Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Bahraini children’s author Nada Fardan’s latest book Hamama Nodi (Arabic for ‘the dove Nodi’) is inspired by the popular namesake Arab folk song and hopes to kindle a communal spirit in the minds of young readers.
“As a child, I fondly remember singing Hamama Nodi Nodi, which is still popular today, not only in Bahrain but across the Gulf, with slight variations,” the 39-year-old told GulfWeekly.
The 27-page book was brought alive by Nada, along with other local creative talents, including renowned author Rasool Darweesh, who reviewed the initial and final draft, heritage researcher Atiq Al Qubaisi who reviewed the initial draft, and artist Jasim Al Maqabi, who worked on the imaginative illustrations.
“Every September, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage hosts the Sharjah International Narrator Forum, a prestigious global event that unites writers, narrators, and scholars from around the world. This year, the theme was ‘birds tales’, offering an ideal opportunity to showcase Bahrain’s rich heritage through a story I had the honour to present – one inspired by the deep connection between traditional culture and birds,” the Sanad resident noted.
In the story, protagonist, Radheya asks her brother Sayodi, who is performing the Haj pilgrimage in Mecca, to pray for rain, hoping to bring life back to their drought-stricken village of Jabal (mountain in Arabic). The dove Nodi plays a key role in the story, much like the dove in the folk song, carrying messages between the siblings.
The story touches upon the themes of hope, community, and interconnectedness.
“This dove and the girl are a tribute to my grandmother, also named Radheya, who was a vital link in our family, much like the messenger bird,” the architect and mother of one revealed.
“My father’s frequent travels and my mother’s inability to drive meant we often stayed home, and it was my grandmother who, through her daily phone calls, brought us news of family and the outside world, keeping us connected.”
For more details, follow @nada.fardan on Instagram.
