Structure

After the Notes and Introduction, the first chapter of the memoir describes Slahi’s transport from Jordan to Bagram, and from Bagram to Guantanamo. The remaining chapters proceed chronologically, with Chapter One fitting chronologically between Chapters Four and Five. Each chapter is named by the location of the action in that chapter and the dates of those occurrences. Based on information provided by Siems in the introductory sections and chapter footnotes, the organization, chapter headings, and scene breaks are his editorial choices.

Chapter One, with its vivid descriptions of interrogations and physical discomfort, captures the reader’s attention immediately. The content is a bit shocking, and makes the theme and topic of the work clear. It is a strategic decision to open the memoir with the action in this chapter, likely made by Siems. Chapters Two and Three focus on Slahi’s in-and-out detentions in Senegal and...