An Omani Novel That Delves Into the Depths of Human Anxiety

By Arwa al Hashimi
In the quiet, sun-drenched villages of Oman, a pioneering voice emerges from the desert sands—Zahran Alqasmi, whose novel Al-Ru' (meaning 'The Shadow') is redefining contemporary Middle Eastern literature. Unlike conventional narratives rooted in political upheaval or cultural revival, Alqasmi's work plunges deep into the labyrinthine corridors of the human psyche, inviting readers into a landscape haunted less by external conflicts and more by the intangible fears that reside within us all.
Al-Ru' is not a story told with shock or spectacle but a delicate exploration of fear as an enduring presence. At its heart is Mahjan, a modest school bus driver living in a remote Omani village, who, seeking solace and purpose, tends to his late mother's neglected farm. His act of reclamation begins innocuously—a simple scarecrow built to keep away pests. Yet, this unassuming figure, which Mahjan christens Al-Ru', morphs into something far more complex: a symbol of dread that slowly infiltrates his consciousness and, through his eyes, the entire community.
The novel's brilliance lies in its poetic restraint. Alqasmi does not elevate fear into grotesque horror but gently reveals its subtle power—how it seeps into solitude, distorts perception, and ultimately isolates the individual. The scarecrow, crafted with care, becomes more than mere straw and cloth; it embodies Mahjan's suppressed anxieties, ancestral guilt, and universal vulnerability. As the story unfolds, Alqasmi deftly explores how societal reactions—whispered accusations of sorcery, suspicion, and madness—serve as reflections of collective fear and intolerance.
In contrast to Middle Eastern writers like Syrian novelist Nihad Sirees, whose works tend to address societal upheaval and political dissent directly, Alqasmi's Al-Ru' offers an inward journey. Sirees' narratives are often woven with sharp critique of authority, presenting societal struggles in loud, confrontational tones. Conversely, Alqasmi employs a quiet, lyrical voice—one that whispers rather than shouts, inviting introspection rather than activism. His novel shares thematic kinship with Hanan al-Shaykh's explorations of internal conflict and mental disquiet, yet it remains rooted distinctively in Omani rural life, a setting that embodies tradition, isolation, and resilience.
But how does this compare with international literature on internal fear and shadowy spectres of the mind? Consider Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, a quintessential modern Gothic that examines haunted spaces and psychological fragility. While Jackson's haunted house is an externalised projection of inner turmoil, Alqasmi's Al-Ru' transforms the internal fears into an externalised entity—an embodied shadow that haunts not just Mahjan but, more broadly, societal perceptions of normalcy and madness. The comparison highlights how different literary traditions grapple with fear—some viscerally external, others subtly internalised—and yet both remain compelling in their exploration of human fragility.
Alqasmi's distinctive achievement is weaving local Omani customs and landscapes into a narrative that resonates on a universal level. The palm groves, dusty paths, and village rituals anchor the story in a tangible reality, yet the psychological undercurrents elevate it into a reflection on the fragility of the human mind and the universality of fear. Through minimal but deliberate language, Alqasmi crafts a lyrical, contemplative style that allows readers to step into Mahjan's world—seeing, feeling, and questioning alongside him.
His prose, measured and evocative, echoes the slow unfolding of internal chaos. Silence becomes a powerful motif—what is left unsaid, what is implied beneath the surface, and how the absence of words can be more telling than their presence. The novel's pacing mirrors Mahjan's internal unraveling; it invites readers to dwell in uncertain spaces and contemplate the shadows they themselves carry.
What elevates Al-Ru' beyond a mere psychological novel is its subtle critique of societal response to deviation and difference. The community's suspicion and fear of Mahjan's creation reflect broader themes of alienation and otherness—a mirror to how societies often reject what they do not understand. This dynamic is echoed in Flannery O'Connor's Southern Gothic tales, where outsider figures and internal fears are central. Yet, where O'Connor's stories grit and shock with their intense symbolism, Alqasmi's prose exudes quiet power, whispering truths in a tone more contemplative than confrontational.
Thus, Zahran Alqasmi's Al-Ru' stands as a landmark example of Middle Eastern literature's evolution—an intricate dialogue between tradition and modernity, locality and universality. It elevates the genre of psychological fiction with its poetic subtlety and cultural depth, positioning Alqasmi among contemporary writers who dare to explore the unspoken fears lurking beneath the surface of everyday life.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Muscat Daily

