Friday 09 / January / 2026
Muscat: The English translation of the novel "Jou’ Al-Asal" (Honey Hunger) by acclaimed Omani poet and novelist Zahran Alqasmi has officially won the 2025 Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation. Translated by the renowned British scholar Marilyn Booth, the work was recognised for its "exquisite language and style" and its ability to transport readers into the rugged, lyrical landscapes of the Omani highlands.
The translation was a key success of the Cultural Club’s "Omani Text Translation" program, an initiative launched in 2019 to bridge the gap between Omani creative output and the international reading public.
"Honey Hunger" is a literary novel that delves into the concept of deprivation masked by abundance, with honey chosen as a symbol of insatiable desire. The novel comprises 13 chapters, each beginning with a “Ta’weeba”, a traditional form of Omani folk poetry sung by women during wood gathering or herding in plains, valleys, and mountain slopes.
Alqasmi explores the lives of three friends, outwardly fulfilled but inwardly lacking, who are united—despite their differences—by their frequent journeys in search of wild mountain honey. This shared quest becomes a metaphorical journey of self-discovery and communion with the power of nature.
Each character is portrayed with a distinct background and personal depth, using the search for honey as a pretext to explore their inner selves. Through their experiences, the reader learns about types of bees, beekeeping practices, conditions for bee survival, diseases and pests, and methods of honey harvesting. The novel also immerses readers in the world of Bedouin life, their customs, generosity, and the vibrant influence of place on the characters’ consciousness and destinies.
The narrative style relies heavily on suggestion and implication, inviting readers to actively interpret meaning. Alqasmi employs concise sentences, a focus on minute details, and a contemplative tone rather than action-driven storytelling, engaging the reader’s imagination. Honey Hunger stands out as a work that highlights the concerns of ordinary people and affirms the presence of Omani literature through a deeply poetic language.
It is worth noting that the Cultural Club launched the Omani Text Translation program in 2019, aiming to promote Omani literature beyond the borders of the Sultanate. This initiative is one of the Club’s key strategic projects to realize its vision of positioning Omani writing on the global cultural stage.
