While no story can be a prescription for grief or pain, there are some that can offer solace in difficult times. Majd Zaher’s first novel, Borderline Love in Beirut, tackles the subject of marginalization and the trauma that comes with being ‘different’ in a conservative community, like many parts of his native Lebanon, as well as the serious mental health concerns that can result from isolation. Although the story follows the relationship between two people, it is far from a traditional love story. In Borderline Love in Beirut, love itself is portrayed as a challenge that incurs both sacrifice and pain. Ultimately, it is love that is the catalyst for the story and the downfall of its protagonists.
Unlike other contemporary Lebanese authors, Zaher is open about his characters’ mental health and the journeys grappling with psychological tension. Borderline is an eye-opening tale that portrays society’s internalized prejudices. Both characters suffer because of the lack of acceptance they receive and develop numbers of issues because of the feeling of not belonging. Mental health struggles are seldom written about with such raw detail and energy, which makes Zaher’s books a great candidate to raise awareness on these issues. Anyone who has suffered, been bullied, experienced trauma, or been heartbroken can pick up Zaher’s book and recognize their own struggles in his words.
The impact of Zaher’s powerful story is that it reminds all who read it that they are not alone. His insight into the tangible ways in which mental health issues can affect daily life and social relationships will resonate with anyone who is struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, or stress. His story has the capacity to validate the feelings of those who feel alone and offer consolation to those who think they are unwelcome in society.
Today, mental health issues are skyrocketing in Lebanon as a historically severe economic crisis, commodity shortages, and a prolonged pandemic threaten the lives of millions. Not to mention the anniversary of the explosion that took place on August 4, 2020, at the Port of Beirut. All this combined has aggravated an already tenuous situation. As the situation worsens, mental health concerns surge. Fear becomes anxiety, helplessness turns into depressive episodes, and those who feel unheard and misunderstood become increasingly more secluded.Thus, it is critical, now more than ever, to raise awareness about the dangers of social isolation, marginalization, and fear-based stigmatization.
In a world of quickly moving content and constantly breaking news, it can seem like no one is paying attention. Stories like Borderline offers realistic examples of what these dangers can mean for the more vulnerable members of society, including young students, LGBTQ+ people, and low-income families, while also substantiating the experience of so many who have endured seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It pays attention to the very real systemic issues facing many Lebanese citizens today. It reminds its local readers that trauma is intense, it is real, and it is not something to be brushed off. Borderline is an excellent reminder that through art, comfort may be found, if not solutions.
