Set in the isolated Upper Egyptian village of Naj‘ al-Manasi, this haunting novel unfolds against the tense backdrop of post-1967 defeat Egypt, culminating in a mysterious 1977 explosion. Through eight interwoven narratives, Nada crafts a story oscillating between reality and the uncanny.

Published by Meskelliani (Tunisia), it won the 2025 International Prize for Arabic Fiction, with judges praising its “courageous experimental structure that transforms anxiety into an aesthetic and existential state” and its “poetic language.” Its bold themes have sparked cultural debates in Egypt.

About Mohamed Samir Nada

Born in Baghdad during the Iran-Iraq war, he later moved to Egypt and Libya. A tourism finance professional, his works include:

• Malika’s Kingdom (2016)

• Whispers of Walls (2021)

• Prayer of Anxiety (2024)

Moderated by Novelist/Critic Tarek Imam

Award-winning author of:

• Cairo Maquette (2022 IPAF shortlist)

• The Widow Writes Letters Secretly

• The Second Life of Constantine Cavafy

Recipient of:

• Sawiris Literary Award

• Egyptian State Encouragement Prize

• Museum of the Word Prize

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