Saadawi's In Camera

This was probably one of the most peculiar yet intriguing works we read all year. I loved it! The way it begins in such a confusion. The reader doesn't know what's going on or what the setting is or who the characters are. The scene is unfolded throughout the story. Instead of just telling the reader what was going on, I felt that this method brought the reader into the story much more easily. I felt like I was sitting up in that chair, dazed and confused. As everything becomes clearer in the story, the plot is somewhat revealed. This young woman has spoken out about her government and is now being held captive and being beaten. The title itself i think has multiple meanings. "In camera" is a political term for a hearing that happens without any press. This emphasizes that this girl's story is not really something that is meant to be shared. It hints that there is a lot that goes on behind closed doors. Another way i took it was that political leaders often act differently in front of the camera. When the girl is describing the painting on the wall, she says that political leaders perfect their fake smile for in front of the camera. However, the leader is a horrible tyrant behind closed doors. Such an interesting reading!