The Return: Fathers, Sons and the Land In Between

by Hisham Matar

work. There is no end to Lawrence’s torment. He is surrounded by efficient men. Behind him stands one with strong arms. He is working hard to keep the victim down. Agony is twisting Lawrence’s body. His head is thrown back. The brute, either out of strain or shame, looks away. Meanwhile another man, barefaced, is stabbing Lawrence in the ribs, poking him as he might a chained animal, safe in the knowledge it cannot reach him. The light comes from the fires: the one burning beneath Lawrence and those of the torches of bystanders watching the spectacle. The only other source of light is a gash in the heavens, its edges bubbling with clouds, as though the sky has developed an infected wound. The moon’s glow pours through. It touches Lawrence’s outstretched hand and lights up his fingertips. There is a strange detail: Lawrence’s left foot is caught in a peculiar position, dangling off the bench, floating in the flames, as if enjoying the fire.