In the Spider's Room

A gripping tale of sexuality and persecution in contemporary Egypt
Hani, a gay Egyptian man, is walking near Tahrir Square one day when the strong arm of the state descends on his shoulder and he is swept off on a seven-month journey through the Egyptian penal system, along with fifty other men caught up in the infamous Queen Boat case.Finally free, but traumatized into speechlessness, Hani writes down the events of his life—his first sexual desires, his relationship with his mother, his marriage of convenience, and finally his passion for Abdel Aziz, the only man he has ever truly loved. In the Spider’s Room is a sensitive and courageous account of growing up and living gay in Egypt.