Memoir of Love and New Beginnings in Seattle: A Story of Iraq and Identity

Mortada, an award-winning Iraqi author, embarks on a journey to Seattle in search of lost love, where he crafts a captivating memoir set in a brand new world.

During the ongoing US occupation of Iraq, Mortada Gzar, a novelist and scholar at the College of Baghdad, crosses paths with Morise, an African American soldier, sparking instant love. Their connection poses a threat to both and leads to a journey of self-discovery. Faced with society's disapproval and Morise's return to Seattle, Mortada embarks on a profound memoir-writing endeavor to find himself anew.

Mortada recounts his poignant journey in his memoir, intertwining stories from his childhood collecting scrap metal in a war-torn Iraq with the challenges faced by openly homosexual artists. His narrative also delves into his extraordinary love story and relocation to the United States. Despite feeling marginalized in his native society, he is surprised to encounter racism in his new environment. At its core, 'I'm in Seattle, Where Are You?' is a heartfelt tale of love and resilience.