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sarahbeth89's review against another edition
The writing style was boring, the timeline was vm difficult to follow and the main character was whiny.
kerrysj's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
sydneyjn's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
A beautiful memoir.
yarafadel's review against another edition
4.0
Literature of prisons, particularly prisons of Arabia from the late last century will always carry a deep meaning in my heart; not only because many members of my family experienced them, but also because I feel I would have been one of those people had I been alive during that time. Reading this book which was set in a modern political time had awoken the rebellious me that lays within me everyday. This book in particular was set during a time I was actually alive. It speaks of events I lived myself. It felt very personal even though I have never been to Libya. I am very happy to have randomly found this book.
I will say that this book will not be read as quickly as anticipated. I also disliked how male-dominant the characters are - even though I get it, I also do not. I would have liked to hear more from the mother's and the wife's points of views. We heard from the brother, so why not from the women too?
All in all, before reading this book, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Go in knowing about the "Arab Spring", the opposition, and the past and current political states.
I will say that this book will not be read as quickly as anticipated. I also disliked how male-dominant the characters are - even though I get it, I also do not. I would have liked to hear more from the mother's and the wife's points of views. We heard from the brother, so why not from the women too?
All in all, before reading this book, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Go in knowing about the "Arab Spring", the opposition, and the past and current political states.
claudia_elisabeth's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
sorfina's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.75
very informative book — came in knowing (embarrassingly) nothing about libya’s history and left knowing a bit more. the book was a great exploration of father-son dynamics, grief and resistance. but definitely don’t come in expecting answers — this is not a true crime book and it doesnt claim to be either.
however, i did not really connect with the book. felt like the writer was forcing flowery, poetic language in quite a few chapters but instead of being beautiful, it ends up being awkward. the story shifts alot, there are many characters with similar names and im often getting jumbled up on them.
however, i did not really connect with the book. felt like the writer was forcing flowery, poetic language in quite a few chapters but instead of being beautiful, it ends up being awkward. the story shifts alot, there are many characters with similar names and im often getting jumbled up on them.
alexisreading23's review against another edition
4.25
A memoir of Matar's return to Libya after many years in search of his father, abducted and imprisoned under Gaddafi. I initially read Matar's novel 'Good Friends' which encouraged me to pick this up. Apart from being an immensely talented writer, this memoir weaves in a highly readable account of Libya's modern history and political turmoil that forms a foundation for Matar's personal story. I am usually not too drawn towards memoirs as a genre but this was certainly memoir at its best. Having read both his fiction and non-fiction, it is easy to see how Matar's own life informs his tender and engaging writing on the themes of political exile, friendship, and loss.