44 pages 1 hour read

Jokha Alharthi

Celestial Bodies

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2010

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Modern Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction

Topics

History: Middle Eastern

Women's Studies (Nonfiction)

History: World

Themes

Relationships: Family