My Friends by Hisham Matar tells the poignant story of a young man grappling with life in post-colonial Libya, marked by loss, political upheaval, and the search for meaning. The novel unfolds against the backdrop of a repressive regime, where the protagonist's internal conflicts mirror the turmoil of his surroundings. Matar captures the essence of exile, identity, and the bond between friendship and memory.

Why read this book:

• A haunting exploration of life under dictatorship and the effects of political repression.
• Vivid and personal narrative that connects deeply with themes of exile and belonging.
• Matar’s ability to infuse emotional depth into political realities, offering a powerful and reflective reading experience.
• Insight into the psyche of individuals living under authoritarianism and how they cope with the loss of freedom and loved ones.
• Offers a profound perspective on the complexities of friendships forged in oppressive environments.

About the Author

Hisham Matar is a Libyan-British writer born in 1970 in New York City to Libyan parents. He spent much of his youth in exile due to his father’s opposition to the Gaddafi regime. His debut novel, In the Country of Men, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2006 and won several international awards. His memoir, The Return: Fathers, Sons and the Land in Between, explores his personal quest to uncover the fate of his father, who was abducted by the Libyan regime. Matar’s writing is celebrated for its emotional depth, its themes of exile, identity, and the lingering effects of political repression. He is a voice for those who have suffered under totalitarian regimes and a deeply introspective storyteller.