2 days ago

• Muscat Daily

Doctors at Khoula Hospital reattach hand in complex surgery

Muscat – A specialised surgical team at Khoula Hospital has successfully performed a rare and complex procedure to reattach a fully amputated hand and two fingers for an expatriate worker who suffered a severe injury while on duty. The 14-hour operation was led by Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Wahaibi, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Head of the Hand and Microsurgery Department at Khoula Hospital. The procedure is considered a significant step in advanced microsurgery in Oman. Dr Wahaibi said the success of the surgery was due to two key factors: the immediate first aid given at the site of the incident and the correct preservation of the severed hand and fingers according to international medical standards. 'Swift and safe transfer of the patient to Khoula Hospital's replantation centre was critical to restoring sensory and motor function,' he said. The team carried out bone fixation, reconnected small blood vessels, removed damaged tissue, and sutured ligaments and arteries under a microscope. 'Such operations demand high precision and advanced techniques, showing the progress of Omani medical expertise,' Dr Wahaibi added. After surgery, the patient's condition stabilised without complications such as infection or clotting. Early signs indicate promising recovery of sensation and movement, and the patient was discharged soon after the procedure. Dr Wahaibi emphasised the importance of workplace safety, urging workers to follow safety measures, wear protective gear and ensure machinery is switched off during maintenance. He also highlighted the need for quick response in trauma cases. 'Proper first aid, correct handling of the amputated part and fast transfer to a specialist centre can be crucial for successful treatment and recovery,' he said.

Observer

3 days ago

• Observer

BEAT JET LAG .. TRAVEL SMART THIS SUMMER

As summer vacation begins, airports across Oman are witnessing increased activity, with families heading to far-off destinations and students departing for academic programmes abroad. Whether it's the United States, Australia, or other countries requiring long-haul flights, travellers often face a common challenge — jet lag, or circadian rhythm disruption. Jet lag is more than just fatigue; it's a physiological condition that can significantly affect sleep quality, mood, digestion and mental performance. For families, it can interfere with vacation enjoyment and for students, it can impact academic readiness upon arrival. According to the Ministry of Health, jet lag occurs when the body's internal clock is not aligned with the local time of the destination. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep or waking up, daytime drowsiness, poor concentration, digestive discomfort, irritability and even lowered physical performance — especially for athletes and those with demanding schedules. Here are four key strategies to help Omani travellers minimise jet lag this summer: 1. Adjust your sleep schedule in advance Health experts recommend gradually shifting your sleep time before travel. If you're heading west, try going to bed 1–2 hours later than usual. If you're flying east, sleep earlier. This gradual adjustment helps your body synchronise with the upcoming time zone. 2. Arrive early to settle in For students starting academic terms or travellers attending important events, arriving two days before your schedule begins can help your body adjust and perform better. This transition period is especially helpful for scholarship students travelling to or from destinations with major time differences. 3. Stay hydrated and eat light Avoid heavy meals during flights, as digestion can be affected by air travel. Opt for light, healthy foods and drink plenty of water throughout your journey. Avoid caffeine, which can worsen jet lag symptoms and dehydrate the body. Walking around during flights and layovers also promotes circulation and reduces fatigue. 4. Control light exposure and nap strategically Natural daylight helps reset the body clock. After arrival, spend time outdoors during the day, especially in the morning. If you feel sleepy during the day, limit naps to 15–20 minutes to avoid disrupting your night sleep. For frequent travellers or the elderly, consulting a doctor about mild sleep aids can also be al Washahi, a student from Oman studying in Nebraska, shared his personal experience: 'Every year, I travel over 20 hours through multiple airports from the US to Oman. At first, I thought it was normal to feel exhausted. But the insomnia, drowsiness during the day and inability to focus in class made me realise I was experiencing jet lag. Last year, I started reading more and even consulted my university doctor. He suggested adjusting my sleep schedule before travel and walking during layovers. These small changes helped a lot. Now I can bounce back quickly, whether I'm arriving in Oman or returning to the US. I always tell fellow students not to ignore jet lag — it really affects your performance and well-being.' The Ministry of Health encourages all travellers to incorporate these practices into their travel plans, especially during peak travel seasons. With awareness and preparation, Omani families and students can make the most of their journeys, arriving refreshed and ready for new experiences abroad.

Observer

5 days ago

• Observer

Health minister discusses investment opportunities

TUNIS: Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, discussed investment opportunities in the health sector in the Sultanate of Oman at a meeting with Tunisian businessmen in the capital, Tunis, on Sunday as part of his official visit to the Republic of Tunisia to participate in the Regional One Health Conference for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). During the meeting, the minister of health affirmed the Omani government's commitment to strengthening partnerships with investors, highlighting the facilities provided by the Sultanate of Oman to encourage investment in the health sector and address any challenges that may face investors. The health minister and his accompanying delegation toured the Saeed Pharmaceutical Industries (IPS) plant, where they viewed the production lines and the other facilities. The minister listened to a detailed explanation from the factory's management regarding the work mechanism, manufacturing quality and the technologies applied at the plant. The visit aimed at strengthening health cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Tunisia and exchanging expertise in the fields of pharmaceutical industries and health investment.