The Minefield Girl

by Sofia Ek

The story is based on Sofia Ek´s personal experiences as a young woman doing business in Libya, while Gaddafi was still running the country with an iron fist. Her mission was to present Libya to the Western world of big business via the pages of the Wall Street Journal’s magazine SmartMoney. Sofia finds herself facing one setback after another as she tries to navigate Gaddafi’s Libya, where nothing is what it appears to be. She discovers that she is being watched at every turn. A love affair proves to be both thrilling and dangerous, as she realizes that the country’s most powerful men have ways to control even people’s personal lives. Consumed by her desire to succeed and to be part of something bigger than herself, Sofia finds herself deep into the corridors of power, unaware of the dangerous minefield she has walked into.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Politics, Memoir, Biography, Libya, Autobiography

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2017

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook performed by Camilia Belle 7h 9min

Honestly, I chose this story based on the fact that it was a) a real story and b) It was FREE.

After completing my listening experience, I am skeptical of a and relieved that b was the way I came into this experience. Although I have no doubt that Sofia Ek arrived in Libya and was "shook" by Gaddafi ruled Libya culture, some of her other escapades were eyebrow raising to say the least. I am not sure when she penned this memoir that she was picturing that one of her readers was going to be a thirty something teacher living in one bedroom apartment that think pizza is a great way to celebrate her birthday. But I guess Sofia always celebrates with champagne. I felt myself giggling a lot at some of her reactions to the tight restrictions on her behavior (did you do any homework before arriving) and I find it not surprising at all that she would "shockingly" capture the eye of one of Gaddafi's sons. Maybe it happened, but it just appeared too sensational for me to take at face value. Also Sofia was downright awful when describing meeting the family of her boyfriend, "Rick."

However, I am sure that Sofia is a lot more than what this book paints her as a naive white westerner who feels the world has to bow to her expectations. It also paints her as a condescending powerplayer with her colleagues. I wonder if all these words on the page are hers. Or is the narrative influenced by marketing strategy to sell a story to other white westerners?

As much as I am critical of the book, I do think it was slightly more entertaining because my experience was via Audible. The sound effects certainly made it more like a political thriller with a tinge of romance added in the mix.

[Patricia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a painful read of a self-centered, ill-informed young woman who didn't even bother to research Libya before she moved there.

Other reviewers describe the author as brave while I would describe her as ignorant and petty. She is a person unaware of the realities of living in a dictatorship where people are regularly taken, tortured and murdered. She complained consistently about the smells of Libya, her accommodations and her sheets. She immediately starts dating someone and is shocked that public affection is not allowed! This was her level of awareness of a country where she was presenting herself as a reporter.

The writing was equivalent to a high schooler talking about her summer vacation; details about how she met the "love of her life" just a week after meeting; (Spoiler alert: they split up); she talks about how stupid her (much more experienced) co-workers are; flippantly flirts with men who could have her killed; whining about how everything is so difficult and different (read: not western) in Libya and that because of that she is unable to close deals. The shocking part about the book is that she actually got out alive.

I don't recommend this book and if you start reading it, just do what I should have done, which is stop reading when she mentions she is pleased alcohol is illegal in Libya, because it will help her stop sleeping with her boyfriends' (yes the "s'" implies multiple boyfriends) best friends.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife Sofia just published her first book the Minefield girl, which she started writing four years ago. I'm incredibly proud of her for all her hard work and dedication In writing this. I don't know how she did this whilst being a great mom to our both daughters.

The book is about her experiences being a young western woman living and doing business in a dictatorship. It's a story on how she got to know the Khadaffis, it's a story of love and hustle in a land where nothing is what it appears to be.

I'm obviously biased, but definitely think you will enjoy reading it. It's a real page turner!

[E Leigh Irwin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring--Goes Nowhere

This book was very disappointing. It could have been a good story, but it became a litany of disjointed business meetings with no real plot. The characters are one dimensional and uninteresting.

[Meredith D'Ambrisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing done well, but character reads as unlikable

While I am sure that Sofia is a lovely person, her extreme naivete, refusal to learn from past mistakes, an "I'm better than you" attitude, and general lack of respect for other customs make for a very unlikable main character. Sofia seems very one dimensional with self-absorption as her primary trait. I read the book in its entirety and found myself angrier by the page because this book was not about the Libyan people as the initial pages suggested. This book was about one selfish young woman's journey into a world that she failed to prepare herself for by reading up on the culture and her foray into the Libyan business world while maintaining a distinct lack of respect throughout her journey.

