Enclosure of Slaves, a novel by Najwa Bin Shatwan, delves into a lesser-known chapter of history: the enslavement of thousands of Sub-Saharan Africans in Libya during the Ottoman Empire's rule. The story centers on Atiga, a woman who uncovers her mixed heritage—being the daughter of an African slave and a white master—and who was raised in the Enclosure of Slaves, a harsh settlement on the outskirts of Benghazi where enslaved people lived in poverty and toiled under difficult conditions. Through Atiga’s experiences, the novel brings attention to the often-overlooked phenomenon of intra-African slavery, a topic that remains sensitive and largely unspoken in many regions. The novel was first published in Arabic in 2016 by Dar Essaqi, a publishing house based in Tunisia, and later translated into English, appearing in the United States in 2020. Najwa Bin Shatwan, the author, was born in Libya in 1970 and made history in 2017 as the first Libyan woman to be shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, a prestigious literary award that recognizes outstanding Arabic-language fiction. Set against the backdrop of historical and social upheaval, Enclosure of Slaves provides a poignant look at identity, power, and the legacy of slavery. The novel is now set to be published in French by Editions Philippe Rey and Barzakh, two publishing houses known for their focus on literary and cultural works. In anticipation of the French release, an exclusive excerpt from the novel will be published on October 8, offering readers a glimpse into its themes and narrative.