Zeitoun’s entire ordeal both before and after Hurricane Katrina revolves around the theme of bearing witness. The book itself is a testament to Zeitoun’s struggles, bearing witness to the injustice he encountered in the aftermath of the storm. Since childhood, Zeitoun has had to bear witness to a number of events. His brother’s (Mohammed) death by car accident is something that he bears witness to constantly, both through his memories of his brother and his attempts to achieve more and become successful. Joining his brother Ahmad as a sailor, Zeitoun was able to bear witness to the world-at-large, and to capture many events through photos. The narrative is about raising awareness about bearing witness to the injustices done in the name of justice and enabled by ignorance. By bearing witness, people are given the choice to pick up the pieces and make something out of what they’ve left with. 

Though eventually dismissed as the reason for Zeitoun’s incarceration, Islamophobia did play a part in the way Zeitoun was treated both before and after the storm. Both he and Kathy recall times when their beliefs set them apart from others. Zeitoun not only has to deal with attitudes to his religious beliefs, his name and appearance also provoke intolerance in others.