TEHRAN-A Persian translation of Algerian author Yasmina Khadras book The Dictators Last Night has recently been published by Vazn-e Donia Publications in Tehran.The book has been translated into Persian by Zeinab Kazemkhah.In The Dictators Last Night, author uses a compelling imaginary portrayal of Colonel Gaddafi on the eve of his failure.
Set against the backdrop of an apocalyptic landscapewhere rebel bullets and NATO bombs brighten the skyGaddafi finds himself restricted in an obsolete school in Sirte, surrounded by treachery and mayhem, as his generals either leave or collapse from exhaustion.With a personality as colorful and contradictory as the tyrant himself, Gaddafi reviews his life, identified by a blend of sentimentality and brutality.Through an unstable narrative, the novel catches the complexities of Gaddafis characterhis journey from a bad Bedouin upbringing to ending up being a megalomaniacal leader.The story oscillates in between Gaddafis grandiose self-perception and minutes of vulnerability, exposing a man driven by the requirement for approval yet capable of horrific violence.Khadra instills the story with humor, highlighting Gaddafis absurdities and overblown rhetoric, showcasing sentences packed with megalomaniacal diction that reveal his misconceptions of grandeur.As Gaddafi enjoys heroin throughout his last night, he recollects about his past conquests and enjoy affairs, weaving together a tapestry of memories that consists of romanticism juxtaposed with ruthless acts.This contrasting nature of the dictator permits readers to glance the terrifying charm that defined his reign while probing the psychology behind his dictatorial guideline.
The narrative features surreal aspects, including dream series with figures such as a ghostly Saddam Hussein and the painter Vincent van Gogh, emphasizing the hallucinogenic nature of power.Khadras unique artfully balances entertainment with a deeper commentary on dictatorship and the obligation that comes with power.As Gaddafi disputes revolution with his officers, the reader is reminded of the Libyan peoples plight amidst the unfolding chaos.
Although not as epic or speculative as other celebrated dictator books, The Dictators Last Night stands as a special expedition of one of historys most notorious leaders, successfully catching the intricacies and contradictions of Gaddafi in his last moments.Mohammed Moulessehoul, better understood by the pen name Yasmina Khadra, is an Algerian author living in France, who writes in French.
Among the most famous Algerian authors in the world, he has actually written practically 40 books, and has published in more than 50 countries.Khadra has actually frequently explored Algerian and other Arab countries civil wars, and conflicts in between East and West.SAB/.
This article first appeared/also appeared in Tehran Times