The narrator-protagonist of Homeland Elegies, Ayad Akhtar, introduces Mary Moroni: Moroni is a professor from his college days in the early 1990s, heralded as the “finest mind of her generation” (xv). Professor Moroni is highly attuned to the workings of American society, and she frequently criticizes her homeland for its capitalist and nationalist beliefs. These outspoken ideas “had gotten her into some trouble the previous semester” (xvi) as they countered the nationalism present during Desert Storm, the United States-led coalition against Iraq in 1991.

Professor Moroni’s words greatly impact Ayad as the son of immigrants raised on the concept of American exceptionalism. Ayad’s father Sikander, a fervent believer in this exceptionalism, takes his son to cities grounded in American history and pop culture. Ayad’s mother Fatima, however, still feels drawn to her homeland and “[thinks] Americans [are] materialistic” (xvii)—a trait she does not want her son to inherit. Even with the tragedy of September 11, 2001 altering America’s view of Muslims, the narrator feels he cannot share his professor’s harsh perspective until he learns more as an adult rather than as a child.

As he grows into a man, Ayad witnesses how harsh life can be: The burdens of student debt, rent, healthcare, and childcare destroy many of the friends of his youth, and many more surrender their private information for public consumption.