"Alif the Unseen" is a unique blend of fantasy, political intrigue, and technology, set in a nameless Middle Eastern city. The story follows Alif, a hacker and a tech-savvy young man, who navigates his tangled relationships and the complexities of a changing society. His life becomes more complicated when he is rejected by his love interest, who becomes engaged to another man, prompting Alif to use his skills in hacking to expose corruption and fight against oppressive forces.
The narrative intertwines elements of magic realism with themes of surveillance and digital freedom. As Alif delves deeper into the world of hacking, he inadvertently enters a realm of magical beings and jinn, which reflects the mystical aspects of his culture. This fusion of technology and folklore serves to highlight the clash between tradition and modernity faced by many in the contemporary world.