"My Friends" by Hisham Matar is a winding, unpredictable novel about Libya's past and future. The last book I read from him was "The Return," nonfiction about his father's exile from his homeland, and those themes continue here. We, as Americans, know little about the
…more country and only know that we attacked them based on human rights violations. Khaled, a man who left and cannot return, embodies these ideas.
I was between the ages of eight and ten when the story occurred, so my knowledge of the Qaddafi regime was limited then. If you protest like Khaled and leave, the government bans you from the country. Even after they shoot him, he is persona non grata and stuck at the University of Edinburgh.
It was 1984, and this society of tapped phones and paranoia seemed far away. Say what you will, but we do not have that kind of fear about our travels and decisions. The main characters share a love of literature, and we remember it as a freedom we take for granted. Could you not take my books away?
In my reviews, I make it a point not to reveal anything that happens after the first half of the book, even if the flap summary lists an occurrence as a significant plot point. It made it difficult for me to buy into what the author deemed essential. A bit of subtle character development helped me care about everyone.
The message of friendship and identity is strong, and you will want to learn more about life as a Libyan. Those who do not enjoy slow burns may wish to steer clear. You will enjoy the brain food if you like historical fiction about cultures we seldom discuss here in America. Hisham Matar has taught me about Libya twice thoroughly. (less)
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