Discover the Fascinating Characters in “Friend of the Queen” by Zahir bin Harith Al-Mahrouqi

Are you ready to dive into a world of captivating characters and intriguing tales? Zahir bin Harith Al-Mahrouqi’s latest book, Friend of the Queen, offers just that and more. Published by the Omani Writers and Literati Association in 2024, this 128-page collection of stories is sure to leave you mesmerized.

A Collection Like No Other

Friend of the Queen features 16 unique stories, each bringing to life characters that Al-Mahrouqi encountered in his professional and personal life. The book also includes an insightful introduction by the acclaimed writer Suleiman Al-Maamari, who praises Al-Mahrouqi’s ability to capture the essence of these characters with remarkable sensitivity.

Stories That Captivate

Al-Maamari shares his admiration for Al-Mahrouqi’s storytelling, noting how he masterfully turns real-life encounters into tales that seem to jump out of an enchanting novel. For instance:

• In Friend of the Queen, meet a man lost in illusions, creating an alternative reality through his imagination.
• Sorry… I Refuse This Honor introduces us to a woman who can sense what others think before they even speak.
• At the Same Time: I Pray and Read the News! tells Al-Mahrouqi’s own uncanny experience of being seen in two different places simultaneously.
• The Restaurant of Strange Delusions is a humorous tale about madmen who escape from a hospital only to return with more people.
• The Secrets of Homes keeps you on the edge of your seat with a story about a so-called “seer” who cures severe back pain with a simple act of revealing a covered tray.

Deep Analytical Insight

What sets Al-Mahrouqi’s writing apart is his analytical approach to character behavior and motivations. He dives deep into their psyche, making readers feel completely immersed in the stories from beginning to end.

About the Author

Zahir bin Harith Al-Mahrouqi is a prolific writer with contributions to several newspapers such as Al-Shabiba, Al-Roya, Oman, and Takhyeel Magazine, as well as the online magazine Al-Falaq. His previous works include:

• The Road to Jerusalem
• Time for Correction
• By Their Works, Not Their Ages
• If Not for Books
• The Saw Thief: A Personal Biography of Forty Years in Oman Radio
• The Gulf in the Time of Cholera
• Sad Saturday: Documentation and Personal Impressions of a Significant Event

Get Your Copy Today

If you’re looking for a book that offers a blend of reality and fiction with deep character studies, Friend of the Queen is a must-read. Immerse yourself in Al-Mahrouqi’s world and discover the magic of his storytelling.

Source: Oman Daily