44 pages • 1 hour read
Celestial Bodies
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Book Brief
256
Novel • Fiction
Oman • 20th Century
2010
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Celestial Bodies, by Jokha Alharthi, follows the interconnected lives of an Omani family in the fictional town of al-Awafi, depicting societal changes after colonialism and the abolition of slavery. The narrative shifts between Abdallah's reflections, his daughter London's birth, and various family subplots, exploring themes of tradition, marriage, and personal aspirations in a transforming society.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
18,160 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jokha Alharthi's Celestial Bodies receives praise for its lyrical prose and rich depiction of Omani culture. Critics commend the multi-generational narrative and intricate character portrayals. However, some find its fragmented structure and multitude of characters challenging. Overall, it is celebrated for its emotional depth and cultural insights.
Who Should Read Celestial Bodies?
A reader who would enjoy Celestial Bodies by Jokha Alharthi likely appreciates multi-generational family sagas, intricate narratives, and rich cultural settings. Fans of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude and Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits will find this novel compelling.
18,160 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mayya
Mayya
The wife of Abdallah, she is a determined woman who lives through her children and initially marries Abdallah out of obedience rather than love, but remains a strong presence in her family life.
Zarifa
Zarifa
A former slave and the head of Sulayman's household, she is a significant maternal figure to Abdallah and plays a crucial role in conveying Omani social changes and familial dynamics.
256
Novel • Fiction
Oman • 20th Century
2010
Adult
18+ years
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