Subject
Arabian Peninsula -- Fiction Books
Best books
Joan Conquest
Zarah the Cruel
"Zarah the Cruel" by Joan Conquest is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the titular character, Zarah, who is the daughter of an outlaw sheikh in the Arabian desert, and the complexities that arise from her unique upbringing, her beauty, and her relentless ambition. Throughout the narrative, themes of power, ambition, and the confrontation between cultures and identities are explored through Zarah's relationships and experiences. At the start of the book, we are introduced to a rich backstory that recounts the legendary oasis of the Mountains of Death and the escape of two horsemen, Mohammed-Abd and Yussuf, who are fleeing from pursuers. Years later, we see the consequences of their survival manifest in the stronghold they create in this desert, ultimately leading to the birth and raising of Zarah. The prologue sets the stage for Zarah's character, highlighting her dual heritage—Arabian and Spanish—and the challenges that come with it. As she grows up, her beauty and untamed spirit create fear and admiration among those around her, including Yussuf, who harbors a deep-seated resentment towards her. Tensions build as Zarah's cruelty and ambition threaten the fragile balance within their desert community, foreshadowing the struggles she will face as she attempts to seize control amidst shifting loyalties and the shadow of her father's legacy.
Robert E. (Robert Ervin) Howard
The fire of Asshurbanipal
"The Fire of Asshurbanipal" by Robert E. Howard is a posthumous weird tale, which likely reflects the author's work during the early 20th century. This short story revolves around an adventurous quest set in the mythic landscape of ancient Persia, involving treasure seekers caught in a web of danger, mystery, and supernatural elements. It blends adventure with horror, steeped in the richness of folklore and history regarding a fabled city and a cursed gem. The narrative follows two main characters, Steve Clarney and the Afghan warrior Yar Ali, as they venture into the desolate desert in search of the legendary "Fire of Asshurbanipal," a mysterious gem said to be guarded by a horrific evil. Their journey leads them to the lost city of Kara-Shehr, where they stumble upon a skeletal figure grasping the pulsating gem. However, as they attempt to claim the treasure, they awaken an ancient curse associated with the stone and the city. The story escalates into a gripping confrontation with both human foes and nightmarish supernatural forces, culminating in an unnerving revelation about the true nature of the gem and the beings that guard it. Howard’s storytelling is characterized by thrilling action and vivid imagery, leaving readers with a haunting sense of the supernatural that lingers long after the tale concludes.
F. Marion (Francis Marion) Crawford
Khaled, A Tale of Arabia
"Khaled: A Tale of Arabia" by F. Marion Crawford is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Khaled, a former genie who becomes a mortal man after requesting to experience life on earth. His journey unfolds as he navigates the complexities of love and duty in the Arabian landscape, particularly in the court of a Sultan, where he seeks the hand of the beautiful princess Zehowah. The opening of the novel introduces us to Khaled in a celestial realm, where he stands before Asrael, the angel of Death, pleading for the chance to live as a human. Khaled recounts his purpose for descending to Earth: to win the love of Zehowah, the Sultan's daughter. His tale sets up a rich backdrop of Arabian culture and mysticism, establishing the stakes of his quest for love while hinting at challenges that arise from both personal desires and external political intricacies. Khaled's character is intricately tied to themes of transformation, fate, and the quest for redemption, foreshadowing a narrative filled with adventure and emotional turmoil.
Édouard Laboulaye
Abdallah eli nelilehtinen apila: Arabialainen kertomus
"Abdallah eli nelilehtinen apila: Arabialainen kertomus" by Édouard Laboulaye is a fictional tale written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a wealthy Egyptian merchant named Hadji-Mansur living in Djeddah, who grapples with the sorrow of not having children. His life takes an uplifting turn when he learns he is to become a father, leading to a series of events that explore themes of fortune, friendship, and destiny. The opening of the narrative introduces us to Hadji-Mansur, a merchant with a tumultuous past, known for his sharp business acumen but haunted by the absence of an heir. His fortunes change when his Abyssinian wife announces her pregnancy, overwhelming him with joy and desires for wealth and legacy. As Mansur dreams of his future son, he decides to name the child Omar after witnessing a dervish as a positive omen. The newly born child is meant to be raised alongside a Bedouin boy named Abdallah, setting the stage for a tale of friendship, rivalry, and the interplay of fate in their lives, foreshadowed by the dervish's mysterious warnings about their destinies.
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