Summary

Thus far in his book, Matar has spoken highly and frequently of his Uncle Mahmoud without providing many details of his personal life. He begins this chapter comparing his uncle's current personality with Matar's memory of it, suggesting that perhaps his time in captivity forced him to form a "truce" compromising his playful personality for a more somber one (69). He vividly recalls the anticipation that came with his uncle's first visit to his parent's flat in Cairo, a visit that coincided with the European Cup. Matar notes that both his uncle and his father shared an intense passion for football, topped only by literature. Though he was only able to speak to his uncle over the phone from his London flat, Matar recalls jesting with his family over an upcoming match, the last match Jaballa and Mahmoud would ever watch...