"Celestial Bodies" by Jokha Alharthi: A Deep Dive into the First Arabic Booker Prize Winner

 

                               

Introduction

"Celestial Bodies" (سيدات القمر) by Jokha Alharthi is a landmark novel that brought Omani literature into the global spotlight. This book made history as the first Arabic-language novel to win the prestigious International Booker Prize in 2019. Through its intricate narrative, Celestial Bodies tells the compelling story of three generations of an Omani family navigating the shifting sands of tradition and modernity. In this article, we explore the themes, style, and significance of this novel, while providing an insightful look into Jokha Alharthi's life and work.

Who is Jokha Alharthi?

Jokha Alharthi is a celebrated Omani author and academic whose literary works have played a significant role in representing Omani culture and history on the international stage. Born in Oman in 1978, Alharthi pursued her studies in classical Arabic literature and later completed her Ph.D. at the University of Edinburgh. Her background as a scholar of Arabic literature has heavily influenced her writing style, allowing her to craft stories rich in cultural depth and historical context.

Alharthi's works often delve into the complexities of Arab society, particularly focusing on gender roles, social change, and the clash between traditional values and modern aspirations. "Celestial Bodies" is her third novel, and it is by far her most internationally recognized work. Alharthi has also published short stories and children's books, further showcasing her versatility as a writer. Besides her literary career, she teaches at Sultan Qaboos University, contributing to academia and literary scholarship.

A Synopsis of "Celestial Bodies": A Story of Change and Continuity

"Celestial Bodies" revolves around the lives of three sisters—Mayya, Asma, and Khawla—growing up in the fictional village of Al-Awafi, Oman. Through the stories of these sisters and their extended family, Alharthi presents a nuanced narrative about change, tradition, and identity. The novel spans several decades, capturing Oman as it transitions from a secluded society based on tribal values, slavery, and patriarchy into a modern nation-state.

1. Mayya, the eldest sister, is introspective and compliant. She accepts an arranged marriage without protest, even though her heart secretly belongs to someone else. Her acceptance of her role within a traditional marriage represents the endurance of patriarchal norms.

2. Asma, the second sister, is the most intellectual of the three. She marries for duty and sees her role as a wife and mother as a mission she must undertake with honor. She embodies the complexities of balancing personal desires and social obligations.

3. Khawla, the youngest, is fiercely independent and refuses to marry anyone other than her beloved cousin who has moved abroad. She symbolizes the hope for change and autonomy in a world still anchored in traditions.

The lives of these women are interwoven with the stories of other family members and characters from different social strata, creating a vibrant tapestry of Omani society. From the lingering legacy of slavery to the nuances of love and marriage, Alharthi provides a rich portrayal of both personal and collective histories.

Key Themes in "Celestial Bodies"

1. Tradition vs. Modernity

One of the most prominent themes in "Celestial Bodies" is the tension between tradition and modernity. The novel showcases how Oman, a country steeped in tradition, begins to encounter the forces of modernization. These changes are portrayed through both the societal shifts in Oman and the personal experiences of the characters.

The transformation is perhaps best symbolized in the character of Azzan, the father of the three sisters, who struggles with his own evolving perceptions of masculinity and power in a changing world. The novel contrasts the traditional patriarchal structure with the growing influence of individualism, particularly in the lives of women.

2. The Legacy of Slavery

The novel also touches upon the legacy of slavery in Oman, a subject often overlooked in Arabic literature. Characters like Zarifa, who was enslaved by Mayya's family, are given a voice, allowing the reader to understand their experiences and the impact of systemic oppression. Through Zarifa, Alharthi brings to light the generational trauma of slavery and its effects on identity.

A powerful quote from the book related to this theme is:

"Freedom is an illusion for the likes of us, Zarifa used to say, we are born in bondage, and we die with its mark." This highlights the stark reality of a history that has left deep scars on individuals and society.

3. The Role of Women

The different choices made by Mayya, Asma, and Khawla represent the myriad roles available to, or imposed upon, women in Oman. Alharthi presents these characters without judgment, allowing the reader to empathize with their varying perspectives on marriage, love, and independence.

In one poignant scene, Asma reflects on her role as a wife and mother:

"I chose this life, not because it was easy, but because it was necessary. My children are my universe, and I am the unseen force that keeps them revolving." This statement encapsulates the sacrifices that women often make, voluntarily or otherwise, in a patriarchal society.

4. Family and Generational Change

The narrative structure of "Celestial Bodies" is non-linear, moving back and forth in time to reveal the stories of the past and present. Through the histories of various characters, Alharthi explores the idea of generational change, showing how the decisions of one generation can influence and shape the lives of the next. The juxtaposition of past and present emphasizes the interconnectedness of family history and personal identity.

Narrative Style and Language

The narrative style of "Celestial Bodies" is both lyrical and fragmented, weaving together multiple perspectives to create a complex, layered story. The book shifts between an omniscient third-person narrator and the first-person perspective of Abdallah, Mayya’s husband. This approach allows Alharthi to delve deeply into the inner lives of her characters, revealing their motivations, fears, and desires.

The use of Abdallah's perspective is particularly effective in highlighting the internal struggles faced by Omani men. His reflections on his troubled relationship with his father and his attempts to understand his wife Mayya provide a rare male viewpoint that complements the experiences of the three sisters.

Alharthi’s prose is poetic, often evoking the beauty of the Omani landscape and the richness of the country’s culture. The descriptions of Al-Awafi are vivid, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and smells of a village caught between the old and the new. The evocative language helps readers gain a deeper understanding of the characters' emotional landscapes as well as the physical setting of their lives.

mpact and Significance

"Celestial Bodies" is not only a captivating family saga but also a groundbreaking work of literature that offers a rare glimpse into Omani life and culture. By winning the International Booker Prize, the novel brought international attention to a region that is often underrepresented in global literature. It introduced readers to the complexities of Omani society and highlighted universal themes such as love, loss, and the struggle for identity.

The novel's success has also paved the way for other Arab writers, particularly women, to gain recognition on the world stage. Alharthi’s achievement demonstrates the importance of translation in literature, as it allows stories from different cultures to reach a wider audience. Marilyn Booth’s translation of "Celestial Bodies" played a crucial role in bringing Alharthi's voice to the English-speaking world, capturing the nuances and beauty of the original Arabic text.

Conclusion

"Celestial Bodies" by Jokha Alharthi is a profound exploration of the lives of women and families in Oman. Through the intertwined stories of Mayya, Asma, Khawla, and others, the novel paints a rich portrait of a society at the crossroads of tradition and change. Themes such as the legacy of slavery, the role of women, and generational conflict are addressed with sensitivity and depth, making this a powerful and thought-provoking read.

Jokha Alharthi’s success with "Celestial Bodies" marks a significant milestone for Arabic literature, particularly for literature from the Gulf region. It underscores the power of storytelling to bridge cultural divides and to reveal the universal truths that connect us all. For readers interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Omani culture, or for those simply looking for a beautifully crafted narrative about love, sacrifice, and transformation, "Celestial Bodies" is a must-read.

As we reflect on the characters’ journeys, we are reminded of the words of Asma:

"We are all bound by the orbits we create, circling the past, yet always yearning for a future we cannot see." This line encapsulates the essence of "Celestial Bodies"—a story about the inescapable pull of history, the complexities of human relationships, and the enduring quest for freedom and fulfillment.