Katharine Halls won the 2024 Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation for her work on Ahmed Naji’s book, Rotten Evidence, published by McSweeney’s in 2023. Publishers Weekly praised it as “a moving testament to the power of free expression,” while the Banipal judges hailed the translation as “a brilliant feat” and “a masterclass.” We spoke with Naji and Halls about their collaborative work.
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Naji explained that the book’s origins lay in the support of friends during his trial and imprisonment, where he crafted stories blending humor with the harsh realities of prison life. He began documenting his dreams and writing notes, which emerged in fragments. A vivid memory of emotional moments in the visiting room inspired him, focusing on men breaking down in front of their families. He described the book as not only about prison and censorship but also a deeper exploration of masculinity, brotherhood, dreams, and the redemptive power of literature.
When asked about the transformative power of reading and writing, Naji shared that while books offered a relief from the confinement of prison life, writing posed a unique challenge as he grappled with the implications of being imprisoned for his work. He emphasized that Rotten Evidence represents his personal revenge against the experience, recontextualizing it into something meaningful.
Halls, who has connections with both Naji and the Cairo literary scene, became aware of the book during the early stages of the pandemic. She expressed that the themes remain relevant, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing issues in Egypt and the US, including censorship and ongoing imprisonment of dissidents. Naji acknowledged the surreal nature of adjusting to life in the US while navigating a new identity as a bilingual writer.
Halls discussed her recent translation projects, including contributions to McSweeney’s Quarterly, highlighting her experience working with Syrian authors amidst the changing political landscape. On a visit to Syria, she witnessed the effects of the revolution and the resilience of its writers, which deepened her appreciation for their narratives.
Naji reflected on the emotional responses elicited by recent conflicts and uprisings, particularly in Syria, and their impact on his perspective as a writer. Despite serious themes in his work, he found that humor—though often a risky endeavor in the US—was still discernible in reader responses. He remarked on the differences in cultural humor and the challenges posed by societal sensitivities in America.
Both writers ended the conversation by acknowledging the complex interplay of humor, cultural context, and the importance of literature in fostering understanding across borders.