59 pages • 1 hour read
The Mauritanian (Guantánamo Diary)
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Book Brief
The Mauritanian (Guantánamo Diary)
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2015410
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Guantánamo Bay • 2000s
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Mauritanian by Mohamedou Ould Slahi, edited by Larry Siems, chronicles Slahi’s 14-year imprisonment in Guantanamo Bay without charge, detailing his arrest, transfers to secret prisons, and daily life of a detainee experiencing torture amidst the US War on Terror. Slahi’s story, written between 2003 and 2005, underscores survival, dehumanization, and resilience within a framework of suspicion and abuse. The book references torture, graphic violence, sexual assault, racism, and Islamophobia.
Challenging
Dark
Emotional
Unnerving
Informative
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Mohamedou Ould Slahi's The Mauritanian (Guantánamo Diary) is a gripping and harrowing memoir that offers a rare, firsthand account of life inside Guantánamo Bay. Praised for its raw honesty and emotional depth, the book vividly portrays Slahi's struggles against injustice. Some critics, however, found the graphic details distressing and the narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's a powerful testament to human resilience and the quest for justice.
Who Should Read The Mauritanian (Guantánamo Diary)?
Readers who appreciate memoirs of resilience, legal battles, and human rights issues will find The Mauritanian (Guantánamo Diary) gripping. Comparable to The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank and Orange Is the New Black by Piper Kerman, it delves deeply into personal and political struggles, appealing to both history enthusiasts and social justice advocates.
Army Specialist Amy
Army Specialist Amy
An interrogator at Guantanamo who developed a complex relationship with Slahi, characterized by exchanges of poetry and discussions of religion.
Big Boss
Big Boss
An interrogator and torturer whose real identity is undisclosed; he was involved in Slahi's staged kidnapping and coerced confession.
Nancy Hollander
Nancy Hollander
A determined American defense attorney who worked pro bono for Slahi's release, gaining recognition for her efforts in the legal fight.
Larry Siems
Larry Siems
An American writer and human rights advocate who edited Slahi's memoir, playing a crucial role in its publication.
Lieutenant Ronica
Lieutenant Ronica
An interrogator at Guantanamo described by Slahi as polite and honest, who worked alongside Samantha.
Mr. X
Mr. X
A notorious torturer at Guantanamo, known for his brutal methods and long, relentless interrogation sessions.
Samantha
Samantha
An interrogator working with Lieutenant Ronica, whom Slahi regarded unfavorably, describing her as evil.
SFC Shally
SFC Shally
An interrogator nicknamed "I-AM-THE-MAN," who directed some of the harsh interrogation sessions against Slahi.
SSG Mary
SSG Mary
A female interrogator known for her harsh tactics, yet played a role in helping Slahi learn English during their interactions.
Stretch
Stretch
A humane guard at Guantanamo turned friend of Slahi, known for his conversion to Islam and continued friendship with the author post-release.
Mahfouz Ould al-Walid
Mahfouz Ould al-Walid
Slahi's cousin and former al-Qaeda member, whose relationship with Slahi contributed to his surveillance by US intelligence.
Richard Zuley
Richard Zuley
A retired detective linked to violent interrogation methods and who oversaw some sessions at Guantanamo involving Slahi.
410
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Guantánamo Bay • 2000s
2015
Adult
18+ years
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