Mediterranean Tales: Exploring Libya and Sicily Through Contemporary Fiction

In a new column focusing on international fiction, two novels set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea take center stage. These works offer distinct perspectives on life in Libya under Muammar al-Qaddafi's regime and contemporary Sicily, while also highlighting upcoming releases in global literature.

Hisham Matar's "My Friends," longlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize, delves into the complexities of friendship and exile. The novel follows Khaled, a Libyan student whose life takes an unexpected turn after participating in an anti-Qaddafi demonstration in London in 1984. This event, which historically led to a diplomatic rift between Libya and Britain, forces Khaled to abandon his studies in Edinburgh and relocate to London.

The narrative explores Khaled's relationships with two fellow Libyans, Hosam and Mustafa, against the backdrop of political turmoil. Their differing approaches to activism create tension, particularly as Hosam and Mustafa return to Libya in 2011 to join the fight against Qaddafi, while Khaled remains in Britain.

"It is almost always best to leave things be."

Matar's novel raises questions about the nature of silence under repression - whether it's a form of self-preservation or cowardice. The story unfolds against the complex history of Libya, which gained independence in 1951 and was under Qaddafi's rule from 1969 to 2011.

In contrast, Jo Hamya's "The Hypocrite" shifts the focus to Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. The novel revolves around a play about a summer spent in the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago north of Sicily. While initially appearing to follow the tradition of Mediterranean-set dramas about wealthy foreigners, Hamya subverts expectations by giving voice to local perspectives.

The narrative briefly explores the viewpoint of a Sicilian housekeeper, offering a critique of tourist behavior and highlighting the economic disparities in one of Italy's poorest regions. This approach aligns with recent trends in literature and media, such as HBO's "The White Lotus," which examine the impact of tourism on local communities.

September 2024 brings a diverse array of international fiction releases. Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk offers a gothic reimagining of Thomas Mann's "The Magic Mountain," while Rachel Kushner ventures into noir with a story set in rural France. Ayelet Tsabari's debut novel explores the Yemeni Israeli community, and Hiromi Kawakami contemplates humanity's final days in a Japanese setting.

Other notable releases include works by Lauren Elkin, Pedro Almodóvar, Sally Rooney, Mariana Enriquez, Richard Powers, and Molly Aitken, spanning genres from short stories to historical fiction and addressing themes such as climate change, colonialism, and witchcraft.

These novels and their Mediterranean settings remind us of the rich tapestry of international literature, offering readers a window into diverse cultures and historical moments.