Hisham Matar

Hisham Matar is a Libyan-American writer best known for his novels 'In the Country of Men' and 'The Return: Fathers, Sons and the Land in Between', the latter of which won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography. His works often explore themes of exile, loss, and the impact of political upheaval on personal lives.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Return

    Fathers, Sons and the Land in Between

    "The Return" is a poignant memoir detailing a man's search for his father, who disappeared in Libya's political prison system. The narrative offers a deeply personal exploration of loss, memory, and homecoming as the protagonist returns to his native country after years of living in exile. The book also provides a profound insight into Libya's turbulent history, its oppressive regime, and the devastating impact of politics on individual lives.

    The 2926th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. My Friends

    "My Friends" follows Khaled, a young boy from Benghazi, who becomes captivated by a peculiar story he hears on the radio about a man devoured by a cat. This fascination leads him to seek out the story's mysterious author, Hosam Zowa, and embark on a journey that takes him from Libya to the University of Edinburgh. In this new environment, Khaled experiences profound changes and becomes involved in a protest against the Qaddafi regime, which ends in tragedy. Injured and unable to return home, Khaled finds himself in exile in England. A chance meeting with Hosam Zowa leads to a deep friendship that challenges Khaled to navigate the complexities of revolution, safety, and identity amidst the backdrop of the Arab Spring. "My Friends" is a poignant exploration of the enduring bonds of friendship and family, and the impact of time on these relationships.

    The 7783rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. In The Country Of Men

    Set in Libya during the oppressive regime of Muammar Gaddafi, the story follows nine-year-old Suleiman as he navigates the complexities of a world filled with political tension and personal betrayal. Through his innocent eyes, the narrative explores themes of loyalty, fear, and the impact of authoritarian rule on family dynamics. As Suleiman witnesses the arrest and persecution of his father, he grapples with understanding the adult world and the blurred lines between truth and deception, ultimately capturing the loss of innocence in a turbulent society.

    The 8253rd Greatest Book of All Time
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