Sharjah: Folk music, oral traditions, and collective memory took center stage at a recent session of Sharjah Public Libraries' (SPL) Big Book Club, where Emirati author Salha Obeaid discussed her novel 'All The Grandmothers Prayed - Except Yours, She Sang' with readers and students at the University of Sharjah. The event provided an opportunity for participants to delve into the role of folk music in the UAE and the Gulf region as a form of oral heritage, serving as a lens for examining identity, social traditions, and community life.
According to Emirates News Agency, the discussion underscored literature's capacity to spark curiosity and encourage readers to engage with subjects ranging from history and philosophy to sociology. The session was attended by Eman Bushlaibi, Director of SPL, alongside readers, academics, students, and members of the cultural community. The discussion was moderated by media presenter Alyaa Al Mansoori.
Bushlaibi emphasized the significance of creating opportunities for readers and authors to engage in meaningful dialogue. "Bringing readers and authors together creates a deeper connection with literature. Meeting a writer offers valuable insight into the creative process and the ideas that shape a literary work," she stated. She further added that Obeaid's novel explores themes of music, identity, heritage, and community, urging readers, especially the youth, to reflect on traditions and social ideas that continue to influence contemporary life while deepening their understanding of the past.
During the discussion, Obeaid explained that the novel's title was inspired by the character Adheija, who embodies both a passion for singing at weddings and a deep commitment to faith. Through this character, the novel presents music as a form of expression and an important element of the region's oral traditions. She remarked, "Music is an important part of our social memory. Through the novel, I wanted to explore how songs, voices, and traditions can offer a different way of understanding society and its history."
Obeaid also discussed the role of fiction in expanding readers' horizons and encouraging intellectual curiosity. Drawing on her own experience, she shared how storytelling first sparked her interest in history, philosophy, and sociology, while researching the novel revealed the many ways music is woven into everyday life and collective memory.
The Big Book Club initiative aims to foster an engaged reading community by providing an open platform for discussion around books and literary works, while encouraging the exchange of ideas between readers, writers, and cultural practitioners.