Leila Aboulela’s latest novel, River Spirit, opens with a prosaic and wistful scene of villagers by the Nile river.

Some are bathing, others washing clothes or leisurely soaking in the coolness of the Nile.

Among them is 11-year-old Akuany, who was innocently contemplating the munificence of nature and her love for the river seconds before her village and life went up in flames. So the story commences, encompassing the solemn peculiarities of a river; fluid, volatile, and cathartic.

With spellbinding prose, it is set in the late 1800s when Sudan remained under tenuous Ottoman rule. The novel oscillates between voices of ostensibly disparate characters, using the Mahdist Revolution of Sudan as a backdrop to explore a salient period in Sudanese history.

"As we learn about the history of Sudan’s struggle for freedom, we understand that what inspires people is far more convoluted than a conflict of good versus evil"
The Mahdist Revolution was an Islamic revolt against the Egyptian government in Sudan that manipulated the Islamic prophecy of a golden age under The Mahdi or Guided one.

While the revolution was misguided, bloody, and ultimately blasphemous, Aboulela adroitly demonstrates the complexities of human motive during desperate circumstances.

Under the oppressive shadow of multiple colonial powers and their own iron-fisted leaders, the people of Sudan struggled to define their freedom, identity, and faiths.

The many soliloquies and perspectives become tragically and inextricably linked as the novel progresses. There is Yaseen, the humble Islamic jurist, his mother Fatima; Robert, a widowed Scottish artist and engineer; Musa, a loyal and fiery supporter of the false Mahdi and; the inquisitive Akuany.


Of these voices, it is Akuany and Yaseen who are the central characters that incandescently unite these distinct narratives.

Their lives become intertwined when Akuany ’s village is raided, and she is orphaned. Yaseen vows to protect her and her toddler brother, taking them to his village near Khartoum. But he soon gives up his inheritance as a merchant to travel to Cairo and study at Al-Azhar university to become an Islamic jurist.

When he returns, the self-proclaimed and charismatic Mahdi is swiftly gaining followers. But Yaseen, who is learned and passionate about his religion, stands against this insidious movement, remaining steadfast towards righteousness and God.

Akuany is sold in and out of slavery as she grows into a young woman, never wavering in her love for Yaseen. Reunited and ripped asunder repeatedly, they unremittingly experience the bestiality of colonialism, war, and slavery.


When the zeal for power and control, and the fervent yearning for sovereignty and autonomy clash, the result is devastating. Aboulela exemplifies this by weaving several facets of Sudanese reality from the implications of colonialism, the hypocrisy of foreign interference, dehumanizing oriental tropes, and a nuanced representation of Islamic values and the silent victims of war, woman.

Akuany’s story is interspersed with several women who endure the most dreadful impacts of the revolution. From domestic violence, rape, servitude, and splintered families, the women are thrust into resilience. Even those privileged with status and education are not spared.

As violence upon violence is brought down upon them, the material concerns of the world are blurred. When an enslaved Akuany is beaten by her master, she befriends Touma, who tenderly heals her wounds.

Touma is known for running a harem and, thus, shunned from society. After Akuany is released, she is reproached by others for treating her amicably. Akuany ponders the rigidity of the right and wrong that society often pronounces. Touma, who nurses battered women during war and bloodshed, is declared an unsuitable companion. So through Akuany’s lens, it is evident that morality is not as linear as some would like to believe.

The Mahdist revolution was a resistance towards Egyptian, Ottoman, and British imperial rule, and it became incendiary as people saw hope for liberation in this fallacious movement.

During this time, European nations tried to stake out pieces of Africa to colonize in what is known as the “scramble for Africa.” The real-life character of General Gordon and a fictitious Scottish engineer, Robert, reveal the subterfuge of British troops.

Arriving in Sudan as an aid to save them from the pillaging, all the while seeking to gain the upper hand over other countries to acquire territories with valuable resources, and to possess economically strategic rivers. Regrettably, Sudan and the Middle East continue to lament the implications of British and European duplicity.


This dehumanisation of the colonized also occurs subtly. Robert, an artist, visits the slave market to paint and buy humans. Unwillingly, they become his muse, and he believes he is the magnanimous master because of his craft.

This colonial entitlement transcends into modern times with those such as Sharbat Gula, the Afghan girl photographed and made a symbol of hope for refugees by photographer Steve McCurry.

He was lauded for his art, but with the price of exploiting an already vulnerable girl. Years later, she voiced her shame and anger, but she had already become entrenched in Western culture. Similarly, Robert hopes to take his paintings of Sudan back to Scotland to acquire fame, never once pausing to reflect on the humanity, misfortunes, and brilliance of the people and land he viewed only as subjects.

