Abdelrahman ElGendy Memoir: Huna, What the Book Covers
Huna is Abdelrahman ElGendy’s debut memoir of political imprisonment in Egypt. Arrested at 17 with his father at a protest after the 2013 military coup, he spent six years in detention, and describes surviving the system, earning a degree, and writing as a form of witness.
- Book: Huna: A Memoir of Revolution, Prison, and Becoming
- Author: Abdelrahman ElGendy
- Published: September 1, 2026, Hogarth (Penguin Random House)
- Themes: political resistance, imprisonment, survival
- Notable: A 2026 National Book Award finalist for nonfiction.
What is Abdelrahman ElGendy’s new book?
Huna is Abdelrahman ElGendy’s debut memoir of political imprisonment in Egypt. Arrested at 17 with his father at a protest after the 2013 military coup, he spent six years in detention, and describes surviving the system, earning a degree, and writing as a form of witness.
About Abdelrahman ElGendy
Abdelrahman ElGendy is an Egyptian author and translator from Cairo and a former political prisoner. He won the Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press.
What the book covers
- His arrest at 17 after the 2013 coup in Cairo
- Imprisonment alongside his father
- Six years in detention, including the Scorpion prison complex
- Earning an engineering degree while imprisoned
- Writing as witness
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Find my memoir writerWho it’s for
Readers of prison literature and of the Arab Spring and its aftermath, and anyone interested in human rights.
What it shows about writing a memoir
ElGendy began writing while still in prison, turning experience into testimony as it happened. Our guide to writing a trauma memoir covers how to approach painful material safely.
Where to buy Huna
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Get the free interview kitFrequently asked questions
What is Abdelrahman ElGendy’s new book?
Abdelrahman ElGendy’s new book is Huna, a memoir published by Hogarth (Penguin Random House), out September 1, 2026.
What is Huna about?
Huna is Abdelrahman ElGendy’s debut memoir of political imprisonment in Egypt. Arrested at 17 with his father at a protest after the 2013 military coup, he spent six years in detention, and describes surviving the system, earning a degree, and writing as a form of witness.
When was Huna released?
Huna by Abdelrahman ElGendy was published by Hogarth (Penguin Random House) on September 1, 2026.
Who is Abdelrahman ElGendy?
Abdelrahman ElGendy is an Egyptian author and translator from Cairo and a former political prisoner. He won the Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press.
Where can I buy Huna?
Huna is available from major retailers including Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble and Audible, and from local bookstores.
Can I write a memoir even if I’m not famous?
Yes. Most memoirs are written by people who are not public figures, often for family or a small readership. Many people work with a memoir ghostwriter who interviews them and writes the book in their voice. Our Writer Match Quiz can help you find the right kind of writer.
This page describes the book using information from the publisher and press coverage. It is not a review, and My Book Written is not affiliated with the author or publisher.
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