When a 72-year-old Lebanese grandmother meets a 30-something reader in Seoul

In a world grappling with feelings of inadequacy and the fear of missing out, the story of Aliyah, a 72-year-old Lebanese woman, offers a profound counterpoint. Her life, as depicted in Ravi Alameddine's novel "The Unnecessary Woman," is a testament to finding value in solitude and intellectual pursuit. Despite societal expectations and personal hardships, including an early arranged marriage, divorce, and a career spent in a bookstore without much recognition, Aliyah dedicates herself to translating literature.

Aliyah's existence is characterized by a quiet defiance against being labeled "unnecessary." She navigates a life where family and former acquaintances offer little emotional support, yet she finds her true calling and solace in the world of books. Her passion for literature is so profound that she meticulously translates 37 literary works into Arabic, a pursuit she undertakes for her own fulfillment, not for external validation. This dedication to an often-unseen labor highlights a deep-seated commitment to her inner world and the power of art.

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Don't you think it's a blessing of literature that a 30-something reader in Seoul can empathize with the life of a 72-year-old Lebanese grandmother?

The narrative draws a striking parallel between Aliyah's experiences and the anxieties of a 30-something South Korean woman living in 2026. The article's author expresses a sense of bewilderment and deep empathy upon recognizing the resonance of Aliyah's feelings of isolation and the search for meaning with her own contemporary struggles. This connection across cultures and generations underscores the universal human need for purpose and belonging, even in the face of societal pressures.

Aliyah's life is further contextualized by the turbulent history of Lebanon, including the French mandate, independence, and the protracted civil war. These historical events shaped her journey, leading to moments of profound personal crisis, such as seeking a weapon during the conflict and an encounter that highlights the harsh realities of survival. Yet, even amidst these challenges, her commitment to literature remains a constant, providing a framework for understanding and enduring.

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The attitude befitting a superior man is this: to continue to do what he considers to be useless. To maintain an order that is of no use, to apply norms of philosophical and metaphysical thought that are utterly meaningless.