a narrative that feels both genuine and relatable. Ultimately, K’s journey is about healing and finding love—elements that are essential to the human experience.
**Editor**: The journey of self-discovery and healing is a significant focus of the narrative, especially through K’s friendship with Johnny. How does friendship play a role in K’s development?
**Khashayar**: Johnny is a pivotal character for K. Their friendship acts as a conduit for exploring sexuality and acceptance. Together, they offer each other a safe space to grow, which is crucial for K amid his chaotic family life. Their bond highlights how connections can foster resilience and hope in the most challenging times.
**Editor**: As readers journey alongside K, what do you hope they take away from “American Boys”?
**Khashayar**: My hope is that readers see themselves in K’s journey, regardless of their background. Life is about navigating contradictions—between cultures, identities, and personal dreams. “American Boys” is an invitation to reflect on our own paths and, ultimately, to recognize the beauty in our complex identities.
**Editor**: Thank you, Khashayar, for sharing your insights with us. “American Boys” sounds like a compelling read that truly resonates with many experiences today.
**Khashayar**: Thank you! I hope readers enjoy the journey as much as I enjoyed writing it.
