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The Libyan
THE LIBYAN is an unforgettable memoir, told with raw honesty and an eye for detail. This stunning memoir sweeps four continents and several decades, from colonial Singapore through Europe and the United States, to Libya.A poignant saga of historical and cultural wealth, it transports the reader on an exciting journey of passion, terror and betrayal, chronicling a slice of Libya during the early years of Gaddafi’s dictatorship.An extraordinary narrative with a surprise ending, THE LIBYAN provides a rare look into an obscure culture and a young mother’s journey of love into a chaotic world of political intrigue."Kofod is a brilliant observer of detail and perceptive in her descriptions of character... Her love for Libya is evident and she presented a vivid account of its modern history through the eyes of Lina and Kamal."-Libya TV (English)"The Libyan offers a unique perspective on living under one of the worst dictatorships of the 20th century...Kofod fluently weaves a tale of romance with her own observations of Libya to produce this gripping novel."-Tripoli Post, Libya"Ms. Kofod has a strong voice and a heck of a story which she tells with integrity and feeling."-Ethan Chorin, AuthorTranslating Libya"The story never strays from its sharp edge... This is a good read. Fast paced in style, exciting in drama, and sweeping in time and geography"-C. Peter Ripley, History Professor Emeritus, Author, Conversations With Cuba"A fascinating, and at times, harrowing account of one woman's life in Libya during the early years of the Gaddafi regime."-Bronwen Griffiths, Author, A Bird In The House
- GenresFiction
309 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2013
5 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Esther Kofod
1book12followersEsther Kofod was born in Singapore of a Chinese mother and a Swiss father. After completing her studies in Singapore and Switzerland, Esther attended university in the United States. She then returned to Singapore and worked for an international advertising company as copywriter and creative director.
Esther was married to the Foreign Advisor to Muammar Gaddafi and Chairman of the Strategic Studies Center in Tripoli, Libya. They lived in Libya for five years before being forced to leave for political reasons.
The Libyan, a memoir, is her debut novel. She is working on another novel and is in the process of finishing a children's book.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 26, 2016
I'm Libyan, and I found this book truly describes a lot of the old Libyan culture back in the seventies, and some of which remained till today. The details and heart it was written with made me so emotional in certain pages, either forcing a loud laughter out of my mouth while describing some very special Libyan traditions, or tears while memorising the horror that surrounded Libyans for 42 years. But above all, I can't help but feel so sorry and some sort of responsibility over the hard circumstances, pain and sadness the author has gone through, either in Libya or by Libyans. I appreciate very much that she toke the time to write her story, which I think is a very good reference for the near history of Libya in a joyful romantic and dramatic layout. Thank you!!
March 13, 2014
This is a lovely book. It tells the story of Libya's past 42 years, putting the present into context, socially, politically and economically. Written from a western woman's perspective, it endears the foreign reader to Libya, to her beauty and culture - simplifying somehow the complex social tapestry. I laughed, I cried more and I learned a lot. Thanks @EliasBoukhari for the recommendation!
November 6, 2014
Unique Story!
It was very interesting to read about a country I knew so little about. Book shows how Ghaddafi's tyranny destroyed the lives and hopes of those working to bring Libya to the modern world. Well written from the point of view of an American brought into that world in a turbulent time. Good reading, culturally informative and engaging.
It was very interesting to read about a country I knew so little about. Book shows how Ghaddafi's tyranny destroyed the lives and hopes of those working to bring Libya to the modern world. Well written from the point of view of an American brought into that world in a turbulent time. Good reading, culturally informative and engaging.
February 8, 2016
The Libyan by Esther Kofod
A family drama set against the backdrop of Moammar Gadhafi’s Libya.
The novel spans continents settles into a contented marriage disrupted by political intrigue. This was an emotional read for me knowing that this was memoir and truly someone's life was so much more tragic.. One of my favorite historical memoirs. . . very well done.
A family drama set against the backdrop of Moammar Gadhafi’s Libya.
The novel spans continents settles into a contented marriage disrupted by political intrigue. This was an emotional read for me knowing that this was memoir and truly someone's life was so much more tragic.. One of my favorite historical memoirs. . . very well done.
May 30, 2014
An informative and entertaining read set in a country that I was unfamiliar with until I read this novel. I feel as if I understand Libya and the Libyan way of life better. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about this country.
April 8, 2016
The Libyan by Esther Kofod is a look into not just the life of Esther, but all Libyans during the ruling of Gaddafi's dictatorship. From Singapore, to Libya all the way to the United States, Kofod spares no details in this captivating memoir.
June 10, 2014
I read this book for a book club and finished it in 2 days! I was captivated from page one. I love that the story is told in detail that helped me relate to the main character. I was able to picture the different cities that the story took place in as well as the relationships Lina had with her nanny at a young age, her mother and her father, her husband and their respective families in countries with rich cultural history. The story is told over the course of many years but it really captures what was happening at a very crucial time in history. In addition to seeing what life was like for the Libyans we also learned a lot about the familial bonds and how loving and wonderful people can be. As I read this book I couldn't help but wonder what could have happened if the Lina chose a different path. I was amazed at her commitment to her family and her ability to love truly and deeply despite many obstacles.
We were able to skype with the author which was a wonderful experience. She was a lovely person who has lead a very interesting life. This book provided a glimpse into Libya, the people, the culture and the history. For me this book was on par with the Kite Runner or A Thousand Splendid Suns.
