From the slew of books on the Arab Spring, Hilsum’s account of Gaddafi’s fall stands out for background, detail and sheer readability.
In his Twenties, the Zelig-like Gaddafi radiated a rock-star charisma after the overthrow of dreary King Idris. Forty years on, he “seemed like a character from an old movie.”
Worse still, his sons were duplicating his template. While Gaddafi’s harem was headed by a “voluptuous” Ukrainian, his son Mutassim had a fling with a Playboy centerfold.
For both, the posing ended when they were dragged from a storm drain and brutally murdered.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies