Muhammad al Yahyai's ‘The War’ stands as a compelling testament to Oman's unyielding spirit and its quest for stability amidst the tumultuous chapters of its history. The author skillfully navigated through the intricate issues weaving together a narrative that spans generations, ideologies, and the profound impact of war on the human psyche.
In this masterfully crafted novel, Al Yahyai delves into the documents exposing the reader to the myriad facets of a ten-year struggle. The pages come alive with the vivid descriptions of battles, explosions, and the haunting images of bodies strewn across mountain peaks. The author paints a vivid picture of the aspirations, obsessions, and nightmares that fuelled the revolutionaries, giving readers an intimate look into the complexities of war.
The novel seamlessly oscillates between the past and present, with a keen focus on historical conflicts. Al Yahyai captures the disarray of the present, marked by diseases and shattered dreams for a generation that found itself in exile within its homeland. The characters mirror the societal disorientation, embodying the various responses to the chaos – from those lost in the illusions of war to others who abandoned ideals for the allure of power.
The strength of "The War" lies in its rich tapestry of characters, leaving readers in a deliberate state of confusion as they grapple with the elusive notion of a main protagonist.
The war transcends individual identities, carrying ideas and principles that stretch beyond the boundaries of reality, ultimately becoming a force that shatters under the weight of political change, violent reactions, and internal weaknesses.
Recognizing the novel's profound impact, ‘The War’ was honoured with the Katara Award for Arabic Fiction in the published novels category.
Al Yahyai, expressed his joy at the recognition. He emphasised the significance of the Omani novelistic experience as an advanced and enduring literary tradition. In his exploration of Oman's tumultuous history, Al Yahyai provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the human condition in times of conflict, making ‘The War’ a poignant and thought-provoking literary achievement.
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