Al Qannas is an Omani author's exploration of the deep connection between man and nature

Observer

13-05-2025

In the evolving landscape of modern Omani literature, Zahran Al Qasmi stands out as one of the most prominent voices capable of blending narrative beauty with the unique character of place. His novel Al Qannas is not merely a story of a man chasing a mountain goat, but rather a literary tapestry that reflects the authentic Omani spirit and reveals the profound relationship between man and nature in mountain communities that still hold the scent of history and the details of traditional life.
The novel transports us to the mountains of Al Dakhiliyah, specifically the rocky ranges of Al-Tayyin, where alleys, valleys, and stone paths intertwine with the life of the protagonist, the old hunter Saleh bin Shaikhan. He has spent a lifetime pursuing an endless dream: to capture the elusive ibex. This chase is not just about hunting; it is an existential journey soaked in patience, reflection, and meaning. Here, hunting becomes a symbol for an eternal pursuit, an internal obsession that shapes the protagonist just as the silent mountain shapes its stones over time.
Al Qasmi masterfully weaves his fictional world from the fabric of the Omani environment. Every tree, every wadi, every breath of mountain air pulses with the spirit of place. He doesn't overlook the smallest details that lend flavour to the scene—names of plants, traditions of hunters, grandmothers' tales, and folk beliefs that paint the ibex as a near-mystical creature protected by unseen forces. Through this, Al Qasmi presents a purely Omani scene, unadorned, unpretentious, and real in all its gravity and beauty.
Al Qannas is an Omani author's exploration of the deep connection between man and nature
The novel is written in precise poetic language, rich in expressive grace and narrative fluidity. Al Qasmi doesn't seek cheap thrills or intricate plots but instead builds his tale on quiet reflection and the hidden tensions of the soul. We hear Saleh's voice, both as narrator and protagonist, speaking to us in the first person, and the reader feels as though they are sitting beside him, hearing his whispers and seeing, through his eyes, a harsh yet tender nature. This tone, with its honesty, simplicity, and warmth, extends from Al Qasmi's poetic background, giving the novel a uniquely emotional depth.
Al Qannas bears similarities to the work of acclaimed international writer Peter Matthiessen, who was known for his poetic, contemplative narratives rooted deeply in the natural environment. Like Al Qasmi, Matthiessen's storytelling often explores the internal worlds of his characters through their relationship with landscape, blending detail, emotion, and philosophical musings with a subtle, lyrical touch. His books, such as The Snow Leopard, reflect a meditative engagement with nature and humanity—an approach that aligns with Al Qasmi's gentle yet profound narration of Saleh's solitary quest.
From the Middle East, there is Haidar Haidar, a Palestinian author whose storytelling similarly marries the personal with the political within the context of landscape and tradition. Haidar's works often delve into the soul of his characters by depicting their interactions with the environment—whether war-torn landscapes or tranquil rural settings—highlighting a shared sense of cultural rootedness and introspection. Like Al Qasmi, Haidar employs simple yet powerful language, relying on evocative descriptions that ground his characters within their physical and cultural landscapes.
Al Qannas is an Omani author's exploration of the deep connection between man and nature
Yet Al Qannas is not merely a tale of man, mountain, and prey. It probes the depths of universal human questions: what happens when we finally achieve what we've spent our lives pursuing? Do we attain fulfilment, or does emptiness begin? This reflection is central to Saleh's story—after finally capturing the long-sought ibex, he is overwhelmed by a profound sense of finality, as if his life has lost its purpose post-achievement. The novel explores the space between longing and accomplishment, between man and his shadow, and between nature and its echo within us.
The influence of Omani society is woven throughout the narrative—customs, connection to the land, reverence for elders, oral myths, and a communal silence in moments of pain and patience. The characters do not speak much but act, endure, and live quietly—visuals of life in remote villages, where words are sparse yet meaningful. There are no violent conflicts or sudden twists, only a tender, quiet flow of daily existence that, in its simplicity, holds a profound wonder. This reflects Al Qasmi's identity as a writer born from his environment, deeply aware of the power of storytelling to capture the struggles and resilience of ordinary people.
Al Qannas is quintessentially Omani — not only in the setting but in its soul, style, and message. It is a profound literary work that speaks softly yet leaves an indelible mark on the reader. The novel's understated beauty invites slow and contemplative reading, much like a long poem woven with the ink of the mountains and the heartbeat of its people. Through Saleh's solitary journey and the lush yet restrained language, Al Qasmi crafts a story that resonates universally while remaining deeply rooted in the specific landscape and traditions of Oman.