In this extraordinary novel based on a true story Tahar Ben Jelloun traces the experiences of Salim who, in 1971, took part in a failed coup attempt to oust King Hassan II of Morocco and was incarcerated in a secret desert prison complex for nearly 20 years. A wrenching yet exquisite celebration of the human spirit and its determination to survive. “A masterpiece”, said IMPAC Award judges. “A sad and splendid book”, said New York Times Book Review.