An extraordinary novel from a Man Booker International Prize-winning author that follows one young Omani woman as she builds a life for herself in Britain... (James Wood, The New Yorker).
Jokha Alharthi Books
Jokha al-Harthi is a contemporary Omani author whose work deeply explores the societal and cultural transformations of her homeland. Her writing frequently delves into the complexities of human relationships and the female experience within a conservative landscape. Through rich language and insightful characters, she crafts vivid portraits of Omani life and traditions. Her novels are noted for their subtle psychological depth and reflection of social dynamics.
"In the village of al-Awafi in Oman live three sisters. Mayya Marries after a heartbreak. Asma marries from a sense of duty. Khawla rejects all offers while waiting for her beloved, who has emigrated to Canada. Elegantly structured, Celestial Bodies is the story of the history and people of modern Oman told through one family's losses and loves"--Page 4 of cover.
Silken Gazelles
- 272 pages
- 10 hours of reading
An unforgettable story of friendship, love, and the impact of childhood from the first Arabic-language winner of the Man Booker International Prize.Raised as sisters, Ghazaala is devastated when her friend Asiya is forced to leave their small, mountainside village following a tragic circumstance. It’s a separation that haunts her into adulthood, and she never gives up on finding a love that might replace the bond they shared.Ghazaala soon falls for a young violinist, despite her parents’ opposition. His position in the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra brings the young couple to Muscat, where Ghazaala enrolls in university while balancing the duties of a new wife, caring for her husband, their home, and before long, their twin boys.During this time, Ghazaala grows close to Harir, who recounts the story of their deepening friendship over ten years in the pages of her diary. The elusive, ghostly existence of Asiya exerts a force over both of their lives, yet neither Ghazaala nor Harir are aware of the connection. From the brilliant mind of Jokha Alharthi comes a tale of childhood friendship, and how its significance—and loss—can be recalibrated at different stages of life.
