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Observer
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Exploring the Depths of Omani Identity in Disturbed Souls
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.
Observer
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Oman Radio to broadcast four drama series
MUSCAT, FEB 25 Oman Radio will broadcast 4 new series in Ramadhan combining Omani literary texts and radio drama with the aim of enriching drama works based on Omani literary works. These include a radio adaptation of Dilshad, a novel written by the Omani writer Bushra Khalfan which won the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel 2022 in the published novels category and was shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (Booker) in the same year. The novel was prepared for radio drama by writer Nour el Din al Hashemi, and directed by Hamad al Wardi in an experience that reflects the importance of transferring Omani novels into drama. Also to be broadcast in Ramadhan is the series 'The Journey is Tough' written by Zaher al Rashdi and directed by Hamad al Wardi. This is in addition to a series dubbed Qala'id Al Yasmine which translates to 'The Jasmine Necklaces' written by Shaikha al Fajri and directed by Ali al Ajmi as well as the series Suwalif Al Jad Hamid (Tales of Grandpa Hamid) written and directed by Mahmoud Obaid. The series Dilshad was adapted for radio drama by Nour el Din al Hashemi and directed by Hamad al Wardi, starring Issam al Zadjali, Maryam al Farsi, Hilal al Hilali, Zuha Qader and Wafaa al Rashidi. Regarding the impact of transforming the novel Dilshad into a radio drama and the impact this may have on the theme and whether she is concerned that the dramatic setting will affect the depth and complexities of the characters, she said this is a new experience and the radio drama is directed to a wide audience with varying taste and understanding and no doubt the dramatic setting takes those factors into account. She added: 'Literary works when transformed into an audio or visual drama there would be a fear of altering the themes or the characters and this has happened more often which is why I was hesitant for a long time before giving my consent. However, I have great confidence in the scriptwriter Nour el Din al Hashemi, as he himself is a novelist.' Director Hamad al Wardi said: 'The novel features poverty and hunger that dominated people's lives during a certain historical period in Oman where Dilshad faced great difficulties and challenges in his life starting with the death of his father then the hunger and poverty that plagued the region and his movement between the neighbourhoods and alleys in an attempt to make ends meet.'
