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

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  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Michelle has been a part of the journey ever since Bigtime Daily started. As a strong learner and passionate writer, she contributes her editing skills for the news agency. She also jots down intellectual pieces from categories such as science and health.

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Lifestyle

Jean-Pierre Morreale: The Perfumer Behind Bespoke Creations for Royals and Celebrities

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In the exclusive world of haute perfumery, where luxury and discretion go hand in hand, Jean- Pierre Morreale stands as a figure shrouded in mystery. As the genius behind Morreale Paris, Morreale has earned a reputation not only for his exquisite fragrances but for his secretive nature, which has only enhanced his allure among the world’s elite. While his work speaks for itself—crafting fragrances that embody elegance and opulence—it is his connections with royalty and global celebrities that have cemented his place as a master of bespoke scent creation.

A Life of Mystery and Exclusivity

Jean-Pierre Morreale’s name is synonymous with luxury, but little is known about the man himself. Despite being at the helm of one of the world’s most prestigious fragrance houses, he remains elusive, allowing his work to take center stage. Morreale’s life and career are defined by discretion—a quality that is highly valued among his clientele, which includes some of the most powerful and influential figures in the world.

Morreale’s secretive nature is not a marketing ploy but a way of life. He rarely gives interviews, avoids the spotlight, and prefers to let his fragrances do the talking. This air of mystery has only fueled the fascination surrounding him, with rumors of private meetings with kings, queens, and Hollywood’s biggest stars swirling around his brand. Those who know him describe a man deeply committed to his craft, who values privacy above all else.

The Perfumer to European Royalty

Jean-Pierre Morreale’s aristocratic heritage has always played a significant role in his career, and it is this connection to European nobility that has given him access to some of the world’s most exclusive circles. Morreale is a trusted confidant of royal families across Europe, with a clientele that includes members of the Italian, French, and Middle Eastern royalty. These relationships, forged over years of mutual respect and admiration, are built on trust and discretion—qualities that Morreale embodies in his work.

For many royals, fragrance is a deeply personal part of their identity, and they turn to Morreale for bespoke creations that reflect their status, personality, and history. His private consultations with these figures are shrouded in secrecy, with few details ever reaching the public. What is known, however, is that Morreale’s bespoke fragrances are as unique as the individuals who wear them, crafted from the rarest and finest ingredients in the world. His creations often become the signature scents of the royals he serves, worn only by them, ensuring that they remain one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

The Go-To Perfumer for Celebrities

In addition to his royal clientele, Jean-Pierre Morreale is also a favorite among the world’s biggest celebrities. From Hollywood A-listers to music legends, many of the entertainment industry’s most famous names seek out Morreale’s expertise when it comes to creating a bespoke fragrance. These celebrities, like his royal clients, value his discretion and trust him to create scents that capture their essence without the intrusion of the public eye.

Morreale’s clients often reach out to him privately, whether it be for a custom fragrance to mark a major career milestone, a personal scent for a red carpet event, or even a gift for a loved one. His ability to understand the emotional and psychological aspects of scent creation makes him the ideal perfumer for those who wish to wear something truly unique. For many, the process of working with Morreale is a highly personal experience—one that often involves intimate conversations about memories, emotions, and desires.

The Art of Bespoke Perfume Creation

Jean-Pierre Morreale’s approach to bespoke fragrance creation is a blend of art, science, and intuition. His process is meticulous and deeply personalized, starting with a private consultation, often conducted behind closed doors in the most luxurious of settings—whether in royal palaces, private estates, or in his secretive Parisian atelier. Morreale takes the time to get to know his clients, understanding their personal history, emotional connections, and even the cultural significance of certain scents.

Every fragrance he creates is a unique reflection of the individual, composed of rare and often exotic ingredients that he sources from around the world. For Morreale, no detail is too small, and his creations are known for their complexity and depth, with each note telling part of a larger, personalized story. These scents are not just perfumes but works of art, often packaged in custom-designed, handcrafted bottles, making them as visually stunning as they are olfactorily captivating.

Once the fragrance is complete, it is delivered to the client in the utmost secrecy. This level of exclusivity is part of the allure of a Jean-Pierre Morreale creation; owning a bespoke fragrance from Morreale Paris is akin to possessing a rare piece of art, one that can never be replicated.

A Legacy of Discretion and Luxury

Jean-Pierre Morreale’s dedication to privacy has only enhanced his status as one of the most sought-after perfumers in the world. While other fragrance houses may seek publicity, Morreale has built his brand on a foundation of discretion, catering to those who value their privacy as much as their luxury. His relationships with his clients—whether royals or celebrities—are built on trust, and it is this trust that has allowed him to continue creating bespoke fragrances for the most influential people on the planet.

Despite his global success, Morreale remains as discreet as ever, allowing his work to speak for itself. His clients, from European kings and queens to Hollywood stars, know that when they commission a fragrance from Jean-Pierre Morreale, they are not only receiving a world-class creation but also the assurance that their privacy will be respected.

Jean-Pierre Morreale’s combination of artistry, exclusivity, and discretion has made him the master perfumer of choice for royalty and celebrities alike. His secretive nature, far from being a hindrance, has only added to his mystique and elevated his brand to legendary status. In a world where privacy is often a luxury, Morreale’s ability to create bespoke fragrances in complete secrecy has earned him the loyalty of some of the most powerful and famous people in the world. For those fortunate enough to work with him, a fragrance by Jean-Pierre Morreale is not just a scent—it is a timeless, personal masterpiece, created by a man who values the art of discretion as much as the art of perfumery.

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