Ahlam Abu Assaf Novels
A Novel by Syrian Author Ahlam Abu Assaf
Tales, in all their diversity, fill every corner of our societies—some visible to the public eye, others concealed behind the walls of alleyways and homes. They are circulated by the intellectual, the illiterate, and the simple folk alike—each from their own vantage point, employing a distinct and unique language.
Creativity emerges to refine these tales with artistic and linguistic craftsmanship that captivates the reader, casting a spotlight upon the “homeland” of the novel and its protagonists. Through this process, the author presents their own unique vision and impressions, conveying an image of their society—with all its virtues and vices—like a neutral mirror that faithfully reflects the reality standing before it.
Creative expression reaches the pinnacle of authenticity when the creator embodies the very homeland of the novel, its protagonist, its message, and its messenger all at once.
*Thirst of a Woman* (*Ẓamaʾ Imraʾah*) is an autobiographical novel that marks a precedent in the realm of feminist literature. Distinguished by its boldness, logic, vision, and engaging narrative style, the work casts a critical light upon the reality of women within societies closed off by a patriarchal culture—a culture perpetuated by fathers, brothers, or husbands. In such environments, a woman’s role and intellectual capabilities are marginalized; the novel reveals the psychological scars left by such discrimination and the internal turmoil it engenders—impediments that may hinder a woman from fulfilling her social roles as a wife or mother. Ironically, she may even—quite spontaneously—internalize and perpetuate this male authority herself, becoming both victim and oppressor simultaneously, thereby contributing to the creation of a psychologically unbalanced family unit regarding the balance between its members’ rights and duties.
With compelling merit, the novel *Thirst of a Woman* draws the reader into this shadowy corner of our societies—specifically into non-urban communities, where customs and traditions remain the primary, unquestioned lawgiver. A polished talent, refined language, a translucent vision, and a wealth of sophisticated cultural, historical, and literary references—alongside diverse social insights and a personal journey marked by both bitterness and honor—these were the tools wielded with brilliance by the writer Ahlam Abu Assaf in the service of her literary project. This project centers on the suffering of women within our societies, simultaneously exposing the malady and offering solutions through a literary style and engaging narrative rich in imagery and events. With a craftsmanship that allowed her to masterfully captivate the reader’s senses and emotions—stimulating their intellect and literary sensibilities—she draws them smoothly and pleasurably into the world of her novel, transforming enjoyment and suspense into an end in themselves, rather than mere means to reach the conclusion.
*A Woman’s Thirst*
Through a brief introduction—serving as a translucent veil—the contours of the novel’s landscape and its protagonists are subtly revealed.
The author writes: “Sometimes, dreams buckle beneath the weight of our burdens, and we dismount… It is then that the novel begins.”
A Novel by Syrian Author Ahlam Barjas Abu Assaf
The title of any literary text—whether a novel, a short story, or a reflection—constitutes the very first threshold; it primes the reader’s imagination and draws them, with eager anticipation, into the world of the narrative and its unfolding events—or, conversely, repels them.
The *Awshaj* plant possesses a memory inextricably linked to the cactus, to aridity, to endurance, and to hardship. It serves as sustenance for the camels—creatures that share the very same environment as the plant, and which, in turn, share with it the burden of patient endurance.
The author chose to open her novel with just a few words; yet, imbued as they were with profound thought and meaning, they sufficed to craft a prologue that was at once remarkably concise and deeply evocative of the world within her novel.
In this prologue, the author writes:
O Sun, concealed behind the stars…
Were I to offer my body to you as a sacrifice…
Would you not rise? …
The novel *Rahil al-Awsaj* (The Departure of the Boxthorn) marks a significant turning point in the trajectory of women’s literature—a genre often characterized by themes of love, emotional turmoil, and suffering. Yet, in this work, the author establishes a distinctive narrative signature by employing the novel’s events and characters to orbit the sphere of public affairs—specifically, the national cause. She achieves this through a sophisticated, profound, and intellectually rich linguistic technique, presenting her central concept with a philosophical depth. Furthermore, the text is interwoven with citations from world-renowned writers and philosophers—elements that enrich the narrative tapestry while remaining seamlessly integrated into the novel’s overall fabric and thematic intent.
