The novel 'The Book of Exodus', penned by engineer Abdullah bin Awda Al-Ghabin, evokes a profound sense of alienation that characterizes modern existence, illustrating the intersection of various circumstances faced by individuals. Despite the diversity in the faces, traits, and names of its characters, as well as the differing geographical landscapes, life emerges as a quest for a lost self.
The narrative embarks on a journey of migration, beginning with the protagonist, Allal, who hails from the Moroccan city of Marrakech. His dramatic fall from a bridge plunges him into a harrowing experience that culminates in a coma in a hospital. From the depths of Allal's consciousness, a new character, Bashir, emerges in Karachi, suggesting that Allal's coma has unlocked a fantastical realm. This transition allows souls to traverse across 19 cities worldwide, capturing the essence of the migrant body as it oscillates between the waking world and the tranquil slumber of a hospital bed. Through a series of interconnected flashbacks, the novel illuminates the struggles of various beings—some who possess wealth yet find no joy, and others who embrace happiness despite lacking material possessions, relying instead on acceptance and contentment with their destinies.
The narrative transports readers to a multitude of cities, including Congo, Rio de Janeiro, Bangkok, Saigon, Pyongyang, Hong Kong, Chad, Istanbul, Naples, Haiti, Mexico, Zurich, London, Hiroshima, Silicon Valley, Iceland, and Sudan. Ultimately, the storyline returns to Allal of Marrakech, underscoring the theme that the journey home can be more arduous than the path taken away. It posits that through understanding the experiences of humanity, one can find sufficient reason to appreciate life and search for a window to escape.
As reported by okaz.com.sa.
