Lifestyle

Strength and Vulnerability: Majd Zaher’s New Novel Looks Beyond the Veneer of Lebanese Society

Published

5 years ago

June 21, 2021

Your first book ‘Borderline Love in Beirut’ explores some challenging topics and complex characters. Can you explain the inspiration behind the story?

Growing up in a conservative family brought many challenges to my life. There was always something missing in every moment I spent living. There was a part of me that I wanted to discover and unleash yet I was afraid of judgments and backlash. Hence, I grew up as the loneliest kid in town as I had no friends and always found myself the weakest individual wherever I was. Moving out from my family’s house and starting an independent life was an eye-opening experience and the main motive that made me talk and write. I wanted this novel to be a celebration for everyone who doubted his own potential, who thought that other’s opinion would be able to dim his or her own light, and on a personal level I wanted to prove to all those who had ever bullied me that I was able to find success and peace after all.

One of the themes you deal with is marginalization and marginalized groups. Why did you decide to address this topic?

Writing has always been a way to pave the road towards a better world and an escape from the prisons we might be existing in. Talking about marginalized groups is based on my stance that everyone has the right to exist if they are not hurting or killing anyone else; and no one has the right to decide who is eligible to enjoy life and who is not. Unfortunately, in Lebanon, we have no laws to protect vulnerable or marginalized groups. These groups include immigrants, domestic labors, queer people, or any other category. In Borderline Love in Beirut, I was no longer Majd, I ascended to Joy and Adam’s soul to show the world how difficult living life becomes when no one likes you, when everyone avoids you, and when everyone judges you for what you look like and not for the real person you are. In Lebanon, we have laws that penalize love that does not protect women from harassment. In Lebanon, our system does not give any attention to the importance of mental health and does not help marginalized groups to engage in society.

What is the role of mental health in ‘Borderline Love’, and what are some lessons about dealing with or treating mental health issues from the story?

In Borderline Love in Beirut mental health is the crux of the story. I will not be able to say how this Borderline case will evolve yet I could tell you how it all started. Joy and Adam were the victims of a society that has never been able to embrace them the way they are. Experiencing death, upbringing challenges, and health concerns, Joy and Adam grew to become victims each in their own way. The takeaway is that offering mental health care and support for people who undergo a certain trauma, and even those who did not, is something critical. We can no longer sit still when almost every hour a Lebanese citizen ends his or her life. We cannot sit still when people still think seeking mental health care are mad. We should learn that the strongest of us can sometimes be the weakest and most vulnerable.

Is ‘Borderline’ a cautionary tale? Or is it intended as a reflection of another kind?

I see in Borderline Love in Beirut as many tales narrated at once. This novel carries in its pages a cautionary and reflective approach. At many parts of the story when I discussed Joys struggles with loneliness, self-hate and first love I was narrating many past incidents. However, in other pages, I detached myself from this reality and decide to go the extra mile and tell others how destructive it would be for anyone to fall in love before loving himself or herself, or how painful does it become when you don’t praise your uniqueness, or you don’t embrace yourself before listening to people’s judgments.

The book is set in contemporary Beirut and focuses primarily on young characters. How do you perceive your own society in Lebanon in terms of some of these issues, including marginalized groups and mental health issues? What would you hope for the future of Lebanon in terms of societal relations and acceptance?

In Lebanon, the lifestyle is not bearable anymore but I’m still hopeful of what is coming next because I believe one day my people will wake up to realize that coexisting and accepting the other is the only way to guarantee long-lasting peace and prosperity. It is difficult to find words to describe Lebanese society, but I will say that it is strange and paradoxical. For example, if you go to certain areas in Beirut, you’ll see people of different backgrounds enjoying their lives without the essence of discrimination and stigma. However, if you would leave the city for a less than five-minute drive, you will see the opposite. My wish and sincere hope for the future is to have a safe place for all people to live in Lebanon. To have laws that do guarantee the rights of the weak, and more laws to ensure gender equality. I do hope as well more effort will be done to abolish the rules that penalize love and strengthen the rifts in society.

The past year has been incredibly hard for Lebanon, and the world. What do you hope to impart, through ‘Borderline Love’ to young Lebanese who might have struggled through the August 4th explosion, COVID, and other major obstacles?

My message here is for those who have struggled and continue to struggle, for those who have lost and learned, for those who are still seeking to find a path to a safe shore, to all dreamers and seekers, to all lovers, to parents and youth. I want to tell them all that fighting can be exhausting but the end results will be rewarding. Let them all know that we will not rest, nor will we accept living in a place where our brothers and sisters are being killed. Not when the weak are always abused, and when all we want to do is love yet obstacles are placed in our way. Let them all know that we shall rise, and we will rise stronger than ever because after each storm there is always hope. Borderline Love in Beirut is the utmost manifestation of this idea.

