Exploring the Depths of Omani Identity in Disturbed Souls

Observer

4 days ago

In the vibrant landscape of contemporary Arabic literature, few novels manage to weave such poetic introspection and cultural depth as Zuwaina Al Kalbani's Disturbed Souls (originally Arwah Mushawasha). This award-winning masterpiece, which earned the prestigious Katara Prize for Arabic Novel, invites readers into an emotional and symbolic world where human passions mirror the elemental forces of fire and water. It's a journey through love, identity, and self-discovery set against the rich tapestry of Omani culture.
Zuwaina Al Kalbani has carved out a powerful voice within her homeland, blending local traditions with universal themes. Her previous works—Thaluth wa Ta'weetha ('A Trinity and a Spell'), Al Jawhara wal-Qubtan ('The Jewel and the Captain'), and Fitnat al Uroosh ('The Seduction of Thrones')—highlight her mastery in storytelling rooted in introspection and cultural authenticity. Her dedication to portraying the nuanced landscape of Omani society was recognised with the Omani Women's Excellence Award in Literature, affirming her respected position in the literary world.
Disturbed Souls centres on Saad, a poet whose inner fire burns brightly with emotion and passion, and Sama Sultan, a visual artist embodying the gentle flow of water. Their connection is intensely magnetic yet fraught with psychological tension—an elemental dance of desire and resistance. Al Kalbani's lyrical language and penchant for metaphor elevate the novel beyond mere storytelling, transforming it into a poetic meditation on love and conflict.
What sets this work apart is its profound connection to Oman's physical and cultural duality. The imposing mountains and vast sea serve as symbolic backdrops to the characters' internal struggles—passion versus peace, tradition versus innovation, control versus surrender. Through Sama's independent spirit and Saad's internal tug-of-war, the novel offers a fresh, authentic voice that deeply resonates with regional experiences, capturing the modern Omani woman and man navigating societal expectations and personal aspirations.
Exploring the Depths of Omani Identity in Disturbed Souls
In the broader literary landscape, Zuwaina Al Kalbani's work echoes themes present in the writing of regional authors like Saudi novelist Bahaa Taher, who explores identity and emotion with poetic finesse. However, Al Kalbani's narrative stands apart for its authentic portrayal of Omani life—grounded in local dialect, cultural symbols and a nuanced understanding of societal boundaries that shape her characters' inner worlds.
On the international stage, her storytelling aligns in tone with writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who deftly explores personal and cultural conflicts with lyrical depth. Yet, where Adichie's narratives often emphasise universal themes with a distinct African flavour, Al Kalbani's Disturbed Souls offers a uniquely Omani perspective—intertwining the universal human experience with the intimate authenticity of a region seldom represented in global literature.
This novel isn't a quick read; it is a slow, deliberate reflection that demands emotional engagement. It asks us to listen closely—not only to the silences and glances shared between characters, but to the quiet voice within ourselves. In a world's rush for plot twists and instant gratification, Disturbed Souls reminds us that true storytelling resides in the spaces between words—spaces filled with feelings, questions, and the unspoken truths of identity.
Zuwaina Al Kalbani's triumph with Disturbed Souls underscores the growing vibrancy of Omani literature, especially women's voices that are increasingly daring, genuine, and rooted in local authenticity. Her work exemplifies how literature, when heartfelt and truthful, transcends borders—yet remains grounded in the cultural soil that nurtures it.
In the end, this is a novel that stays with you—not easily explained, but deeply felt. It's a reminder that the most compelling stories are those that speak directly to the heart, stirring questions and emotions long after the final page is turned.