giovannigf's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
jiyoung's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful chronicle of war-torn Libya through three generations. Matar’s anti-colonial grandfather, Qaddafi dissident father, and exiled writer self each play a role in shaping modern Libyan politics. Matar’s writing shines in gutwrenching anecdotes of families, including his own, who cling to hope when nothing else is left. I’ll never forget the mother who, every few months, made a 12-hr trip to give supplies/food for guards pass to her imprisoned son, only to find that he’d died many years ago.
chaymaeliteraryworld's review against another edition
5.0
This book is honestly one of the most beautifully written (and heartbreaking) memoirs I've ever read.
I think memoirs are my favorite kind of nonfiction. The prose just sparkles in this one and the history is incredibly painful but it's definitely something worth knowing. It had me bawling my eyes out on many occasions.
Personally, I didn't know much about the Libyan revolution. When I first heard of the overthrow of the dictatorship, I was still young and wasn't interested in politics. So the first thing I have to say about this book is that it was definitely an eye-opener. But that word alone would be an understatement. This book is an insider view into one of the most important people in the history of Libya somewhere around the revolution up until 2012. It's about suffering and survival and exile. It's surprising lyrical and emotional as the author talks about the weight of the absence of his father and the pains he suffered in the most heartless prison; Abu Salim — detained because he chose the land and out it above everything else, even his sons— the constant question hung over every conversation, where hope is in constant battle with factual reality.
I think memoirs are my favorite kind of nonfiction. The prose just sparkles in this one and the history is incredibly painful but it's definitely something worth knowing. It had me bawling my eyes out on many occasions.
Personally, I didn't know much about the Libyan revolution. When I first heard of the overthrow of the dictatorship, I was still young and wasn't interested in politics. So the first thing I have to say about this book is that it was definitely an eye-opener. But that word alone would be an understatement. This book is an insider view into one of the most important people in the history of Libya somewhere around the revolution up until 2012. It's about suffering and survival and exile. It's surprising lyrical and emotional as the author talks about the weight of the absence of his father and the pains he suffered in the most heartless prison; Abu Salim — detained because he chose the land and out it above everything else, even his sons— the constant question hung over every conversation, where hope is in constant battle with factual reality.
bloodyfool0's review
3.0
I'm not sure whether to rate it a 3 or 4 star. Will keep it at 3 for the time being.
The story was not particularly interesting. The narrative was engaging at times, particularly his conversations with Seif.
The problem with books that tend to jump around the chronological time periods tend to confuse and makes it an effort the focus on events during different time periods. I am not sure this is purposefully designed to keep you engaged. I find it an unwanted distraction.
Sad story that has no conclusion. Sad that anyone has to go through such difficulties and families are torn apart. Sad to see how politicians have double standards, befriending despots whist at the same time pursuing or not pursuing human rights causes, when they see a political advantage, not when it is the right thing to do.
The story was not particularly interesting. The narrative was engaging at times, particularly his conversations with Seif.
The problem with books that tend to jump around the chronological time periods tend to confuse and makes it an effort the focus on events during different time periods. I am not sure this is purposefully designed to keep you engaged. I find it an unwanted distraction.
Sad story that has no conclusion. Sad that anyone has to go through such difficulties and families are torn apart. Sad to see how politicians have double standards, befriending despots whist at the same time pursuing or not pursuing human rights causes, when they see a political advantage, not when it is the right thing to do.
scienceworks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5