We were able to skype with the author which was a wonderful experience. She was a lovely person who has lead a very interesting life. This book provided a glimpse into Libya, the people, the culture and the history. For me this book was on par with the Kite Runner or A Thousand Splendid Suns.
November 5, 2015
I rate this book 4 stars instead of 5 mainly because I wanted to hear more about the Libyan Regime. It finally appeared in the last 1/4 or less of the book and I was hoping to hear more details about Ghadafi and his men, but understand that she was not so privy to the specifics. I also found the ending to be rushed as she listed several points as things "she found out later" but then did not divulge them. It was well written, and most certainly told from her point of view and voice, but if you want to hear more about specific politics you will find this book a little lacking. Take heed, it is her memoir and told from her point of view and that is done well.
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January 26, 2015A riveting story and fabulous read, it was hard to put it down. This masterfully woven tale of life, love and Libyan intrigue leads the reader across continents, personal struggles and loss. Wow!--P. Palmer
April 8, 2016
I couldn't put it down! The author has a writers flow that carries the reader along like you were there with her. She bravely shares triumphs and tragedies that will tug at your heart and leave you wanting more!
July 17, 2014
Fantastic. The intrigue, the sadness, the happiness, the uncertainty, but most of all, the emotions it invokes.
May 30, 2014
I was sucked into The Libyan from the opening pages of the prologue. Kofod writes a beautiful story filled with detail and description. I could SEE every face and land, TASTE the meals eaten, FEEL every emotion Lina felt throughout the book and at times literally could not breathe as I was reading the scene.
Lina is a remarkable character and an inspiration as a woman and mother. She is able to adapt to many different cultures and expectations seamlessly. She puts all of her own fears aside for love, to protect her children and ultimately for her own self preservation.
This story tells of the broad heartbreak caused by the change of an entire country due to one leader and that of a single man who was willing to desert his own family to try to restore his country to the ideals he valued. But Kofod also offers the reader hope in the strength of Lina, the forgiveness of her children and for the future of Libya.
The Libyan is one of those perfect novels that interlaces history with a captivating story. Before reading The Libyan, I had heard the name Ghaddafi, but am ashamed that I had no idea about what was happening in Libya under his control. This book has opened my eyes and compelled me to want to research more about the occurrences during his Dictatorship.
I can't wait for my bookclub to read this novel!!
Lina is a remarkable character and an inspiration as a woman and mother. She is able to adapt to many different cultures and expectations seamlessly. She puts all of her own fears aside for love, to protect her children and ultimately for her own self preservation.
This story tells of the broad heartbreak caused by the change of an entire country due to one leader and that of a single man who was willing to desert his own family to try to restore his country to the ideals he valued. But Kofod also offers the reader hope in the strength of Lina, the forgiveness of her children and for the future of Libya.
The Libyan is one of those perfect novels that interlaces history with a captivating story. Before reading The Libyan, I had heard the name Ghaddafi, but am ashamed that I had no idea about what was happening in Libya under his control. This book has opened my eyes and compelled me to want to research more about the occurrences during his Dictatorship.
I can't wait for my bookclub to read this novel!!
September 23, 2017
I met the writer before the book but I only really knew her and came to understand her womanhood and her mind after I sat with the book. The story is strong: it starts like a slow dance where your hands and eyes are getting to know the dancer and the music little by little then it hits you at the right note and you cannot let go. I have to say I was taken more by the second half of the book though I did enjoy a lot of the substories in the first half as well. Two things stood out for me: this is not a work of fiction but this is a memoir of a real woman and real events, real love and real betrayal. It shows you that life can truly be stranger and more awestriking than fiction and art. The second thing is the bravery of the love this woman had for her partner, for her children and for a country she adopted as hers but didn't embrace her back. I definitely enjoyed the ride: I fell in love with Kamal then got disappointed with him and the country then hated him for breaking my heart then forgave him again. Only a candid true to the heart writing can do that to a reader. I truly want this book published, reaching the Arab audience to see the portrayal of a foreigner to their land. I also want it to be read for all those suckers for love and for freedom, like me.
July 28, 2014
I can honestly say that before reading The Libyan I knew very little about the country of Libya. This book is a wonderful love story developed around the true history of a beautiful country. I couldn't put it down, I read it in two days!! I would recommend it to anyone who likes a little history mixed in with romance.
June 19, 2021
Written from the heart , mixture of happy and sad and some devastating memories made me have mixed feeling reading the book depending on the events and stages of the writer's life!
the twist of the story thinking about what she faced through her life in Libya and after, made me feel sorry and some how ashamed as a Libyan for what happened to this little family that once was a very happy and had an amazing life by the Gaddafi regime.
Her description of the details of libyan culture is very realistic, hear big heart and they way she loved her Libyan family and the country was reflecting her kindness and loving personality .
A very nice book to read , and I highly recomend it.
the twist of the story thinking about what she faced through her life in Libya and after, made me feel sorry and some how ashamed as a Libyan for what happened to this little family that once was a very happy and had an amazing life by the Gaddafi regime.
Her description of the details of libyan culture is very realistic, hear big heart and they way she loved her Libyan family and the country was reflecting her kindness and loving personality .
A very nice book to read , and I highly recomend it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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