Mediterranean Tales: Exploring Libya and Sicily Through 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 and the 2011 overthrow of Qaddafi raise questions about the nature of resistance and personal responsibility in the face of oppression.

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

This sentiment encapsulates the central dilemma of the novel: is silence in the face of repression a form of self-preservation or cowardice?

Jo Hamya's "The Hypocrite" shifts the focus to Sicily, offering a nuanced examination of class dynamics and tourism. 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 the local housekeeper.

This perspective shift aligns the novel more closely with recent works that scrutinize the impact of tourism on under-resourced regions. Sicily, despite being part of Europe, is one of Italy's poorest regions, adding depth to the exploration of these themes.

September 2024 promises a diverse array of international fiction releases. Notable works include:

• "The Empusium: A Health Resort Horror Story" by Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk
• "Creation Lake" by Rachel Kushner
• "Songs for the Brokenhearted" by debut novelist Ayelet Tsabari
• "Under the Eye of the Big Bird" by Hiromi Kawakami
• "Scaffolding" by Lauren Elkin
• "The Last Dream" by filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar
• "Intermezzo" by Sally Rooney
• "A Sunny Place for Shady People" by Mariana Enriquez
• "Playground" by Pulitzer Prize-winner Richard Powers
• "Bright I Burn" by Molly Aitken

These works span various genres and themes, from gothic retellings to explorations of climate change and colonialism, offering readers a rich tapestry of global perspectives.