Cities of Salt

Cities of Salt is a novel by Saudi Arabian author Abdelrahman Munif. It was first published in Arabic in 1984 and later translated into English by Peter Theroux in 1987. The book is the first in a series that explores the impact of oil discovery on a desert community in the Arabian Peninsula.

 Plot summary 
The story begins in the early 1930s in the village of Wadi al-Uyoun, a peaceful oasis community. The tranquility is disrupted when American oil prospectors arrive, disguised as water engineers. They secretly begin drilling for oil, leading to the transformation of the village into a bustling oil town. This sudden change brings both opportunities and challenges, as the local people face cultural, social, and economic upheaval.

 Main characters 
 Musa – A central character who witnesses the changes in his community.
 Khalil – A leader who tries to navigate the new power dynamics.
 The Emir – The ruler who allows foreign intervention, leading to the village's transformation.

 Themes 
 Impact of oil – The novel examines how oil discovery can alter societies, economies, and environments.
 Colonialism – It highlights the influence of foreign powers in shaping the region's future.
 Cultural identity – The story reflects on the loss and preservation of cultural heritage amidst modernization.

 Style and genre 
Munif employs a realist style, focusing on the everyday lives of ordinary people. The novel is part of the genre known as "petrofiction," literature that deals with the oil industry and its effects on societies.

 Reception 
Cities of Salt was well-received for its in-depth portrayal of societal changes due to oil discovery. However, it was banned in Saudi Arabia due to its critical depiction of the government and foreign influence.

Category:1984 novels
Category:Arabic-language novels
Category:Lebanese novels
Category:Saudi Arabian novels
Category:Petrofiction