Suleiman

Suleiman, affectionately known by his family as "Habibi" and "Slooma," is a curious and introspective nine-year-old boy who serves as the novel's main character and narrator. Struggling to understand his world, Suleiman faces a life filled with unanswered questions. His father, Faraj Bu Suleiman el-Dewani, is loving yet secretive and frequently absent due to his involvement in clandestine activities against the Qaddafi regime. This absence leaves Suleiman in the care of his mother, Najwa, who, under the guise of "Um Suleiman," struggles with her own issues.

Suleiman's relationship with his mother is complex. When his father is away, Najwa drinks excessively, which she masks as medicine, and shares stories of her own troubled past and family betrayals. Though these tales are somber, they provide Suleiman with comfort through the intimacy of his mother's presence. Suleiman misinterprets his mother's drinking as an illness, not understanding its correlation with his father's absence or the political turmoil surrounding them.

Despite the challenges, Suleiman manages to find solace and support from Moosa, a trusted family friend and confidant to his father. Moosa, who admires Suleiman’s father, also looks out for Suleiman and Najwa. Despite being less perceptive about certain dangers, as Najwa frequently warns him about tapped phone lines, Moosa proves decisive when he burns sensitive papers during a house search. Ultimately, it is to Moosa’s father’s home in Egypt that Suleiman is sent, raised by Judge Yaseen, despite lingering resentments.

Najwa

Najwa, Suleiman’s mother, leads a life marked by a lack of self-confidence and constrained by traditional gender roles. Married at a young age and quickly thrust into motherhood, she has little agency and must comply with the male-dominated dynamics of her family. Her pleas to her husband to cease his political activities fall on deaf ears, exacerbating her feelings of powerlessness.

Najwa’s struggle with alcohol is symptomatic of her deeper emotional turmoil, particularly when her husband is absent. Her need for escape manifests in the intimate moments she shares with Suleiman, recounting painful stories from her past. Despite her circumstances, she possesses a practical wisdom, persistently cautioning Moosa about security risks.

Faraj Bu Suleiman el-Dewani

Suleiman’s father is a complex figure, whose shadow looms large over his family. He remains an enigmatic presence, absent for much of the novel, preoccupied with his political undertakings. He is actively involved in a resistance movement against the Libyan government, leading to his infrequent and detached interactions with his family. His bond with Moosa, his co-conspirator, seems stronger than that with his own family.

It is only after returning from prison, physically and emotionally battered, that he shows genuine affection towards Najwa, allowing moments of laughter to seep into their strained relationship. This transformation gives Suleiman a glimpse of tenderness between his parents, offering a fleeting sense of family unity.

Moosa

Moosa, an Egyptian friend of the family, plays a pivotal role in supporting Suleiman and his mother. Despite his reverence for Suleiman’s father, he often lacks the cautiousness required in their politically charged environment, as highlighted by Najwa's warnings about communicating on tapped lines. Nevertheless, Moosa's loyalty is unwavering, as evidenced by his decisive actions during the search of Suleiman’s home.

Moosa’s influence extends beyond immediate crises; upon Suleiman’s departure from Libya, it is Moosa’s father, Judge Yaseen, who assumes the responsibility of raising him. This placement highlights the trust and camaraderie within their extended network, albeit strained by past grievances.

Supporting Characters

Ustath Rashid, a neighbor and Kareem's father, meets a tragic end as a rebel. Kareem, Suleiman's friend, shares a close connection with him, while Auntie Salma, Rashid's wife, remains a supportive...