03-05-2025
'Cinderellas of Muscat' explores the complex lives of five Omani women
In an ever-evolving literary landscape buzzing with creativity and bold experimentation, Omani author Huda Hamed has just released her captivating new novel, 'The Cinderellas of Muscat.' This refreshing tale blends the fantastical elements of magical realism with the charm of traditional folk storytelling, offering a glimpse into the rich inner lives of Omani women navigating an age of rapid change.
At the heart of the novel lies a brilliant concept: a secret monthly gathering that unites five Omani women from various villages and walks of life. These meetings become a sanctuary where they can freely express their thoughts, worries, and aspirations. Unlike the classic Cinderella story, there's no quest for a prince or a lost shoe. Instead, these women are on a journey of self-discovery, reclaiming parts of their identities that society often holds back.
Huda Hamed shares the spark that ignited her novel. She had a few different ideas swirling around, but the one that truly stood out was Zubaida, a writer grappling with the fear that her creative well might run dry—much like her grandmother, who was once brimming with stories before losing her memory to Alzheimer's. Meeting these women reignites Zubaida's imagination and fuels her creative spirit.
The novel elegantly contrasts two distinct realms: the public world, constrained by tradition and societal pressures, and the private sphere, where emotions, dreams, and untold stories come alive. Through her varied characters—from a village woman facing daily struggles to a mother wrestling with her relationship with her children—Hamed reflects a reality that resonates with many women across the Arab world today.
'Cinderellas of Muscat' explores the complex lives of five Omani women
Hamed draws from the tradition of magical realism, which she holds in great admiration. Omani stories are brimming with depth, and it's high time they escape local confines and reach global audiences—whether through novels or adaptations into films and dramas. She reinterprets the Cinderella myth, focusing on two key ideas: physical transformation—where the women become 'fairies'—and a strict timeframe—the night of their gathering. But in a modern Omani context, the tale shifts from finding a prince to a quest for self-liberation.
"This novel is an invitation for women to claim their own personal space," Hamed explains. The struggles of Arab working women, who balance professional lives with traditional roles as wives and mothers, are at the forefront. There's an urgent need for safe havens where women can simply breathe and be themselves.
The translation of 'The Cinderellas of Muscat' into English marks a significant step in bringing the nuanced experiences of Omani women to an international audience. Hamed reflects on this personal journey, noting, "This isn't my first brush with translation; I've previously explored Omani history and its links to Africa. I'm delighted that this novel has been embraced, and I hope it presents a fresh outlook on Omani women for a global readership."
Huda Hamed is unflinching and bold, believing that 'boldness' is vital in literature that leaves a mark. She asserts, "I believe in confronting the wound head-on, just as the French author Annie Ernaux suggests—allowing readers to truly see what's tucked away. In this novel, I intentionally portray a non-idealised view of motherhood, challenging what people may expect."
For Hamed, literature possesses the power to subtly effect social change. "As a novelist, my primary goal is to enchant and captivate my readers. However, within the fabric of storytelling, I weave ideas and reflections that might provoke deeper contemplation. In journalism, I address issues more directly; in fiction, I lean towards a subtler, more immersive approach."
In essence, 'The Cinderellas of Muscat' isn't just about women swapping stories; it's a profound exploration of the fear of losing one's imagination and the resilience required to reclaim one's voice amidst the noise of society. With vivid characters and the enchanting allure of magical realism, Hamed celebrates feminine creativity and freedom, inviting readers to listen to the unspoken hopes and healing that shape lives often hidden from view.
Through this narrative, Huda Hamed shines a light on the complexities of womanhood, illustrating that the journey towards self-discovery and liberation can be as fantastical as it is real. The very act of finding one's voice becomes a magical journey of its own, and in these pages, readers will find not only the struggles of these women but also the hope and resilience that emerge in their pursuit of happiness and identity. It is a story that resonates, connects, and inspires—inviting all who read it to reflect on their own narratives and the myriad of experiences that shape who we are.