These are the characters that comprise this profound story that exposes the multifaceted nature of humankind. It is a reminder that despite war and plunder, family, honesty, and faith continue to radiate.

As we learn about the history of Sudan’s struggle for freedom, we understand that what inspires people is far more convoluted than a conflict of good versus evil. Many popular narratives discuss Islam only when it is manipulated to bolster avaricious and violent leaders, such as the false Mahdi.

However, in River Spirit, Islam is also threaded into the fabric of society, animating the people towards justice and harmony. Aboulela has gifted us with a powerful book, exhibiting mastery of the written word and wisdom of the human psyche.

River Spirit and Yaseen’s rumination on the state of his country leaves us with much to contemplate, capturing the spirit of this tale; “Fighting an enemy is always easier than governing human complexity.”

Reading historical fiction makes you realise how much of actual history you know nothing about like the human experiences of wars and colonialism, besides facts and figures.

River Spirit follows a young Sudanese girl, Akuany/Zamzam and her brother Bol, who are left orphaned after a village raid and taken in by a young merchant named Yaseen. As she grows, we experience from her view the rise of the Mahdi, a revolutionary leader, a supposedly predestined Islamic saviour, and a false prophet with an army of fanatic followers as the Ottoman empire weakens and the British gained power in the 19th century. We see her navigate the complexities of a family with divided opinions and her desires and struggles for love and freedom. We follow a few viewpoints from Yaseen's family and also from a self-righteous loyalist of the Mahdi.

It's terrifying that this pretender could drum up such a crazed following using lies and deceit causing families to be torn apart, innocent people murdered, villages pillaged, women raped, age-old doctrines discarded and Islam as a religion itself sullied for selfish means and the realisation that fear and manipulation could turn people close to you. Such a predicament is even scarier to think of now considering the toxicity of modern media and politics.

What I wish the story had elaborated on was that the British weren't any saviours either. They were terrible and cruel. For the Sudanese people, it was the harsh reality of being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Also, I wish there were more depth to some characters and the switch in povs put me off a little.

I commend the research that's gone into the book and the story Aboulela chose to write conveying the contrast between people who twist religion for selfish means vs those who show real strength and sacrifice for true faith. The book also shows the consequences of war on livelihoods and the nuanced and graceful depictions of some facets of Islam as a religion.

I thought this book was very well-crafted and beautifully written, weaving together many points of view of the war expertly. Sometimes it felt as though we weren’t getting as deep a look into characters as I would have liked, but overall, it is a stunning story that will stick with me.

It took me a while to get into, but I’m glad i stuck with it because once I got into it, I was locked in.

This review is from page Reading Under the Olive Tree -link below:

1881.

In the next few decades, the Ottoman Empire, a superpower in the Middle East and Africa, would show clear signs of decline. But for now, the Ottoman sultan still reigns as the “caliphate”– the universal sovereign of the Muslim world, a successor of Prophet Muhammad.

However, the decline of the empire is imminent, with nationalist movements, military defeat, corruption, and other factors contributing to its downfall. Though cracks in its foundation are already visible, the Ottoman Empire is still a formidable force. For now.

2023.

I am seated in the restaurant at the Sakıp Sabancı Museum in Istanbul, taking in the warmth of the February sun. The sunbeams filtering through the window are inviting. The view from my seat is one of serenity, the Bosporus tranquil with few boats in sight. The strip, though, is bustling with joggers and fishermen this afternoon. For a fleeting second, the shimmering sea makes me think it’s a summer’s day.

Having just spent several hours at the new exhibition, The Collection of the Arts of the Book and Calligraphy, I am still in awe. Comprised of over 200 samples, including various copies of the Quran, prayer books, and calligraphic compositions, all crafted by prominent Ottoman calligraphers, the works on display span from the late 14th century to the 20th century. I think about how, as I admired the collection, I felt a sense of pride when I encountered official documents featuring the imperial cipher of the Ottoman sultans. Years and years of studying Ottoman history, I think to myself, and this was actually the first time I ever closely examined each sultan’s unique signature.

Although nationalist ideology has never appealed to me, the sense of pride in Turkey’s Ottoman heritage is collective, and ingrained in our upbringing. An empire that existed for over 700 years, encompassing a vast geographical area from southeastern Europe to western Asia–no wonder the Ottoman Empire was the central focus of my history classes at school. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, and I was lucky–I always held a strong interest in the arts, literature, and architecture of the Ottoman Empire. There is, however, one important point that was often omitted in my history classes: that the dominant narrative is inevitably biased and may erase significant fragments of history.

1881.

