Glitters in the backdrop of 1979 Tripoli and lingers in the yearning mind

• Book: In the Country of Men
• Location: Tripoli
• Author: Hisham Matar

I’m normally not a fan of historical fiction, but as a world literature lover, I couldn’t help but try this one. Even though it was a little difficult to get into, I am so, so glad I did.

In the Country of Men is a gripping account, from a small boy’s perspective, of Gaddafi’s infamous terror regime. It shimmers in the triumphs and fumes in the horrors of the the Libyan revolution of 1979, and expertly depicts Libyan culture and customs-the entire “world full of men and the greed of men”-as well. I found this a shocking, affecting read, and be forewarned: this book hits hard and will leave bruises.

There are a several difficult issues tackled in Suleiman’s first-person narrative, each coated with a blasé haze of childish charm. The exterior ones among these, include gender inequality and societal persecution, but Hisham Matar dares to venture deeper as the story spins around the values of family, friendship, nationalism, and the definition of loyalty. He portrays in deliberate precision and indelicacy, the oppression of not only women, but also of humans and human rights this is all poignant, truthful, and startlingly refreshing.

Facets of the narrator’s childhood make him the most vulnerable, and yet most potent character. Most of the other characters are shallow or, as with the central themes, influenced by Suleiman’s innocence and lack of awareness, but they are nevertheless lyrically and memorably described.

I’ll admit this book was a bit slow for first half, but the second half blew me away. In the Country of Men is not the sort of book I’ll soon forget. Hisham Matar has woven a brilliant novel on what it is to be family, what it means to grow up, and what it takes to be free, because they are all-the author claims-achievable aspirations… but only to few, in the land of men.

Pros: Raw, uncensored // Stunning literary style with both graceful and repulsive notes // Fascinating perspective of Gaddafi’s Libya // Impressive stylistically, historically, and culturally // Mesmerizing and haunting // Unforgettable

Cons: Slow-moving start // Dry at times

Verdict: Hisham Matar’s literary debut glitters in the backdrop of 1979 Tripoli and lingers in the yearning mind. Every so often you pick up a book so resonating and so captive of emotional truth, that it sends shivers down your spine and leaves an ache in your chest. In the Country of Men is one of those books.

Rating: 8 out of 10 hearts (4 stars): An engaging read highly recommended.

Source: Complimentary copy provided by TripFiction in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you!).

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