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October Book of The Month Discussion - In the Country of Men

10 replies

TillyBookClub · 30/10/2007 11:22

This is the thread to come to for tonight's Book of the Month discussion and live author chat. Just a reminder, we'll kick off at 8pm and chat about the book amongst ourselves for an hour. And then Hisham Matar, our author for this month, will join us at 9pm to answer questions and give us the inside story. We'll probably wrap up around 10pm.

If you can't make it this evening but would like to ask Hisham a question or two, please post them here now and Hisham will post his answers later on.

See you here at 8pm...
Tx

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MNHQ

JustscreamMumsnet · 30/10/2007 20:40

Did anyone think Suleiman was being deliberately destructive to punish his parents for a) not being there (his father) b) being drunk and unreliable (his mother) c) not trusting him with any insight/ information about what was happening to their family?

He kind of went from an entirely powerless position - one in which he was at the mercy of his parents' weaknesses and whims - to a positon in which he suddenly had power to do something - albeit damage - and he just grabbed it either as payback or just because for once he could have some influence over events in a world where he generally had no influence. Would explain why he bullied the beggar too...

MNHQ

JustscreamMumsnet · 30/10/2007 20:43

I thought the Mother was both madly in love with and reliant upon the father and just couldn't cope with his absences or the worry of what trouble he might be getting into. She didn't need to drink when he was there because she was blissfully happy was my take - but please Hisham correct me if I'm wrong...

MNHQ

JustscreamMumsnet · 30/10/2007 20:59

Yes that's an interesting question Coco - I wonder if she was so angry with him for his political activity and all the danger and stress that followed from that, that she couldn't help but fight with him but once he'd been caught it was effectively an end to his activity (for a while at least) so she was free to love him - and I thought she really did love him... (but that could be complete claptrap)

MNHQ

CarrieonScreamingMumsnet · 30/10/2007 21:24

Suleiman certainly came across as real so it's interesting that you don't have children but have obviously observed well. As you'll see from the discussion, a lot of folks were angry about Suleiman's actions and betrayals - did you intend him to come across as naively/ unknowingly betraying or as someone deliberately setting out to cause waves?

Also I have to say spending such a long time in a 9 year old's head made me think back to what I was like as a child at that age and it's certainly made me wonder what on earth is going on in my 9 year old daughter's mind (and life)!

MNHQ

CarrieonScreamingMumsnet · 30/10/2007 21:31

Is it weird to sit here listening to folks discussing your characters as if they were real people, or after five years of living with them do they feel real to you? is that how it has to feel when you are writing a novel?

MNHQ

CarrieonScreamingMumsnet · 30/10/2007 21:57

So sorry to hear about your father. I can't imagine how awful that must for you and your family.

MNHQ

JustscreamMumsnet · 30/10/2007 22:22

Going back to Suleiman's motivation Hisham - why do you think he was so destructive with regard to the things/people that were precious to him? His friendship with Kareem, his mother and fathers' safety?

MNHQ

JustscreamMumsnet · 30/10/2007 22:40

Thank you Hisham for your book and for coming on Mumsnet to talk about it

MNHQ

JustscreamMumsnet · 31/10/2007 09:27

Vote here for November Book of the month, if you haven't already.

MNHQ

JJMumsnet · 05/11/2007 11:02

i think it should be the default way plse - for all ads stuff.
what version we on now?

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