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Historical Fiction· Oman

The Sand Fish

by Maha Gargash
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2009English
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About This Book

Maha Gargash's The Sand Fish (2009) stands as one of the most significant works of historical fiction of its era. Set in the 1950s, The Sand Fish tells the story of a young Bedouin woman navigating the challenges of arranged marriage and societal expectations in the Arabian Peninsula. The novel is a vivid portrayal of the region's culture and traditions, offering readers a glimpse into a world that is both exotic and relatable. Themes of arranged marriage, cultural expectations, female empowerment run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorMaha Gargash
Published2009
Country of Origin🇴🇲 Oman
LanguageEnglish
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780061744671
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇴🇲 Oman

This book is part of Oman's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Oman →

Editorial Assessment

The Sand Fish by Maha Gargash sits within the tradition of historical fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 2009 in Oman, it engages with arranged marriage, cultural expectations, female empowerment, tradition in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 0 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. What distinguishes The Sand Fish is how it handles its central concerns — arranged marriage, cultural expectations, female empowerment, tradition — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. The Sand Fish reflects Maha Gargash's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Oman's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from multiple independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
✍️
About the Author
Maha Gargash
Oman
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Maha Gargash is a Oman author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Sand Fish about?

Set in the 1950s, The Sand Fish tells the story of a young Bedouin woman navigating the challenges of arranged marriage and societal expectations in the Arabian Peninsula. The novel is a vivid portrayal of the region's culture and traditions, offering readers a glimpse into a world that is both exotic and relatable.

Who wrote The Sand Fish?

The Sand Fish was written by Maha Gargash, from Oman. First published in 2009.

What awards has The Sand Fish won?

The Sand Fish has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Sand Fish worth reading?

The Sand Fish is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in arranged marriage, cultural expectations, female empowerment.

Where can I buy The Sand Fish?

You can buy The Sand Fish on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Sand Fish?

The Sand Fish is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Sand Fish from?

The Sand Fish originates from Oman's literary tradition. Explore more books from Oman on our country page.

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