Peace Pen Pals

Libya’s response to the Arab Spring eventually ousted dictator Muammar al-Qaddafi. However, it wasn’t a peaceful transition. In a civil war that lasted many months, rebel forces battled Qaddafi’s army, and thousands of soldiers and civilians died. Readers receive a thorough account of the events in Libya in 2011. Letters written from the perspectives of a boy in the city of Benghazi and his pen pal in the capital city, Tripoli, are a unique feature incorporated throughout this text. The correspondence reflects the historic events as well as authentic feelings of two young people trapped by the conflict. Readers will easily relate to the issues brought to light and have a greater understanding of the difficult work to come in rebuilding this war-torn nation.