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

Protagonist came across as shallow and deeply unlikable. The majority of the content was devoted to pedestrian small-medium sized business pursuits ("which hotel to stay at," "where we had dinner for the pitch," etc) which happened to be on the backdrop of a seedy Libyan upper crust that the protagonist came across as supremely unwise to be associated with. As someone else said, not much there.

[Sarah Toppins · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book. (I must have gotten it free.) I was bothered by how naive the author was and how she kept getting into situations that could have turned out a lot worse. I can't recommend it.

[Karen Boston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't stay with this book. I got about 60% read and gave up.

[Erica Palm · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the world being in the deteriorating political situation this is a memoir that gives true insight to a culture very few get to discover and live in. It's also an adventure and love story beyond limits. I truly find this a must read.

[Debbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

To quote E Leigh Irwin's review..."This book was very disappointing. It could have been a good story, but it became a litany of disjointed business meetings with no real plot. The characters are one dimensional and uninteresting."
The narration was disappointing also.
I had a 2 hour commute so I had to stick with it for two hours. I think her experience told in a blog to follow day by day would have been more interesting, but a book, no.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I listened to the audiobook)
The story is not my cup of tea but the narrator Camilla Belle made it interesting.
There is music and ambient sounds on the background and they can get very annoying and loud at times.
The story has some "time jumps" sometimes making it a bit difficult to follow.
Its nice to know more about a distant land like Libya

[Janice Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected.

This was more of a romance novel than a story of intrigue and danger. It was okay but not a page turner.

[Danielle Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love best about this book is that the author Sofia, follows her own compass, even if it means risking her own life. I admire her determination, courage and strength.The book is a definite page turner as it's engaging, funny, scary, compelling and romantic, all in one.

[Rosewhitekrw · Rating 2 out of 5]

at the beginning of the book I didn't care for Sofia at all. By chapter 3 I understood her to be a bit naive and stuck in there a little while longer to see if I would feel differently. By the middle of the book I took her to be culturally oblivious, especially when it came to her sexcapades with "Rick". By the very last chapter I couldn't stand her at all. I couldnt believe that I finished the book and didn't like the main character at any point in time. This book had me intrigued, turning the pages, all because I was trying to get to the point where I would like and appreciate the main character, but that didn't happen.

I read the book in it's entirety over a 24hr period and I am glad I did so but I would not recommend this book to anyone.

[Isabelel Björkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely exciting story from beginning to end. At the same time, it gives you a thorough understanding of Gadaffi’s Lybia from a young fearless Swedish woman who enters the inner circuits, determined to succeed. Contemporary History at the highest level. Read it.

[Brooke Hammerling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting as it was not only a page turner but an important read to understand the minds and hearts of the people living in Libya during Gadaffi. But from the perspective of a strong, independent woman searching for her own answers. I couldn't put it down!

[Pam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sofia is a spoiled selfish young woman who lies to make money. She goes to Libya knowing nothing about the country. Later she goes back though she knows the dangers. Throughout the book I wanted to shake her and tell her to wake up and stop being such a fool.

[Anzy Adams · Rating 1 out of 5]

This may sound ridiculously petty but I think it’s important people understand the context of the story so they won’t take her impression of Libya at face value without thinking critically.

She went to Libya on a mission to help U.S. corporations sink their claws into the economy— openly admits it herself within the first chapter. The company she works for, Economy Survey Group, provides information about poor and developing countries to Fortune 500 companies and political leaders in countries like the U.S. and its allies. Developing countries and socialist countries whose politics do not align with corporate interests have historically been vulnerable to exploitation and even outright regime change. By taking that job, she agreed to do a small part of the dirty work of exploiting and making a profit off of that country. So first of all, Sofia, shame on you. Please think critically about your choices in the future. Educate yourself politically about economic exploitation and imperialism so you can be part of the solution, not the problem.

Unfortunately, lots of subtle racism slipped in to her writing too, like alluding to the hijab being restrictive, dog-whistling about muslim men being sexist and oppressive, making implications about poor hygiene habits, etc. That’s what I got from just the first chapter, because unfortunately I started to feel quite sick to my stomach and couldn’t read any more.

All that being said, I’m sure the book will be successful. It’s trending on the front page of Spotify’s audiobook section as a recommended audio visual experience, which is probably how people are “stumbling upon it.” I find it strange, as a feminist, to accuse Ms. Ek of gaining success due to a personal connection with her husband, who is also the CEO of Spotify, but it does seem a rather damning coincidence. Her own business connections with a well-known conservative corporate media source will certainly come in handy too when it comes time to sell the book. I’m confident that discerning literary critics will see her book (and work) for what it truly is. If you’re looking for illuminating writing, I suggest taking book recommendations that come from a place of integrity, not personal connections with corporate media sources.

