Ghazi Gheblawi will be in conversation with Libyan author Najwa Benshatwan to discuss the themes running through her highly acclaimed novel ‘The Slave Pens’. Shortlisted for the 2017 International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF), the book sheds light on an ugly period of Libya’s history – when slave trade markets flourished during the Ottoman era, way before the Italian colonisation and prior to Libya’s declared independence in 1951.

In ‘The Slave Pens’ Benshatwan brings forth the narrative of the slaves in a sensitive romantic tale that touches upon the era and taboo subjects that have not been exposed before within Libyan culture. She bravely tackles the cruel trade of human beings, coming at a time when Libya has turned into a smuggler’s paradise again with African migrants being unfairly bartered.

Kicking off the parallel programme to the upcoming ‘Retracing A Disappearing Landscape’ interdisciplinary exhibition, curated by Noon Arts Projects, this event will be moderated in English.

For tickets and more information: http://p21.gallery/events/book-reading-the-slave-pens/