In Russia, Tsar Alexander II is assassinated. Across the Atlantic, US President James Garfield is shot. Back in Europe, Tunisia becomes a French protectorate. In Thessaloniki, Mustafa Kemal Pasha, who would change the history of Turkey permanently, is born. Meanwhile, in Sudan, a man named Muhammad Ahmad declares himself as the Mahdi, the prophesied leader of the Muslim world, which leads to the outbreak of the Mahdi Revolt and the eventual separation of Sudan from the Ottoman Empire. Muhammad Ahmad envisions a revolution that would conquer Sudan, Egypt, Mecca, Syria, and Istanbul, but his claims are met with resistance from the Ottoman-Egyptian forces, leading to numerous battles in almost all of which the Mahdi forces would emerge victorious.

Set against this historical backdrop, Leila Aboulela’s upcoming novel River Spirit (March 2023) transports readers to a time of change and upheaval. The narrative travels across Sudan, Egypt, and Scotland, but at the heart of the novel is the story of Yaseen, a benevolent young merchant from Khartoum, and Akuany who is later named “Zamzam.” Following a raid on their village, Akuany and her brother Bol are tragically orphaned, and Yaseen who takes them in promises to care for them–his vow, a formidable bond that lasts a lifetime. Through its several characters’ trials and tribulations, the story delves into themes of loss, family, love, and faith, offering a unique perspective on a defining moment in history.

Aboulela presents a multi-faceted portrayal of the Mahdist revolution, the independence of Sudan from the Ottoman Empire, and its subsequent British invasion in the 19th century. Through a mix of fictional and real characters, the novel explores the intersecting lives of those affected by these historical events. Moving beyond what history textbooks narrate, Aboulela shifts the focus to the struggles and empowerment of women in a patriarchal and colonial society.

The novel begins with Rabiha, a female follower of the Mahdi, who embarks on a mission to save Muhammad Ahmad’s life, ultimately changing the course of the revolution. “A rebel, striving to become more than an obedient wife,” Rabiha’s determination and rebellious spirit set the tone for the rest of the novel.

Enslaved throughout the majority of the narrative, Akuany, like Rabiha, is more than a subservient woman. When Yaseen leaves for Egypt to study and become a scholar of Islam, Akuany is separated from her brother and sold into slavery. As her owners change and she is compelled to brave the dehumanizing aspects of slavery, Akuany remains unswerving, determined to reunite with Yaseen. And the Nile is there to remind her of who she really is, who she needs to be: “The river was a place to draw water and wash, to fish and set sail, and for her, it was more, the spirit of who she was.” The river serves as a symbol of her agency and that of other women, a constant reminder of their potential and strength. Through other women characters such as Salha, Yaseen’s wife, Fatimah, his mother, a successful merchant, and the other enslaved women with whom Akuany interacts, we are reminded that it is women who often bear the brunt of war and who must battle both colonial and patriarchal oppression. Aboulela underlines that women’s suffering in conflict extends far beyond the battlefield.

The novel’s success lies in its ability to weave together the political tensions of the time with the personal struggles of its characters; the personal is, indeed, political colonial here.

Highlighting the diversity within the Muslim world, the narrative contextualizes Islam as a multifaceted religion that has been shaped by the historical and sociopolitical context in which it has been practiced. The tension between Yaseen, his school of thought, and the Mahdi becomes a case in point.

During his studies in Egypt, Yaseen sets out to cultivate a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings. He reads extensively and learns from scholars to make informed decisions that “minimize harm.” Yaseen, as he tells the reader, remains vigilant against corruption, all with the ultimate goal of upholding Allah’s religion and elevating his word above all else, for the benefit of his community. Yaseen’s humanist approach to Islam stands in stark contrast to the Mahdi principles as practiced by his followers: “if you are not a Mahdi follower, you are not a Muslim.” As one of his followers reflects on a battle with Ottoman-Egyptian soldiers: “the dead government soldiers were not true Muslims, even though they were fasting during Ramadan and praying. As long as they did not accept the Mahdi, all their worship was in vain.” Elsewhere, Yaseen reflects on the strict regulations enforced by the Mahdi: “Let him moralize. Let him flog those who smoke, drink, and fornicate–and keep flogging them. Fanatics can never draw out the good in people. They will go to war I predict. They will raise armies, invade, and pillage because it is only aggression that will keep their cause alive. Fighting an enemy is always easier than governing human complexity.”

The question of what makes a true Muslim, and its subjective nature is an important one in Aboulela’s oeuvre. River Spirit, too, recognizes the limitations and the political agenda behind the concept of “a true Muslim,” underlining the tension between Islam as a prescriptive/restrictive doctrine and Islam as a way of meaning-making. Yaseen and Salha, who also studies theology, raise critical points about the conflation of moralizing and fanatical ideologies with religious doctrines in the Mahdi movement as a tool to appeal to the masses. Salha, and others, acknowledge the revolution as a symbol of resistance against foreign rule, but they also observe that religion was used as a means to an end, simply to receive support, which undermines the sincerity of the religious beliefs held by those who followed the Mahdi.

