Writing, Memory, Baghdad

The last issue of Words Without Borders focuses on memory in literature. There is a deeply moving excerpt from an upcoming book, Dreaming of Baghdad, by Haifa Zangana. The author recalls a friend and comrade captured, tortured and executed by Saddam's government. A piece of writing full of affection and almost unbearable sadness. 

I did not know then that it would be the last time I would hear his laugh. When he was arrested, he was on his way back to pick up his suitcase from a friend's place. He did not foresee any danger. He had the false sense of security of a man who is paying his last respects to his city. His instincts failed him, this man who regularly traveled from city to city, refuge to refuge, base to base. 

Read the whole piece (very well translated by the author herself) here.