Visions, ideological leanings, and social and political allegiances vary widely among the novel’s characters—particularly regarding their commitment to that “supreme allegiance” to the nation. Some characters demonstrate unwavering commitment, while others exhibit duplicity, oscillating precariously between their lofty ideals on the one hand and their actual conduct in the real world on the other. The author also addresses critical issues within the novel, including the suffering of the Palestinian people and the phenomenon of politicians—once they attain office—abandoning their principles and even betraying their closest associates. She further examines the prevalent “marriage of convenience” between religious figures and political authorities. Finally, within a limited scope of the narrative, she alludes to the possibility that love itself may meet its demise—ending up in a “graveyard”—should a fundamental divergence in political vision arise between two lovers.
With remarkable skill, the author continues to captivate the reader, drawing them deeper into the world of *Rahil al-Awsaj* as the protagonist takes her first steps toward realizing her primary dream: to defend her homeland against its “eternal enemy”—a figure that serves as a symbol, perhaps intended to represent any oppressor or tyrant.
Upon reaching this long-awaited moment, the protagonist encounters the object of her affection—the beloved. Yet, with the characteristic selfishness of a lover, he attempts to dissuade her from continuing on her chosen path. Towards her first and loftiest goal…
She reins in her emotions, rekindles her initial resolve, prioritizes her greatest love—the Homeland—and presses forward to realize her dream.
*Rahil al-Awsaj* marks a qualitative leap in advancing the trajectory of the Syrian novel.
A Glimmer in the Andes Mountains
A Novel by the Syrian Author Ahlam Barjas Abu Assaf
A Commentary on the Novel
A Reading of the Novel *A Glimmer in the Andes Mountains* by Author Ahlam Barjas Abu Assaf:
Novelist Ahlam Abu Assaf explores the female experience within the context of sectarian affiliation to a minority group. Through this narrative, she seeks to shed light on the suffering—shared by *all* women—resulting from the repercussions of oppression born of authoritarian, patriarchal practices. How, then, do we contend with a family facing a state of existential anxiety—one that compels them to conceal the truth of their minority identity in a foreign land, such as Libya? There, they observe the local religious rituals out of *taqiyya* (religious dissimulation) and self-preservation, fearing reactions that could cost them their very livelihood. Consequently, the circle of authoritarianism expands: moving from the family—that narrow sphere immediately surrounding the female protagonist, Shaima—outward to encompass the entire sectarian community to which she belongs. This expansion serves to curtail personal freedom, as the community delves ever deeper into enforcing inherited beliefs from which no deviation is permitted. This remains true even after the girl matures into a woman—married to a man chosen for her by her family—and resides in the diaspora, such as Venezuela. It persists even if she becomes a psychologically troubled woman who sows chaos and stirs up trouble wherever she goes—among friends and acquaintances alike—as a means of venting the deep-seated repression buried within her soul.
Throughout the novel, the protagonist, Shaima, is ceaselessly haunted by these anxieties. Yet, with unwavering determination—in a fleeting moment that seemed to descend from the depths of her spirit like a celestial spark—a glimmer of hope flashed within her. It ignited a conscious, positive resolve to persevere; and so, she continued her studies. Deprived of the very things she craved—and accompanied by her daughter, in what seemed a blatant act of defiance against them all—she rose to become a renowned lecturer. Through her sessions, she offered counsel to everyone, guiding them to understand life and avoid being swept into error. Yet, none of this sufficed to liberate her soul; for there are always those lying in wait, poised to strike whenever one deviates from the prescribed allegiance—even if that deviation represents a movement toward a broader humanity and a consultation of the heart, transforming the heart itself into a sanctuary. Within this sanctuary, she prepared a space for the Divine—the God she had chosen for herself, to whom she whispered her prayers, and who spoke back to her. Thus, she remained deeply devout and committed, while simultaneously striving to realize her fullest humanity…
None of this could save her soul; she was ultimately condemned to a treacherous assassination. Bullets were fired at her, piercing her liver—as if, in striking her, they had struck the very heart of the heavens. She departed this world, liberated at last from her physical form, only for a new star to emerge in her place: her daughter, Suzie, who would carry on her legacy…
The novelist, perhaps, does not explicitly identify this specific sect or reveal the intricate details of its beliefs. Her allusions remain tentative and subtle—a deliberate choice, perhaps, to avoid offending the sensibilities of those who belong to such a community. Nevertheless, it remains abundantly clear that the author has strived tirelessly to universalize a plight deeply rooted in injustice against humanity throughout the East—an injustice that transcends all differences in background and affiliation.
