The Novel in Libya

Abstract

Novel literature represents a form of artistic expression that relies on narration, description, and dialogue. Its artistic pillars are built upon events, characters, and conflicts that unfold within it, expressing emotions, thoughts, and concepts. Despite the relatively delayed emergence of the novel in Libya compared to other Arab countries, Libyan novelists have managed to keep up with the global and Arab literary movements, crafting novels that reflect the reality and developments of society. The attempts at Libyan novels began in the 1970s, during a period of social, political, and economic stability, which allowed writers to express themselves more freely. The maturation of the novel during that period was the result of the development of the storytelling art, which had its initial attempts in the 1950s. The book "Nufus Ha'ira" (Restless Souls) by writer Abdul Qader Abu Harous is considered the first complete short story collection in Libya. However, some researchers attribute the emergence of the short story in Libya to an earlier period when local newspapers published short stories in the early 20th century.