In 'Days of Siege,' the esteemed Egyptian author Gamal al-Ghitani provides a gripping, semi-autobiographical account of the September 1981 arrests in Egypt. Ghitani, who was among the thousands of intellectuals and political figures imprisoned by President Anwar Sadat's regime, masterfully documents the atmosphere of fear and defiance during this critical historical juncture. The book serves as a powerful testimony to the events preceding Sadat's assassination, exploring themes of state oppression, personal freedom, and the enduring spirit of resistance in the face of authoritarianism.