By Mohammed Al-Mekhlafi
A writer and journalist from Yemen
The novel “On the Banks of the Course” is the debut work of Yemeni author Bilal Ahmed, who skillfully combines symbolism and realism in a smooth and effective style. Released in 2022 by the Yemeni House for Books and Heritage in Cairo, the novel has received notable acclaim from readers and critics alike since its release in Khalid Ibn Al-Walid bookstores.
The novel addresses a variety of human issues, showcasing vibrant and dynamic characters that allow readers to engage deeply with their experiences and emotions. Bilal Ahmed’s style accurately reflects the reality of Yemeni society, highlighting its prevailing cultural and social aspects.
Exploration of Identity and Belonging in Times of Transformation
In “On the Banks of the Course,” a clear depiction of the social and political transformations Yemen has witnessed emerges, addressing themes of identity, belonging, and class struggle. The author employs innovative narrative tools that enhance the depth of the characters, enabling readers to connect with their human experiences.
The story revolves around the character Osama Al-Jumhuri, who embodies the internal struggle faced by many in contemporary societies. Osama, who carries a republican identity, oscillates between a profound sense of non-belonging and a loss of identity. He strives to construct a new identity that restores his balance and helps him integrate with his surroundings, reflecting the ongoing human effort to find a place amidst chaos.
With the arrival of 2014, Osama faces a critical turning point, as the identity he had lived for collapses. His republican identity, which represented a refuge and hope for him, fades away in the face of the war and chaos that have engulfed the country. Feelings of alienation and isolation escalate within him, showcasing the conflict between the past and the present, and between the lost identity and the quest for new meaning.
The novel employs multiple narrative techniques that demonstrate skillful use of language. The symbols utilized reflect the depth of the human experience, giving the text a philosophical character that provokes readers to contemplate the meanings of identity and belonging.
Human Dynamics in “On the Banks of the Course
“On the Banks of the Course” represents a manifestation of the human experience amid conflicts and turmoil, highlighting the changing social dynamics in Yemeni society. The text sheds light on the tensions between self-preservation and adapting to waves of change.
The novel serves as an artistic medium for observing and analyzing the crises and transformations experienced by society. Through its characters, Bilal Ahmed reflects the cultural and social changes Yemen has undergone over the decades, allowing readers to understand the negative culture and concepts that govern conflict management between generations.
The author also addresses the theme of identity and belonging, offering mystical glimpses that encourage readers to reflect on moral and ethical dilemmas. The novel raises profound questions about the fate of the Yemeni republic and the impact of political and social transformations on it.
“On the Banks of the Course” transcends being merely a narrative of individual or social stories; it stands as a testament to the deep transformations in Yemeni society over decades of conflict. With a style that merges realism and the supernatural, Bilal Ahmed presents a literary work that marks a significant milestone in contemporary Yemeni literature.
In this way, the novel creates a dialogue of multiple voices, enabling readers to participate in shaping the meaning of the text through their interaction with it. This makes it deserving of recognition in the contemporary Yemeni narrative scene.
Quotes Reflecting the Depth of the Novel
“I regret to inform you that the unified Yemen we thought we achieved will not be the same Yemen we dreamed of. Do not exaggerate your hopes too much, as things do not seem to be heading in the right direction after the war has settled and one of the partners has triumphed over the other. The same forces that we have suffered from for so long will once again curb people’s aspirations for a homeland that provides them with security, sustenance, and services, where everyone is equal before the law; these forces will impose their values in the name of a distorted freedom that will mostly harm only people like us.” (p. 29.)
This excerpt reflects the author’s sense of disappointment regarding the hopes of the Yemeni people. Even after the war, the dominant forces continue to obstruct the construction of a safe homeland, leaving the most vulnerable individuals facing a painful reality. The words convey a warning about the necessity of vigilance against these forces to reclaim rights and achieve the dream of a unified Yemen.
“Hierarchies that successive authorities have entrenched in various forms for decades; it seems to me today that they are on their way to dominate once again in the name of God, the homeland, morals, and freedom.” (p. 30.)
Here, the author’s critical perspective towards the authorities is evident, highlighting the reformation of social and political hierarchies under the guise of sacred values. This use of domination tools reflects the continuity of history and the repetition of negative patterns, necessitating collective awareness to confront these challenges. The exploitation of noble values as a means of control requires society to remain vigilant and determined to resist this domination.
“They will say that we write our destinies in the sequence of moments and in the eternity of the moment, and that as we notice our endless repetition, we carry our consciousness with us and embody our existence in three dimensions and remain young forever.” (p. 148.)
In this quote, the author addresses the issue of time and existence, indicating that individuals create their destinies through the repetition of moments. The role of consciousness is highlighted as a fundamental nerve that enables individuals to express their identity in multiple dimensions, conveying continuity and renewal. Despite challenges, the spirit of youth and hope remains present in their interaction with the current moment, granting them a sense of spiritual immortality.
These quotes intertwine social and political issues with individual consciousness, opening the door to deep reflections on identity and destiny.
Reading the Title of the Novel
The title “On the Banks of the Course” carries profound symbolic meanings, making it an important starting point for understanding the text. The title expresses the idea of existing between two banks, indicating the internal struggle individuals face in times of chaos, reflecting the state of division between identity and belonging.
The “course” represents the flow of life, referring to the continuous movement of events and the social and political changes in Yemeni society. The characters standing “on the banks of the course” suggest that they live in a state of uncertainty, where they must make decisive choices in the face of the challenges posed by reality. The two banks reflect different perspectives, each embodying an aspect of identity and belonging, highlighting the ongoing struggle individuals endure.
The “banks” also refer to the diversity of Yemeni identity, where cultures, history, and challenges intertwine. Individuals seek to balance their past and present, along with their aspirations for the future. This dynamic illustrates the struggle faced by Osama Al-Jumhuri, the main character, who represents the experiences of many from his generation.
Through this title, Bilal Ahmed imparts a philosophical essence to the text, inviting readers to contemplate the concepts of identity and belonging. The presence of characters on the banks of the course reflects a state of anticipation and reflection as they confront their destinies in unstable circumstances.
How Difficult Circumstances Inspired Bilal Ahmed to Write
Bilal Ahmed was born in the city of Al-Hudaidah and moved to Sana’a University in 1992 to study mathematics and computer science. He had a passion for sports and reading, particularly novels. After four years of study, he graduated from the Faculty of Science in 1998, beginning his professional career in the insurance field.
Despite his busy work life, Bilal did not lose his passion for reading, with novels being his constant companion. He harbored a deep dream of becoming a writer, exchanging views and ideas with friends who were writers and intellectuals, which intensified his passion for literature and his desire for self-expression.
Over time, Bilal began to feel settled in his professional life, allowing him the opportunity to delve deeper into his literary interests. This opportunity particularly arose with the onset of the war, which alleviated the pressures of daily life. During those difficult times, he decided to channel his energy into writing.
His novel “On the Banks of the Course” reflects the birth of a new writer in the Yemeni narrative scene, a writer with a clear creative vision, ready to leave his mark in the world of literature. Through its themes and style, the novel emphasizes the importance of literature in expressing the social and cultural transformations occurring within Yemeni society. By using innovative artistic tools and focusing on the experiences of multiple characters, Bilal successfully paints a comprehensive picture of the complex Yemeni reality. Therefore, “On the Banks of the Course” stands out as a noteworthy addition to the contemporary Yemeni literary scene.
