In conversation with Hisham Matar
26
November 2024 — 3:30PM TO 4:30PM
Anonymous (not verified)
13 November 2024
Chatham House and Online

Pulitzer and Orwell prize winning author Hisham Matar discusses his work and themes of exile, belonging and identity.

Depictions of Libya in Western media rarely go beyond the headlines of political turmoil and conflict, without examining the aspirations of its people. Hisham Matar’s novels have shown Libya through a more nuanced and compassionate lens, exploring social dynamics under the former regime of Muammar Gaddafi and the consequences that came for those who opposed him.

His deeply personal novels have also explored issues of exile and belonging and the establishment of new identities in homes made outside of Libya. Matar’s most recent Orwell-award winning novel, My Friends, has explored the hopes and fears of Libyans seeking a new society in the aftermath of Gaddafi’s overthrow, as well as living in exile in London.

Amid an increasingly difficult environment for those seeking reform across the MENA region, this conversation with Hisham Matar will discuss his works and the themes that run through them.

Source: Chathamhouse Events