Layla Al-Othman Discusses "The Novel and Story in Kuwait" at AUK

The Arabic Literature Club at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) organized a lecture and open discussion on "The Novel and Story in Kuwait" on February 28th. The event hosted the renowned writer and novelist Layla Al-Othman, who talked about her long experience in the world of literature. The lecture was followed by an award ceremony for the writer.

Known for tackling controversial political and social issues, Al-Othman wrote a number of stories and novels that have been translated into other languages. Her novel "Waseema Comes Out of the Sea" was selected as one of the best hundred Arab novels in the 20th century. In 2004, Al-Othman launched her literary award "Layla Al-Othman Award for Youth Innovations in Story and Novel". The award goes every two years to creative literary works by Kuwaiti youth.

Al Othman's first encounter with literature started with her journalistic career in 1965. She became keen to develop her writing skills despite the educational barriers she faced after being deprived of university education. "Seeing all these young people interested in education compensates the joy I missed when I was deprived of university education." Al Othman said at the beginning of her talk, which attracted many students, professors, and external visitors. "It is my honor to be among you, lecturing for the third time at AUK", Al Othman addressed the audience.

Speaking about the art of story making, Al Othman described writing like "an engineering design process that involves interconnected grids and threads contributing to an artistically comprehensive plan". Connecting story characters to time and place, adding dramatic elements, and putting all this into an interesting context is the recipe of a good story. Al Othman thinks that many stories nowadays lack these essential elements that make a good literary work.

About the history of story writing, Al Othman said that the story started thousands of years ago in the Arab region. The Qur'an stories, the old arabian legends, the Thousand and One Nights, and a lot of other works have been translated by the west and developed into the well-known classics we read today.

According to Al Othman, stories can be classified into short stories ranging from 2-10 lines; traditional stories composed of 4-5 pages; or long stories that are slightly shorter than novels. Stories also vary in their content and style. There are fantasy stories, historical stories, true stories, philosophical stories, surrealistic stories, or poetic romantic stories. In all these types, Al Othman thinks that, meaningful content coupled with entertainment elements are very important to grab the interest of today's selective reader.

The event ended by an open discussion, where the writer shared her hopes, fears and worries with the audience. When asked why her stories always revolve around her life experiences, Al Othman answered that story ideas are normally triggered through feelings or situations that the writer lives. She believes that her life was full of difficult circumstances that make good learning lessons to the readers.

The Arabic Literature Club at the American University of Kuwait, currently lead by Maryam Fadhl, is a student organization interested in different aspects of the Arabic language and culture such as Arabic poetry and literature. The main purpose of the Club is to reveal the Arab identity and practice Arabic language at AUK. Most of the club events currently focus on Arabic literature and poetry. The Arabic Club aims to host more cultural events that would include Arabic music and hosting of famous experts in the Arabic language to share their experience and thoughts with the students. All events hosted by the Arabic Club are being done in association with the Arabic Department at AUK.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 4th March 2012