Summary

Zeitoun, by David Eggers depicts the life of a man who owns his own painting business in New Orleans. As the summer approaches, his business is stronger than ever. However, news soon comes that a big storm was heading towards his city. Although many people packed their bags in anticipation of a disaster, Zeitoun made the decision to stay and continue the operations of his business in order to continue his strong reputation as a reliable man.

However, Kathy (Zeitoun's wife) and the kids decided it would be best to pack up and leave. They have been hearing that the severity of the storm has been increasing, and it was heading straight towards New Orleans. As Zeitoun stays at the house, he worries about the levies breaking, but when he wakes up to the receding level of water in his house he believes the worst of the storm has already come. He believed the brunt of the storm had already hit, and everybody was safe to return back to New Orleans.

As the next morning came, Zeitoun looked outside and was shocked at the damage he witnessed. His biggest worry came true. The levies broke, and everything within the house will soon be ruined. Zeitoun's first thought is about the new furniture insurance that he declined. As the water level continues to rise, Zeitoun finds an old canoe that he uses to travel around his neighborhood. Instead of looking out for his own life, Zeitoun risks it to help save others.