The Disappearance of Mr. Nobody

Mr. Nobody is a novel by Samah Selim that was awarded the 2023 Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature. It is a "spare, well-crafted, and compelling" story about a man in Algiers who disappears and the detective who searches for him. The detective finds more than he expected, leading him to a underworld of police informers, shady imams, bootleg beer traders, and grave robbers. The novel is a raw, lyrical portrait of life on the margins in contemporary Algiers and captures the echoes of Algeria's violent past.

Format: Hardback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 03 January 2023
Publisher: American University in Cairo Press

Winner of the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature, this captivating novel has been hailed as a "best new book of 2023" (The New Arab). Set in Rouiba, a nondescript suburb of Algiers, the story revolves around an unnamed man with a troubled past who seeks solace in caring for an elderly man with dementia. Tragedy strikes when the old man passes away, leaving the caretaker nowhere to be found. A police detective is assigned to investigate the circumstances of the old man's demise and track down the caretaker. However, their search yields no results, as the unnamed man cannot be identified, and there is no trace of Mr. Nobody. The officers' inquiries take them to individuals who once crossed paths with Mr. Nobody, and in each of them, they find a reflection of the man they are searching for.

This novel offers a raw, lyrical portrayal of life on the margins in contemporary Algiers, delving into an underworld of police informers, shady imams, bootleg beer traders, and grave robbers. It also resonates with echoes of Algeria's violent past, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. The writing is masterful, with vivid descriptions and a keen sense of place that transport readers to the heart of the city. The characters are well-developed, each with their own motivations and struggles, making them relatable and compelling.

Overall, "Mr. Nobody" is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary literature, particularly those who are drawn to the darker side of human nature and the complexities of the human experience. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to shed light on the hidden corners of society.

ISBN-13: 9781649032157