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Quote by Hisham Matar

“An artist encounters an untranslatable experience and it causes in him such violent wonder and disquiet that he must try, with what will he can, to overcome the gulf, to attempt to reconcile ‘God’ and ‘Nature’ with ‘the single life.’ Here we have two untranslatable experiences. The first is the friendship, which, like all friendships, one cannot fully describe to anyone else. The second is grief, which again, like all forms of grief, is horrible exactly for how uncommunicable it is.”

Quote by Hisham Matar

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My Friends

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Hisham Matar
Hisham Matar

Hisham Matar is a Libyan-British writer whose works delve into themes of political oppression, exile, and the human condition. Born in 1970, he is recognized for his novel 'The Return' and his memoir 'In the Country of Men'. more

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“He never mentioned any bequests to you or your family?' 'No.' 'Though it wouldn't be unreasonable'—with great effort, she held his stare—'to expect something. Maybe even something substantial.' 'It's certainly possible that Stephen's left his billions to us. And it would be only human to imagine what that would be like.' He smiled. 'Wouldn't you?' 'Would you?' 'Me?' His smile faded until he looked almost wistful, and shook his head. 'No. I never wanted anything from Stephen except his company.' A snort of derision escaped her. But he continued to look at her, unapologetic. Almost, she saw now, in a kindly way. Inviting her, it seemed, to understand. What it meant to love so completely that all you wanted from that person was companionship.”