While the novel is set in 2016 London, England, the majority of the narrative depicts sequences from the 1980s through the 2010s. These flashbacks feature references to Libya, Khaled Abd al Hady’s country of birth, and Libya’s political conflicts throughout the years prior. In particular, Khaled reflects on how Muammar al-Qaddafi’s regime affected his country and the events that led to the Arab Spring and Qaddafi’s assassination.

In 1965, Qaddafi completed his military training and became an officer in the Libyan army. At this time, Libya was a monarchy under King Idris I (1890-1983). There was growing unrest in Libya during these years, as the country’s oil-fueled wealth was heavily concentrated in the hands of the elite, causing discontent among the lower classes. Qaddafi and his supporters successfully staged a military coup in 1969, known as the “Free Officers Movement.” Qaddafi took power and declared that Libya was now the Libyan Arab Republic.

As the new military commander-in-chief and chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council, Qaddafi ejected American and British armed forces, outlawed alcohol and gambling, and expelled Jewish citizens and immigrants. Over the years, Qaddafi’s regime became increasingly intolerant of dissent and enforced violent purges, particularly of outspoken reporters and journalists.