Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): Studia Humanitatis Journal
Articles: miscellaneous

The rise of Saudi novel: origins, evolution and the formation of literary identity

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  • Ebrahim Mohammed Alwuraafi
Ebrahim Mohammed Alwuraafi
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5537-7548 (unauthenticated) Al-Baha University, Saudi Arabia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33732/shj.v6i1.162

Published 2026-05-04

Keywords

  • Saudi Arabia,
  • Saudi novel,
  • Women novelist,
  • Formation,
  • Contemporary novel

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Abstract

The present article traces the origins and developments of Saudi novel from its inception in the 1930s to the contemporary period. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the historical trajectory, artistic progress and thematic transformations of the novel in Saudi Arabia, while drawing attention to the noteworthy achievements of Saudi novelists. The article argues that the Saudi novel, despite its modest beginnings, has evolved into a sophisticated and powerful literary form that reflects the social, cultural and intellectual transformations of Saudi society. The article asserts that, despite its relatively late emergence, the Saudi novel has been remarkably successful in establishing its own identity by addressing the complexities of local realities while engaging with universal human concerns. By mapping its evolution and underlining its challenges, the article contends that understanding the history and the major characteristics of Saudi novel is crucial to appreciating its role in articulating collective and individual experiences within the rapidly changing society.

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