Sandstorm - Softcover

Hilsum, Lindsey

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0571288049 ISBN 13: 9780571288045

Publisher: Faber & Faber, 2012

Synopsis

"Sandstorm" is the best kind of reportage: humane, historically-informed and full of details that only a writer close to the action could have noticed. The overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi has been one of the twenty-first century's defining moments: the Arab world's most bizarre dictator brought down by his own people with the aid of NATO aircraft. Lindsey Hilsum was in Libya when Gaddafi met his squalid end. She traces the history of his strange regime from its beginnings - when Gaddafi had looks, charisma and popular appeal - to its paranoid, corrupt final state. At the heart of her book, however, is a brilliant narrative of Libyan people overcoming fear and disillusionment and finding the strength to rebel. Hilsum follows five of them through months of terror and tragedy. This is the Libyan revolution as it was made and lived. "Sandstorm" will take its place in a library of classic books about turning points of history.

About this title

Review:

'Hilsum, in her perceptive account of last year's revolution, argues convincingly that behind the buffoon, the haunting presence of Tripoli's Abu Salim prison was the true symbol of [Gaddafi's] abusive power.' --Graham Paterson, Sunday Times

'Hilsum has written a gripping account of the roots of revolution in Libya. Through extensive interviews with scores of Libyans before, during and after the conflict, she allows the people behind the revolution to tell their stories to the western reader. Her sharp analysis and careful piecing together of the story endow her work with qualities that will prove of lasting value to students of Libya's 2011 revolution.' --Eugene Rogan, Spectator

'A deeply moving account of the uprising against Gaddafi and a remarkable expose of the mad horrors perpetrated by his regime.' --William Dalrymple, The Herald Books of the Year

'[A] masterful account ... [Hilsum] produce[s] an account with historical depth to match dramatic reportage.' --Chris McGreal, Observer

'Hilsum has written a gripping account of the roots of revolution in Libya. Through extensive interviews with scores of Libyans before, during and after the conflict, she allows the people behind the revolution to tell their stories to the western reader. Her sharp analysis and careful piecing together of the story endow her work with qualities that will prove of lasting value to students of Libya's 2011 revolution.' --Eugene Rogan, Spectator

'[A] masterful account ... [Hilsum] produce[s] an account with historical depth to match dramatic reportage.' --Chris McGreal, Observer

Book Description:

The inside story of Gaddafi's regime from the award-winning Channel 4 and CNN journalist.

About this edition

• Publisher: Faber & Faber
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0571288049
• ISBN 13: 9780571288045
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304