Al-Usfuriyyah (The Madhouse) is a Saudi novel written by Ghazi al-Gosaibi. Its first edition was published in 1996, and it is classified as an autofiction, meaning that the narrator, main character, and author are the same person. The novel is predominantly in a sarcastic tone.
About Al-Usfuriyyah Novel
The first edition of al-Usfuriyyah Novel was published by 'Dar al-Saqi' in 1996. In 1999, the third edition was released by the same publishing house. The novel is classified as a single-voice novel, where the narrator's voice, which is the professor, predominates the dialogue. It also lacks chapters or divisions, presenting a narrative based on the long conversation between the protagonist and the psychotherapist, in which reality intertwines with delirium or the subconscious.
The novel does not adhere to the element of time, as it presents events and incidents that don't follow a regular logical linear timeline. Instead, it is a fragmented narration of the events narrated by the 'mad' protagonist, employing short sentences, omissions, flashbacks, and summary techniques. It also included interrogative, exclamatory, and commentary phrases to facilitate the transition from one topic to another and one story to another.
Al-Gosaibi draws inspiration from the Arab literature heritage in the novel by including Arab literary figures. The Arab poet al-Mutanabbi, named 'Abu Hasid' in the novel, is the most prominent poet, as he quoted some verses from his poetry and some of his opinions and stances in the dialogues. The novel also featured approximately one hundred other figures, including political, artistic, scientific, and religious figures, who were introduced into the course of events in a sarcastic manner; adopting a style that mocked information, ideas, and themes.
Summary of al-Usfuriyyah Novel
The plot of al-Usfuriyyah revolves around the character Professor 'Bashar al-Ghoul', who is at a mental health hospital called 'al-Usfuriyyah'. The protagonist experiences numerous mental breakdowns and emotional shocks throughout his life, causing the loss of his sanity and leading to hospitalization. The psychiatrist treating him is 'Dr. Samir Thabet', conducts long therapy sessions with him, during which they have a predominantly sarcastic and humorous dialogue.
The protagonist of the novel recounts details of his life, his medical condition, and the numerous stories about his madness and the tragedies he has experienced in mental health hospitals around the world. Then he delves into discussions about everything in life, often speaking predominantly with delirium and subconscious. His stories range from Einstein, Cairo, America, Brazil, Arabs, and Indians to literature, art, culture, and politics, including several issues and problems facing the Arab world and mockery of global laws, international policies, and even scientific theories.
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