Summer Reading in Tokyo: Saddam’s New Novel

A novel written by Saddam Hussein before the war has finally been published – in Japan.

The book, with the catchy title "Get Out of Here, Curse You" is on sale this week in Tokyo.

The 254-page book deals with a local Arab tribe which defeats foreign invaders. It includes a final chapter called "Twin Towers in Flames," in which the local tribe manages to win their sovereignty back from the foreigners.

Many of the chapters refer to a group called "The Outsiders." These are the damned ones who have betrayed the tribe and sided with the invading forces. There is some sexual tension in the book when a local woman refuses the advances of one of the outsiders, a high level tribesman who has gone to the side of the invaders.

The manuscript was allegedly smuggled out of Iraq by one of Saddam’s daughters and then given to a Japanese journalist by one of Saddam’s lawyers about a year ago.

Jordan banned the book but pirated copies have become bestsellers in Amman, according to Reuters.

The publisher of the novel did not return calls today seeking comment.