Essay Questions

How does the theme of exile shape the characters' identities and relationships throughout the novel?

Exile profoundly affects the characters’ sense of self and their connections with each other. Khaled, the protagonist, is living in London far from his homeland of Libya. This physical separation from home is mirrored by an emotional and psychological dislocation. Khaled’s life in exile distances him from a part of himself tied to his origins. This fragmentation manifests in his relationships with Hosam and Mustafa as they navigate their own experiences of exile in different ways. Hosam, who returns to Libya only to face disappointment and trauma during the revolution, represents the longing many exiles have to reconnect with their homeland. However, this return is not a homecoming but an encounter with a broken country and fractured relationships. Khaled’s refusal to return to Libya highlights the internal conflict of exiles who want to remain loyal to their homeland but fear the consequences of going back. This decision creates a rift in his friendship with Mustafa who takes up arms in the revolution, which contrasts Khaled’s passive approach. The exile experience shifts their relationships from closeness in shared exile to a gulf created by the different ways they respond to political turmoil. Thus, exile in the novel shapes identity by keeping the characters in a perpetual state of in-betweenness.

What role does memory play in the development of the characters and the narrative?

The novel is built around Khaled’s reflections on his past, principally his friendships with Hosam and Mustafa. Memory serves as a comfort and a burden for Khaled. While he recalls fond memories of his friends, these recollections are tainted by the pain of loss, betrayal, and missed opportunities. Matar uses memory as a way to explore the inner lives of his characters, which reveals their regrets and unresolved conflicts. For Khaled, memory becomes a way to hold onto his identity even as his exile pulls him further from his homeland. His memories of his friendships provide continuity and meaning in an otherwise uncertain life. However, these memories also trap him in the past by preventing him from fully engaging with the present or envisioning a future. The act of remembering is often bittersweet as Khaled reflects on what could have been. His recollections are also colored by his own biases, guilt, and desires. As he narrates his past, it becomes clear that memory is an active construction of meaning. This complicates the characters’ relationships because they remember events differently.

How does Matar use the revolution to explore the personal and political struggles of the characters?

The Arab Spring and the Libyan revolution are key backdrops to the narrative. Revolution is portrayed as both an external and internal force that drives political change in Libya while simultaneously causing upheaval in the characters' lives. For Mustafa, the revolution represents a call to action—a chance to reclaim agency and fight for the future of his country. His involvement in the revolution is patriotic and deeply personal, as it becomes a way for him to challenge the forces that have oppressed him and his family. However, the revolution also brings violence, loss, and disillusionment. Khaled, on the other hand, struggles with the idea of revolution. He is torn between the desire to join his friends in their fight and his fear of the repercussions. His reluctance to return to Libya and actively participate in the revolution reflects his inner conflict. Matar uses the motif of revolution to explore themes of agency, identity, and belonging. The personal struggles of the characters are mirrored by the political struggles of their homeland.