In this engrossing memoir, Egyptian journalist Ahmed Naji shares his nearly year-long experience in prison after his conviction for violating public decency through his novel Using Love. Housed with other non-violent offenders, conditions were nevertheless harsh and difficult. Naji tells his story in a non-chronological fashion, with his time in prison intermingling with tales from his childhood, early career, and time in court during his trial and appeals. While in prison, Naji passes the time primarily by reading. He has access to the prison library, but he is also allowed to receive books from visitors, although the prison authorities use their power to dole them out to him slowly. Through reading, Naji was able to sustain himself during his time in prison, devouring not only classic Egyptian authors like Naguib Mahfouz, but also a variety of classics of Western literature. During his time in prison, Naji comes to see himself as a writer, not just a journalist. Rotten Evidence gives the reader an understanding of the precariousness of the Egyptian justice system and the risks taken by anyone who might challenge it, even inadvertently. This is a well-written and thoroughly absorbing memoir.
A version of this review was previously published by Library Journal here.
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