This novel follows the creation of a frankensteinian monster made from the corpses of victims of terrorist attacks and other violence on the streets of Baghdad. He becomes animated by the soul of another victim of violence, and named Daniel by an old woman who believes him to be the long awaited return of her lost son. But it seems he becomes a new person all his own, motivated by the various desires of justice and revenge against all the criminals responsible for the deaths of his component parts. Complicating things, his body parts fall off as he avenges their spawning crimes, and he must continue to replenish himself with the pieces of new victimes or risk ceasing to exist.⁣
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This fascinating premise gives rise to an unpredictable tale, dense with characters each struggling through their own stories. I felt some fatigue at the many characters and how each confuses the narrative, yet I found this book easily captured me. The ideas were less science fiction and more social/political, which put me on somewhat uneven footing especially given the unfamiliar setting, but I quite enjoyed getting outside of my comfort zone with this book. Saadawi tackles multiple themes, and I especially appreciated the bits musing on the nature of good and evil and innocence. A book unlike any other I’ve read, I’m glad I picked it up.