Karnak Café

More about the book

Set in 1960s Cairo, the novella explores the aftermath of government-sanctioned torture on three university students—Hilmi, Ismail, and Zaynab—who vanish and return forever changed. Their experiences of interrogation breed a toxic environment of suspicion and betrayal among their friends. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a narrator piecing together their horrific tales, culminating in a chilling encounter with their torturer in a café. This poignant story highlights the enduring impact of oppression and the fragility of human connections in times of crisis.