Book: In the Country of Men

"In the Country of Men" by Hisham Matar is an evocative tale set against the backdrop of 1979 Libya, a nation under the grip of political repression. The story unfolds through the eyes of nine-year-old Suleiman, whose innocent perspective provides a poignant lens into the tumultuous world around him. As Suleiman navigates the streets of Tripoli, he becomes acutely aware of the dangerous political undercurrents threatening his family's safety. The mysterious disappearance of Suleiman’s father, suspected of subversive activities, casts a long shadow over his childhood, forcing him to grapple with fear, betrayal, and loyalty. Meanwhile, Suleiman's mother battles her own demons, burdened by alcohol and the oppressive societal expectations placed on her. Matar masterfully captures the claustrophobic atmosphere of a society under surveillance, weaving a story that explores the complexities of love, loss, and resilience in the face of tyranny. Through Suleiman’s eyes, the novel paints a vivid picture of a boy’s loss of innocence and the fragile bonds that hold a family together amidst political chaos.