Omani novel wins Banipal Prize for Literary Translation

The English translation of Omani poet and novelist Zahran al Qasimi’s work, 'Honey Hunger', by British translator Marilyn Booth, has won the Banipal Prize for Literary Translation. The translation was supported by the Cultural Club under the Omani Text Translation Programme.
The novel explores the theme of deprivation disguised as abundance, using honey as a symbol of desire and unfulfilled longing.
Following three friends on their journeys to collect mountain honey, the narrative also becomes a journey of self-discovery amidst Oman’s natural landscapes.
Al Qasimi’s poetic storytelling delves into Omani folk traditions, Bedouin life and the intricate world of bees and honey harvesting, while employing a reflective, allusive style that engages readers’ imagination.
The book’s 13 chapters are each prefaced by 'ta’wiba,' traditional Omani folk poetry, giving the novel an authentic cultural rhythm. Through the characters’ travels, readers experience the nuances of ordinary life in Oman, the generosity of its people and the subtle interplay between nature and human consciousness.
Launched in 2019, the Cultural Club’s Omani Text Translation Programme aims to promote Omani literature internationally, making works like 'Honey Hunger' accessible to a global audience. The programme has become a strategic platform for bringing Omani voices to the world literary stage, strengthening the Sultanate of Oman’s cultural presence and encouraging further literary translation projects. — ONA