From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books…

Celestial Bodies

Jokha Alharthi,

Marilyn Booth (Translator)

Start date: July 15, 2020

Finish date: September 15, 2020

Discussion: Group Reads Discussions

Why we're reading this: July/August 2020 selection for Women in Translation theme.
[close] July/August 2020 selection for Women in Translation theme.

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Group Reads Discussions

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By Diane , Armchair Tour Guide · 3 posts · 1371 views

last updated Jan 18, 2013 07:12PM

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last updated Sep 16, 2025 07:57PM

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What Members Thought

Aug 27, 2019 Ann rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019-atw-80

Man Booker prize winner 2019.
Pros: poetry, readability, strong women characters, diverse characters, different POVs
Cons: lacks the grandeur and epic scale of an unforgettable multi-generational narrative, weak sense of place which was disappointing because this was my first virtual visit to Oman.

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Jul 21, 2019 Beverly rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: newtome2019, 2019, translation, oman

this was a 3.5 read for me
thoughts coming shortly

1 like · Like · see review

Apr 04, 2020 Kristen Iworsky rated it it was ok

If I hadn’t bought this book (I miss the library), I would have given up on reading it. I think a lot was lost in translation and my lack of knowledge about the culture.

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Aug 09, 2023 Adele rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobooks, women, translation, atw-2023, fiction, booker-prize, prizewinner, acorn-book-club

This novel packs a lot of issues into this small volume -- women's place, function of marriage, moving from old ways to new ways, and others. I read and listened. The geneology at the front was a must for me. I read this with my Acorn book group, so we had a forum to discuss the book. It is well written (or well translated) and lyrical. ...more

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