The first bird

A novel rich in its philosophical ideas and existential questions, distinguished by its presentation style, plot, and language. It is abundant with questions about the conditions of humanity, and clever comments on topics that are supposed to shape, occupy, and concern humans. The character of the writer "Maqrin Al-Nouri," the protagonist of the novel, was shaped into the character of "Malik" to match him in a scenario of "philosophy" of murder that he repeatedly discusses. What if Malik decided to implement it as a "realistic film" and reverse the roles? The writer would be terrified and say to him: "Malik, it's just philosophy," and Malik would reply: "Yes, it's just philosophy, and I will show you the real horror of this philosophy, then I will perform your role by illuminating the world, and by writing your terrifying and real book about the philosophy of death and life. And all this will happen after I bury you." Can the hero of this novel, the author coming from Oman, bear the consequences and costs of his dream to be a true writer, who wishes to travel the world to share his discoveries and observations from the far corners of the earth, and to honestly express the essence of his many real and field experiences amidst the truths of life? The character of the writer makes a decision to undertake two intertwined journeys: the first into the depths of his own self, and the second towards India. Through self-dialogue and dialogue with Malik, his fictional character—whom he describes as "the invented hero, and I am the real hero, and he is my means to the end"—and through the doctor "Kamal," and through the experiences he will pass through in India with the people, and through the love relationship that will connect him with the tourist guide "Anita," the reader discovers many dimensions and questions about the concept of writing, especially when conveying the conditions of others. Is it exploitation of their lives, or is it their immortalization? And is it a difficult personal experience that might lead its owner to depression and illness? "…Thus, my life passes between drowning and awakening in a new hospital…," or is it, as the doctor told him, "Write, and you will be fine," and do birds need to escape from their cage? And does this escape symbolize freedom and hope? Or is it merely fate: "Writing suddenly overwhelmed me while I was suffocating from myself, a deep desire settled within me to eliminate the flood that was drowning my being and paralyzing me." The novel raises all questions about writing, and about the psychological and mental states that can affect a writer anywhere in the world. Therefore, there is no specific place or time for the novel. It is a direct exploration of the essence, beyond appearances and forms, into the depths of the human self, and into the core of writing, love, and women. It is: "Dawn and sunset, sustenance and love, hatred and misery, as well as the end of things and their beautiful beginning," and includes murder, hunger, death, and faith: "But fighting the painful truth requires a strong weapon. You possess faith and hope. You are at the heart of strength. Do not challenge or confront; just start."