Between Two Kingdoms is a powerful memoir of a young woman’s journey from carefree adolescence in Libya to the devastating civil war that tore her country apart. When Suleika Jaouad was twenty-two, she was living an idyllic life in Tripoli with her parents and brother. But then Colonel Gaddafi’s dictatorship collapsed and violence erupted throughout the country. Her family fled to Egypt as refugees, only to find themselves stranded there for six long years. Through it all, Suleika kept hope alive by writing about her experiences – first on social media and later as a journalist for outlets including The New York Times Magazine – and against seemingly insurmountable odds, returned home to rebuild her life. Between Two Kingdoms is at once harrowing and inspiring; an unforgettable portrait of one girl’s coming-of-age story amid global political turmoil.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone who wants to read a powerful memoir about a young woman’s journey from carefree adolescence in Libya to the devastating civil war that tore her country apart.
Pros :
- Suleika Jaouad’s story is one of courage in the face of adversity.
- Her writing is eloquent and powerful, giving readers a glimpse into her world.
- This book provides an important perspective on the Libyan Civil War.
Cons :
- The author does not provide much detail about her life in Egypt and Libya between the ages of 22 and 28
- The book reads like a memoir, making it difficult to follow some events
- It is published by a small press
Learn more about the author
Suleika Jaouad is a 25-year-old writer originally from Tripoli, Libya. She has written for publications including The New York Times Magazine, Salon, and Foreign Policy about her experiences as a young woman coming of age in the Middle East during times of political turmoil. Jaouad was recently awarded an Emerging Writers Fellowship from the Kenyon Review.
Reader Reviews
“An astonishing memoir.”
“This is a powerful and brutally honest account of what it is like to be living as a refugee and trying to find hope in the middle of absolute devastation. Jaouad’s writing is beautiful and searing, her voice sharp and clear.”
“Suleika Jaouad’s Between Two Kingdoms is a riveting and beautifully written account of her life as a young woman during the Libyan civil war. It is both an intimate portrait of one family’s struggle to survive and maintain their humanity in the face of unspeakable violence, and a gripping insiders’ view of the entire Arab Spring uprisen. This book will stay with me long after I’ve put it down.”
“Between Two Kingdoms is a beautifully written, powerful account of one woman’s journey from carefree adolescence in Libya to the devastating civil war that tore her country apart. Suleika Jaouad takes us on an unforgettable journey – from fleeing Tripoli as refugees to living for years in limbo in Egypt, and finally returning home to rebuild her life. Hers is a story of resilience and hope against all odds.”