Ghada Raslan Al-Shaarani
Another Commentary
Having just finished reading the novel *A Glimmer in the Andes* (Wameed fi Jibal al-Andiz) by my friend and fellow writer, Ahlam Abu Assaf:
This is a novel that harmonizes linguistic beauty with thematic depth—blending literary richness with a profound humanistic message. Through its protagonist, Shayma, the story recounts the suffering endured by women in our societies, as well as the burdens and pressures they shoulder—pressures that do not cease even after they have departed those societies. Rather, these burdens pursue them into their lands of exile in one form or another. Yet, at the same time, women are not the sole victims in our societies; men, too—albeit to a lesser degree—fall victim to certain ideas, beliefs, and circumstances. The author masterfully embodies this reality in the character of Wahid, Shayma’s husband, who becomes a casualty of the deteriorating economic conditions in his homeland—a plight that compels him to emigrate, only to find himself subsequently lost between the Eastern and Western worlds.
What further enhances the novel’s aesthetic appeal is the depth of the themes it explores: ranging from the concept of interfaith marriage and society’s resistance to it, to the nature of love itself, as well as the psychological dimension and its critical significance.
Perhaps the most beautiful passage to be drawn from this novel is found in the words of Suzy, the protagonist’s daughter, who declares: “Today, I realized that my mother’s God—and Jesus Christ, Lucy’s God—and the God of Hajj Nawaf… they are all one and the same. They are all messengers of love and peace.”
Furthermore, the author focuses on two pivotal dimensions within her novel. The first is the psychological dimension, which manifests through the mental health struggles endured by the protagonist. Upon arriving in her land of exile—Venezuela—she undergoes a lengthy course of psychotherapy to address the trauma resulting from the injustice and emotional deprivation she suffered throughout her life; ultimately, she finds that faith serves as her sole salvation. Furthermore, the psychological dimension manifested through a spectrum of emotions, including sorrow and joy, disillusionment and strength, as well as pain and hope.
Through this psychological lens, the author successfully conveyed a pivotal concept: that the psychological aspect of human existence is no less significant than the physical one—indeed, the two are inextricably intertwined—and that a tranquil life necessitates harmony between these two dimensions.
The second dimension explored is the social one; here, the author examined the realities of societies in Al-Suwayda (specifically, Karam al-Zaytoun), Libya, and Venezuela, vividly depicting the customs, traditions, and daily life within each of these distinct communities.
In conclusion, my deepest gratitude goes to the author, Ms. Ahlam, for this exceptional literary work. It serves as a mirror reflecting—simultaneously—both the challenges faced by women and their inherent strength. Moreover, it stands as a message affirming that women possess the capacity to spearhead any positive change, and that life truly begins to shine for those who discover the light within themselves before seeking it in others.
/ Nawras Abu Jahjah
Ascent Towards Love
A Novel by Syrian Author Ahlam Barjas Abu Assaf.
A New Novel
By Ahlam Abu Assaf
The Novel: When Ashes Burn
A journey into the depths of the soul, where trauma mingles with hope, and bitterness with survival.
This novel tells the story of a family whose parents vanished under mysterious circumstances. Left to face life on their own—relying solely on their intellect—the children endured a struggle as bitter as winter ash, until they finally departed from their cave-like home… a house of secrets, memories, and stifled pain.
How did they survive? And how did they manage to come to terms with their shattered reality?
All this, and more, unfolds within the pages of this novel—a narrative in which ash is not an end, but a beginning… and the resilience of the human spirit serves as an unextinguishable light.
As the author, Ahlam, states:
“I completed this novel amidst the ashes of a massacre that befell our community in July 2025 at the hands of ISIS in Syria. It was a cry affirming that life is stronger than hatred and malice; that those who endure are those strongest in intellect; and that those who seek to drag us backward are ultimately destined to be defeated.”
A novel difficult to print and distribute in such fragile times, yet it stands as a cry of hope—a testament to the power of words to illuminate the future, no matter how fiercely the ashes burn.
“When the Ashes Burn”
An epic of resilience, an elegy for the human spirit that learns to forgive and press onward, and a celebration of life—which, despite all the ashes, always triumphs.
