MAKKAH: In a distinctive literary experiment that blurs the lines between visual storytelling and prose, Saudi novelist Fatimah Al-Amro is charting new territory in Arabic literature. Her work merges the cinematic with the written word, creating narratives that pulse with global appeal while remaining rooted in authentic identity.
In an exclusive interview, Al-Amro opened up about her motivations, choices, and ambitious vision for the future — making clear that contemporary literature transcends the printed page to encompass image, drama, and art.
Speaking to Arab News, Al-Amro explained that featuring European model Cheyenne Draghi on the cover of her novel “Aslan’s Sky” was not merely coincidental or an attempt to attract attention, but rather a reflection of the hero’s image she had drawn in her imagination from the beginning.
“Cheyenne was not just a fashion model for the cover, but an artistic partner who helped me shape the hero’s features,” Al-Amro said.
“Through his features, the character of Louis was born and evolved. What surprised me was seeing him described in Arab media as the first European face on an Arabic novel cover — the story even made waves on Italian and Spanish websites. It was genuinely groundbreaking for the Arab literary landscape.”
For Al-Amro, book covers represent far more than decorative packaging. “The cover is the reader’s first encounter with the novel’s universe,” she noted.
“I insist it should be integral to the literary experience itself. That is why I worked with a Spanish designer for my ‘Luis the Spaniard’ series. Today’s covers function as visual art and collectible objects in their own right — not just wrapping paper.”
Her decision to set a narrative in the world of Formula 1 racing stemmed from direct observation. “Formula 1 offered rich dramatic terrain with universal resonance,” Al-Amro explained.
“It is an arena where life-altering decisions happen in split seconds. Since Arabic literature had never explored this territory, I saw an opportunity to approach it through a literary lens combining romance, suspense, and imagination.”
Al-Amro noted that her novelistic style leans toward cinematic construction more than classical, a natural outgrowth of her background in journalism and film.
“Visual detail and dynamic pacing immerse readers in an almost cinematic experience.”
She confirmed that media companies have expressed interest in adapting her work for the screen — a prospect she welcomes enthusiastically as it breathes fresh life into the narrative.
Her appearance at the Red Sea International Film Festival became an impromptu book launch celebration that drew considerable enthusiasm and support from attendees. A standout moment came when she presented Hollywood actor Andrew Garfield with an Arabic copy of her novel.
“When I mentioned he inspired one of my characters, he applauded me in front of the crowd,” she recalled. “It felt like meaningful recognition that Arabic literature can achieve global reach in its original language.”
Distinguishing between her two works “Luis the Spaniard” and “Aslan’s Sky,” Al-Amro explained that each has its own world. The former delivers high-stakes drama immersed in F1’s world and haunted by past conflicts, while the latter offers romantic comedy rich with human contradictions and witty exchanges.
“I thrive on variety and write whatever captivates my imagination,” she said. “My goal is always to challenge conventional visual and narrative formulas.”
Looking ahead, Al-Amro’s sights are set firmly on ֱ’s burgeoning film industry. “My aspirations are cinematic,” she declared.
“I am currently developing the screenplay for ‘Aslan’s Sky,’ and I envision transforming ‘Luis the Spaniard’ into a dramatic series that weaves together suspense and imagination. I am convinced that literature and cinema, working in tandem, can deliver fresh Arab experiences with global resonance.”
Through her fusion of text, imagery, and imagination, Al-Amro is staking out pioneering ground in the Arab creative landscape — demonstrating that Arabic literature can achieve international prominence when it dares to break familiar boundaries and traditions.
