When you read this you quickly realise that Mohamedou Ould Slahi is as entertaining a writer as orator. I was first introduced to him and his story in a live CAGE event during one of the lockdowns we had, his ability to make light and humour of struggle struck me. And then I saw his story in The Mauritanian, which is very visually graphic and feels more traumatic than this book. And finally, I got to this book.

I don't have a lot to say on this except that you should read this, I cannot express what he had written in his diary during his time in prison any better than he has. You'll find it easy to read because of his style, I should tell you this book is entirely intense but it often feels light, I suspect only because of Slahi's style or writing, yet it captures the most important facts and emotions that we must all take from this book. Guantanamo Bay remains open and many still face this and many others faced it.

You'll also see quite an odd choice in the redaction process in this book, it is surprising that the US thought necessary to redact mostly names and pronouns but left in more explicit mentions of torture and abuse.