This is the amazing story of a survivor of one of Morocco’s underground prisons. The story was told to the author by the survivor and then novelized by ben Jelloun. It won the 2004 IMPAC award. “Salim” spent 18 years underground after being arrested at the age of twenty-three for his part in a coup that he had no idea he was participating in. He and his young friends had been duped by their commanding officers. Of the twenty or so prisoners in “Salim’s” cell block he was one of three to survive. This is an amazing story of survival instinct and incredible human strength of will. Highly recommended.