While Sofia Ek enjoys the Dior-clad parties and celebrity connections the book has brought her, I urge critical readers to investigate the sources of the information they hear about Libya. Look for alternative news sources that tell that country’s side of the story too. Reexamine history with a new lens. And listen to the people that live in those oppressed and exploited countries, not the corporate-backed white lady who spent a short amount of time there.

I don’t know why anyone would want to read an account of an independent, sovereign country from a random right-wing outsider who went there with ill intentions from the start. But if I’m truly interested in learning about Libya I’ll be listening to the people living in that country and reading primary sources, not making room on my bookshelf for someone who openly admits to knowing nothing about the country’s history, politics and culture. I definitely won’t be spending part of my modest paycheck on a book by a corporate drone too caught up in her surface-level “feminist” rhetoric to actually learn about the history and culture of the country she was visiting. Read a book or two about Libya before you try to write one, Sofia.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I stumbled across this book on Spotify and decided to listen to it over the span of a week. I was initially intrigued by the idea of a book from a foreigner's perspective on the culture and inner political workings of the Gaddafi dictatorship and Libyan culture. The audio book had sound effects, which I personally found interesting. Although I didn't find the narration as enthusiastic as some I've listened to, it matched the protagonist well.
I found myself stopping in-between chapters to look up information in other sources on the events, people, and places Ek had just mentioned in her book. I think that by reading this supplemental information while working through the book helped me appreciate her story more. It gave me a broader picture on Libyan history and politics that Ek wasn't able to paint as her story focused more internally and professionally rather than any cultural investigation.
This need to read additional information while going through the book to better understand it is the reason for giving it 4 stars rather than 5. Although I cringed at some (or many) of the decisions she made in her account, this was not my story to tell. It was enlightening to see a path of different woman with high esteem in an environment where we would have approached things very differently. This difference in attitude and desire (or lack thereof) to integrate into a foreign culture definitely made me angry/uneasy at some points in the book. However, with an open mind and a desire to familiarize myself with other's perspectives I found Ek's book to be an enlightening account of cause and effects of a woman pursuing her goals and passion in a country with no desire to help her achieve that.
Would I recommend this book to others? If you are looking to gain a deeper understanding of how Libyans were living during Gaddafi's regime this book with definitely disappoint you. But if you want to hear a perspective on the country, unfiltered and at a glance by woman trying to chase a profit, this book sheds light on the difficulties the country's corrupt government imposed on a foreigner's goals.

[Carly Eberly · Rating 1 out of 5]

At first, I was very intrigued by the idea of this book. However, it did not take long to realize there was absolutely nothing interesting about it. Boring. What was suppose to be a young businesswoman navigating the dangerous waters of Libya, was nothing more than a naive young woman with extremely questionable business ethics going from one meeting to another.... and nothing happens. Even the most "dangerous" moments fall very flat. There was absolutely no detail to any incident that took place. Just horrendous internal monologue that really did nothing to help the reader/listener sympathize with the protagonist.
The protagonist is a Mary Sue. Unfortunately, I'm not sure who would want to be her. She is very shallow and narcissistic. For someone moving to a dictatorship in an Islamic country, she is also willfully ignorant.
There are many contradictions in the book which are hard to ignore. For instance, in the beginning, she talks about women's clothing such as the hijab and wanting to be sure she wears what is appropriate but then later in the book is extremely surprised when public displays of affection are not allowed. Another example, the protagonist knows she is being spied on but then is surprised when an official knows something about her. It's just hard to move on from them.
And lastly, what might have been an opportunity for great (or even small) insight into Libya, it's culture and people, it's simply nonexistent because it is drowned by the protagonist's disdain for everything Libyan. She seems to think the culture, food, housing, and people are all dirty and stinky, unless she's with the super rich.
Needless to say, the book was boring and disappointing.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sofia’s story is a unique one and that’s what drew me to reading this. The story reads pretty quickly and she doesn’t dwell too much on unnecessary details which other writers succumb to. She is to the point and gives great descriptions of readers of what life as an outsider was like in Libya.

Some reviewers commented on her behavior and culture shock during the course of the book, which seems to be more of a comment on the story itself rather than on her writing style. My personal opinion on her as a visitor is something I’d rather save for a book club meeting, but in terms of the story I’d say that her actions whether victories or mistakes are what contributes to the story. If she, as the subject of her book, had done everything perfectly there would be little to write about.

I gave it 3 stars because of her writing style felt a bit simple. She used a few metaphors very nicely in the book (such as the childhood jealousy of her sister’s ice cream, or feeling of hopelessness and loss of control during 9/11) and I wish she would have used more writing techniques like this. I enjoyed them when she did use them!

[Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars for this one if I could

This review is about both the Kindle and the Audible version. Honestly, this almost became my very first DNF book!! It started out pretty interesting and I really enjoyed it. But then it got pretty horrible. To me, it seemed that Sofia was naive and lucky! I was surprised she didn't end up shot, missing in Libya, or suffered a similar fate. At times she sounds very arrogant, condescending, and full of herself. Between Chapter 9 and 13 or so I had to really force myself to continue as she drug on and on about business deals, sales pitches, etc. Then two thirds into the book it became interesting for a moment and I had hopes that it would turn back into a good book. But soon I experienced the same feelings of disappointment again. The Audible version was basically as frustrating. While some of the sound effects gave it a bit of a movie feeling which made it interesting, in other parts of the book, the sounds were distracting and even annoying. I wish I could give this book a better review, but I can't!

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am always interested to read about other cultures in the world and this was a great story to hear more about the customs that are so different. However the story throws in random pointless commentary at times that doesn't fit to the story line in any way, almost like they forgot to delete the sentence in the editing. Also, the main character is not a very likeable person in any way. The judgemental statements about smells and even a "friend's" breath are some or the unnecessary commentary mentioned above. She uses her sexuality and looks to get attention of the important people then rejects their advances when they expect more. I would be counting my blessings every day that something horrific didn't happen from that type of behavior (yes I did read till the end and I'm referring to much worse).

[Wysteria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Privileged white western woman goes to Libya, does no research and shows her ignorance and privilege again and again. Doesn’t understand social customs and then complains when people judge her. Meet handsome man, falls in love in a week. Moves him in with her family. Complains about being the breadwinner over and over again. Gets Daddy to give her money to start a business for her and her boyfriend. Wears Pashmina shawls and feels the need to call it out. Splits up with amazing Libyan boyfriend. Didn’t see that one coming. /s

Repeatedly talks about how the men all want her, watch her in awe, she had their eyes, they tried to kiss her, etc. We get it, you are pretty and proud of it. Doesn’t need to be a thing we rehash every chapter.

Barf. Do not recommend.

Edit: pretty sure she’s married to the founder of Spotify, so she’s definitely privileged.

[Vicki Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, could have done without the annoying and overly loud sound track which comes and goes. We are well aware of what a cell phone sounds like. I can't imagine anyone going to a country, knowing it is run by a dictator, and not doing any research on what can or cannot be done. The story was interesting from a cultural perspective, but it seemed unbelievable. Three constant references to her beauty AMD and men hitting on her was vain. That, more than anything, seemed to be what the book was about.

[Angie Webb · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a cool, true account of the author’s time in a strict country with crazy (to Americans) rules & laws. It developed how she met everyone & what they did in a nicely appropriate timeline but when shit went down it was instant and way too quick. It was like book.... book..... chapters of oh wow......nice to meet you........weird.......he did what?.......awwwwwww........how’d she deal with that?.......book......descriptions.....lovely.......

Then the crazy rebels, THE END!
It was such an abrupt ending. 😕

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story; however, the writer is incredibly judgmental, self-obsessed, and she complains all the time. It’s very obnoxious. I wanted to hear how the story ends so I stuck it out but her negativity is unending. I’m not sure how anyone can stand to be around such a drag, so the fact that she has so many admirers has to be based on looks alone. Or she’s drugging them. Seriously, I want to punch her in the face and tell her to grow up and stop being such a spoiled little bitch. Don’t read this.

[Sariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great facts and brief intros to the political and government dictatorship in Libya. Her ignorance and ill informed culture she was going into and was going to be living was unbelievable. No matter the age or race. You have to look and know what you are getting yourself into. Plus she seemed to be pretty accepting when everything was going her way until it didn’t and something happened to her and then the book ended. The audible version was bearable because it was entertaining with the tempo and all of the music in the background for added dramatic effects. It worked.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

A story about a well connected manipulative girl who uses her beauty to navigate and take advantage of the complex Libyan government for her sole benefit. The writing is drab with use of unnecessary and kindergarten adjectives before almost every noun. The 3D sounds in the audiobook are distracting with kitschy elevator music, cell phone rings, and silly sounding cell phone audio.

I thought this book would be more about politics and less of a soft porn beach read for bored housewives.

[Jeff J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memoir of the somewhat hapless adventures of an advertising executive In Qaddafi’s Libya. I think there is an element of “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” at play here. The author’s decision-making seems to be driven by personalities (and frequently her emotional entanglements) rather than the alien culture in which she found herself. Some of her actions seemed to defy common sense. Nevertheless she succeeds in capturing a specific period of history.