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BOOK REVIEW⁠
[Celestial Bodies] Three sisters must find their own path through Oman's changing society.⁠
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WHAT I LIKED⁠
I loves al-Harthi's play with plot structure. She described each event through multiple characters' eyes with such empathy. Every reason is inferred, but no one is blamed by the omnipresent narrator. The result is a shifting narration with a new understanding at the apex of each dune. ⁠
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In order to keep this review spoiler free, I'll simply say I loved learning about the generational changes in Omani culture. Times, they aaaaare a-changing.⁠
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WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE⁠
As an English reader with little knowledge of Omani culture, I had to reference the family tree many times during the beginning of the book. This didn't bother me, and its not something an Arabic reader encounters at all. In al-Harthi's original languages, readers understand a character's family connections, religion, and cultural background through their name. Don't let the flipping back and forth get you down!⁠
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Celestial Bodies (by Jokha al-Harthi, translated by Marilyn Booth) ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️5/5⁠
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