Al-Bayraq or Gust of Wind, the latest novel by Omani author Sharifa al Toobi, concludes her acclaimed Al Bayraq trilogy with a compelling exploration of Oman’s social and historical transformation. Published in 2025, the novel blends historical insight with deeply human storytelling.
Set in mid-20th-century Oman, the story captures a period of dramatic change, following young people who embrace new political and intellectual currents. These ideas promise reform but also bring complex consequences. Through their experiences, the novel examines political struggles, personal challenges, and the emotional costs of hope, loyalty, and disillusionment.
At the center is Hammoud, a young man whose life reflects both personal and collective upheavals. After studying abroad, he returns with a transformed worldview shaped by revolutionary ideas. He is portrayed as conflicted, introspective, and deeply human. Supporting characters, including Ahmad Suhail, Abd al Salam, and Abu Su‘ad, offer diverse responses to the challenges of their time, adding depth and realism to the narrative.
Women in the novel play central and dynamic roles. Basima, active alongside male comrades, and Tafoul, who challenges restrictive traditions, expand the story’s emotional and ideological range. Their presence highlights courage, resilience, and the significant influence of women during times of social transformation.
Al Toobi draws extensively on Omani oral traditions, creating a vivid cultural backdrop and giving voice to ordinary people whose lives were shaped by change and aspiration. The novel’s prose is detailed yet accessible, providing a rich depiction of Oman’s heritage and the social forces at play.
Spanning approximately 600 pages, Al Bayraq features a cover designed by Omani artist Badr al Riyami. Its careful balance of historical context and personal storytelling makes it appealing for readers interested in the intersections of identity, history, and societal change.
The novel has received critical recognition in the Arab literary world and was included on the longlist of the 2026 International Prize for Arabic Fiction (Arabic Booker Prize), highlighting its artistic merit and cementing Al Toobi’s place in contemporary Arabic literature.
Ultimately, Al Bayraq is a moving exploration of personal choice, collective memory, and the human experience in a transforming society. It demonstrates Al Toobi’s skill in blending historical awareness with deeply engaging narrative, offering readers a journey through Oman’s past that resonates well beyond its borders.
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