Celestial Bodies is set in the village of al-Awafi in Oman, where we encounter three sisters: Mayya, who marries Abdallah after a heartbreak; Asma, who marries from a sense of duty; and Khawla who rejects all offers while waiting for her beloved, who has emigrated to Canada. These three women and their families witness Oman evolve from a traditional, slave-owning society slowly redefining itself after the colonial era, to the crossroads of its complex present. Elegantly structured and taut, Celestial Bodies is a coiled spring of a novel, telling of Oman's coming-of-age through the prism of one family's losses and loves.
Jokha Alharthi
Jokha Alharthi is an award-winning Omani writer known for her poignant storytelling and exploration of contemporary Arab society. Her most notable work is "Celestial Bodies," which won the 2019 Man Booker International Prize, making her the first Arabic-language author to receive this prestigious honor. Alharthi's writing style is characterized by lyrical prose and a deep dive into the complexities of familial relationships, tradition, and social change. Through her works, she has made a significant impact on the literary world by offering a unique perspective on Omani culture and shedding light on issues facing women in the Middle East.
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