Shortlisted for Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2016.

Short-listed 2016 Costa Biography Award

What a brilliant book. The Return reads as easily as a thriller, but is a story that will stick; a person is lost but gravity and resonance remain -- Hilary Mantel It is likely to become a classic. -- Colm Toibin A total work of art. It reminded me of Solzhenitsyn. It is of the same importance. I love it. -- James Rebanks Wise and agonizing and thrilling to read -- Zadie Smith Bristles with arresting wisdom -- Jeremy Paxman A treasure for the ages -- Peter Carey Tremendously powerful -- Nadeem Aslam A magnificent memoir of exile and loss -- Rawi Hage One of the essential books of our times -- Adam Foulds A profound and powerful meditation on love, loss and exile Sunday Express A truly remarkable book Daily Telegraph Stands comparison with the best literature of exile Prospect [An] extraordinary memoir -- Financial Times Marvellously well-handled memoir Evening Standard A tale of mighty love, loyalty and courage Spectator A masterful memoir, a searing meditation on loss, exile, grief, guilt, belonging and, above all, family. Book of the Week, Sunday Times Beautifully written Economist Exquisite Observer An astonishing political thriller Mail on Sunday [A] profound work of witnessing and grief... leaves a deep emotional imprint Newsday A moving, unflinching memoir of a family torn apart by the savage realities of today's middle east -- Kazuo Ishiguro I have always admired Matar's tender and compassionate but equally strong and compelling voice -- Elif Shafak Mr. Matar is not a wonderful writer because his father disappeared or because his homeland is a mess: he is a brilliant narrative architect and prose stylist, his pared-down approach and measured pace a striking complement to the emotional tumult of his material ... This book is an extraordinary gift for us all Wall Street Journal