I liked the story and think it is possible especially in small closed cultures in the beginning of the 20th century. What I didn't like is why on earth the author went to cheesy way in advertising her book as a story from Dubai. This could be an Arabic story that could have happened anywhere in Middle East. Dubai is a good marketing name but a good story would only need it's author to believe the product instead of looking for a promoter.. Maha Gargash's debut novel, THE SAND FISH is a poignant tale of a young girl growing up in the mountains in the United Arab Emirates (near Dubai), who eventually moves to the city and has to find her way in the complex world of her husband's family. But it's so much more than that. Gargash has captured, in her protagonist's story, the vanishing of an old way of life and the dawn of a new era in Dubai. The story takes place as the last of the big annual pearl dives set out, when the oil era was beginning. This is a marvelous novel, a story deftly told, with language at once rich and stark. The research Gargash undertook to write the book shows in the depth of every aspect of the story. Yet it is not weighted down with ethnographic information. The details inform and seem to lift the plot along. It is like the slightest desert breeze blowing at dawn: understated, intoxicating, and true. Middle Eastern authors have to deal with reader expectations that their novels accurately 'represent' their culture. So, I want to point out that some of the other reviews here from the Arab world are upset with the author for being controversial, and for including a plot twist they feel is not believable. Personally, I would bet she got that very plot twist from the tales of her elderly informants. We all know that truth is stranger than fiction. And....novels are not meant to 'represent' a culture. They just tell a story. I salute the author for this work - she has executed all aspects of it beautifully - character, plot, style, voice and setting. A hearty mabruk (congratulations) to the author. I hope she will write more.
What do You think about Arabska Perła (1999)?
Excellent story of desires and emotions hidden by societal conventions.
—xoxo_naika
agree with Jade! great beginning and 2nd half is dissapointing.
—mandypurcell
Ok, not great. Some interesting insights, but not thrilling.
—beedlebug
