Hisham Matar
Hisham Matar
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Full name: Hisham Matar
Common aliases: None
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on September 24, 1970
Still alive
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: Libyan-Italian
Professions:
Writer
Novelist
Playwright
Academic
Early Life and Background
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Hisham Matar was born in New York City to a Libyan family. His parents, Zaki and Amina Matar, were from Libya, but they had moved to the United States for educational purposes. Hisham spent his early years in America before returning to Libya with his family at the age of eight.
Growing up in Tripoli, Hisham was exposed to the complexities of Libyan politics and society. His father's involvement in the anti-Gaddafi movement would later have a profound impact on their lives. In 1979, after Gaddafi came to power, Zaki Matar was arrested and eventually disappeared. The family was forced into exile, and Hisham spent several years in Italy before moving to England for his secondary education.
Major Accomplishments
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Hisham Matar's writing career spans over two decades, during which he has published several novels, plays, and essays that have garnered international recognition. Some of his notable works include:
In the Country of Men (2006): A novel set in Libya during Gaddafi's regime, exploring themes of childhood, identity, and politics.
The Return: Fathers, Sons and the Arab Spring (2016): A non-fiction book that reflects on the complexities of family, history, and cultural identity.
His writing has been translated into numerous languages and has won several awards, including the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award in 2007 for _In the Country of Men_.
Notable Works or Actions
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Hisham Matar's literary output is characterized by its exploration of Libyan history, politics, and culture. His writing often grapples with themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of family relationships. He has also been involved in various academic and literary endeavors, including teaching positions at Princeton University and serving as a judge for several literary awards.
Impact and Legacy
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Hisham Matar's work has had a significant impact on readers worldwide, offering nuanced insights into Libyan society and culture. His writing has also contributed to the growing body of literature emerging from the Arab world, which challenges dominant Western narratives and representations of Middle Eastern cultures.
As a writer, Hisham Matar's legacy extends beyond his literary achievements. He has become a powerful voice for those affected by conflict, displacement, and statelessness. His work serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of ourselves and others.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Hisham Matar's writing is widely quoted and remembered due to its unique blend of literary merit, cultural significance, and personal resonance. His experiences as a Libyan writer living in exile have given him a distinctive perspective on the complexities of identity, family, and politics.
As a result, his quotes are often sought after by readers seeking insight into the intricacies of human experience. His words offer a glimpse into the complexities of conflict, displacement, and statelessness, providing a nuanced understanding of the human cost of historical events.
His writing has also sparked discussions on themes such as belonging, identity, and cultural heritage, making him a widely recognized and respected voice in literary circles.
Quotes by Hisham Matar
When you've been living in hope for a long time as I have, suddenly you realize that certainty is far more desirable than hope.
I think my generation's inability to speak in absolute terms when it comes to politics is a very positive thing; it's made us more nuanced, made us more complex.
I don't believe people are interested in dates and facts. I don't think it is interesting to say what it is to be this person or that, but I do believe it is entertaining and perhaps even of value to express how it is to be that person.
My parents were fairly laid-back, but there were certain things about which they were very strict. My brother and I were told never to turn away a person in need. And it didn't matter what we thought of their motives, whether they were truly in need or not.
My family settled in Cairo in 1980. I was nine. I missed Libya terribly, but I also took to Cairo. I perfected the accent. People assumed I was Egyptian.
My father, the political dissident Jaballa Matar, disappeared from his home in Cairo in March 1990.
I've always said - I've always said I'm not, by temperament, a romantic about revolutions or given to revolutions. I've always thought that they are not the ideal way to change.
I used to be a keen rider. Sometimes I could sense what a horse liked or preferred to do.
I've never been particularly interested in genre distinctions. They seem to me more useful to a librarian than to a writer.
I lost my father when I was 19, so the majority of my life has been under this cloud, and I have been full of the intention to find out what happened.