Lifestyle

Alabama Car Accident Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights After a Crash

Published

3 days ago

January 13, 2026

Michelle Langton

Car accidents can cause serious injuries, extensive property damage, and long-term financial strain. In the aftermath of a collision, victims often face mounting medical bills, missed time from work, and ongoing physical pain. Navigating insurance claims and legal processes on your own can be overwhelming, especially while trying to recover. Hiring an Alabama car accident lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

An experienced Alabama car accident lawyer acts as your advocate, handling complex legal matters while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life after a crash.

Why You Need an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, even when the accident was clearly not your fault. Adjusters may pressure victims into giving recorded statements, accepting quick settlements, or downplaying injuries. An experienced Alabama car accident lawyer understands the tactics insurers use and can negotiate aggressively on your behalf.

With in-depth knowledge of Alabama traffic laws, liability rules, and personal injury regulations, your lawyer can manage the legal complexities of your case. This includes identifying responsible parties, calculating damages accurately, and ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly and on time. Having an Alabama car accident lawyer on your side helps level the playing field and prevents costly mistakes.

Understanding Alabama’s Fault and Negligence Laws

Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which can have a major impact on car accident claims. Under this law, if an injured person is found to be even 1% at fault for an accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation entirely. Insurance companies frequently use this rule to deny or dispute claims.

An experienced Alabama car accident lawyer knows how to counter these arguments by gathering strong evidence, challenging unfair fault determinations, and presenting a clear narrative of liability. Understanding how Alabama courts interpret contributory negligence is essential, and your lawyer will build a strategy designed to protect your right to compensation.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent. Common injuries include:

Whiplash and neck injuries
Back and spinal injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Soft tissue injuries

An Alabama car accident lawyer ensures that all injuries are properly documented, including emergency treatment, follow-up care, rehabilitation, and long-term medical needs. Accurate documentation is crucial for demonstrating the true impact of the accident and pursuing maximum compensation.

How an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Hiring a skilled Alabama car accident lawyer provides support at every stage of the legal process:

Case Evaluation – Reviewing police reports, witness statements, medical records, and vehicle damage to assess the strength and value of your case.

Evidence Collection – Gathering photographs, accident scene documentation, surveillance footage, and repair estimates to build a compelling claim.

Negotiation With Insurance Companies – Advocating for fair compensation and preventing insurers from undervaluing, delaying, or denying your claim.

Litigation – Representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached, ensuring that your case is presented effectively before a judge or jury.

Having an Alabama car accident lawyer manage these steps allows you to focus on recovery while your attorney handles the legal and procedural challenges.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Car Accident

An Alabama car accident lawyer will evaluate all damages related to your crash to ensure nothing is overlooked. Compensation may include:

Medical expenses, both current and future
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Costs of ongoing treatment or rehabilitation

In more serious cases, compensation may also address permanent disability or diminished quality of life. By working with an Alabama car accident lawyer, you gain an advocate who understands how to calculate both economic and non-economic damages accurately, ensuring any settlement or verdict reflects the full impact of the accident.

Benefits of Hiring an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

Working with an Alabama car accident lawyer provides several key benefits:

Maximized Compensation – Ensuring all damages are properly calculated and pursued
Expert Legal Guidance – Navigating Alabama laws, statutes of limitations, and insurance requirements
Peace of Mind – Reducing stress by allowing your lawyer to handle communications and negotiations
Stronger Case – Strategic legal representation and thorough evidence collection improve outcomes

Many Alabama car accident lawyers also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees unless compensation is recovered.

When to Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

It’s important to contact an Alabama car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. Early legal consultation helps preserve critical evidence, accurately document injuries, and ensure compliance with filing deadlines. Prompt action can significantly impact the success of your case and the amount of compensation you receive.

Tips for Working With Your Lawyer

To make the most of your relationship with an Alabama car accident lawyer, consider these tips:

Keep detailed records of medical treatments, bills, and insurance communications
Take photographs of injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene
Be honest and thorough when describing how the accident occurred
Follow medical advice and maintain documentation of your recovery

These steps allow your Alabama car accident lawyer to build a strong, well-supported case on your behalf.

Final Thoughts

Car accidents can have serious and lasting consequences, both physically and financially. Consulting an Alabama car accident lawyer is essential to protect your rights, navigate the legal system, and pursue the compensation you deserve. From investigating the crash and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary, an Alabama car accident lawyer provides the experience, advocacy, and support needed to move forward after a serious accident.