But the novel remains true to its purpose–

as the chapters narrated by Musa, a devout follower of Muhammad Ahmad, shed a light on what renders radicalism appealing to some individuals. Through Musa’s perspective, we see how his lack of direction in life and ostracization from society lead him to the Mahdi whose influence Musa compares to the effects of a drug, both intoxicating and numbing. Musa, like most of the Mahdists, depicts him as a savior figure, divinely ordained, backed by angels, and sent by the Almighty. This rhetoric imbues Muhammad Ahmad with divine power and unquestionable authority, painting him as the only solution to the rule of the Ottomans. Musa’s chapters were difficult for me to get through, I’ll admit, but this discomfort also proves that his chapters are essential in providing a glimpse into the allure of extremist ideologies and the lengths to which some individuals may be willing to go in order to feel a sense of belonging and purpose.

And what is not to love about a postcolonial novel that complicates the concepts of “victory” and “heroism,” inviting questions about whose victory, whose hero, and whose version of events–

whose (hi)story is being told?

2023.

As I sit in the restaurant and reflect on the new exhibition at the Sabancı museum, I can’t help but think of Leila Aboulela’s River Spirit, which I finished reading a few days ago. This hefty novel tackles complex themes of postcolonial struggles, national identity, faith, and religion, challenging the neatly-packaged master narrative. And while the Ottoman Empire is often remembered for its glory, the novel also brings to light the reality of its subjects who were struggling due to high taxes and yearning for self-governance–the subjects that were never mentioned in my history textbooks, the subjects whom we rarely discussed in class.

As a reader and a scholar who greatly appreciates Aboulela’s writing, I believe that River Spirit may be her masterpiece. Its narrative is an intricate tapestry woven from the threads of history, politics, religion, and personal experience. Leila Aboulela’s prose is urgent, fluid, and evocative. Like her previous historical novel, The Kindness of Enemies (2015), River Spirit is a powerful work that showcases Aboulela’s mastery of language and imaginative empathy. If you like historical fiction and/or postcolonial literature, then River Spirit is a novel that you should not miss in 2023.

River Spirit talks about the Mahdist war of Sudan in the 1880s. The story of the rise of the fake Mahdi intertwines with the stories of 'Zamzam' and Yaseen. While Zaman is an orphan girl, Yaseen is a merchant with a strong belief system. Together they navigate the years-long war, sometimes together and sometimes painfully apart.
I haven't read a book on the Mahdist war. So it piqued my interest level. I got some wonderful insights into that time, how the whole slavery system worked, how was 'Islam' perceived at that time, and how women were treated. Kudos to the author for writing such a well-researched book and portraying Islam through Yaseen's eyes.
I feel any reader who likes reading historical fiction will like this novel too. The only problem is that it is not an easy and smooth read. It took some time for me to absord it. With multiple povs, it got confusing in a few places too.
Rating: 4.2/5

In the late 1900s in Khartoum, a man had proclaimed himself to be the Messiah, the promised Mahdi who would separate the truth from falsehood. His declaration at that time, broke up relationships, divided families, and exposed the deep crevices behind the solid façade of the ruling colonists.

This brilliant novel put together on the foundations of truth narrates the story of multiple characters whose lives were thrown into disarray by the False Mahdi and the best they could do to salvage the remains of their lives.

When Akuany and her brother Bol become orphaned in a village raid, Yaseen, a visiting young trader and an aspiring student of Islam decides to take them home with him but unexpected circumstances along the way call for a change of plans and he leaves them in the care of his sister, promising to return for Akuany. The promise sets off what seems like a delicate celestial dance between them with the powerful attraction of love bringing them closer while societal constraints and constantly shifting circumstances keep pulling them apart.

This captivating story provides readers with many perspectives from every conceivable angle that add to the richness of the plot. From the differing viewpoints of Yaseen, Akuany, Yaseen’s mother, Fatima to Musa, a supporter of the false Mahdi, to Robert, a Scottish engineer living in Khartoum, and the indomitable Salha this novel is a nuanced reflection of a complex time frame that comes to life through Aboulela’s magical words.

I’m in awe of Aboulela’s unapologetically “Muslamic” writing and how it is not designed to cater to the western gaze rather, it tells the story of a time, place, and people to readers who are willing to make an effort towards understanding the intricacies of this intersectionality and appreciate our differences.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you @groveatlantic & @netgalley for this ARC
Out in March 2023

📌
A historical archived bill of sale and a petition in Sudan about a runaway slave stealing an item of clothing from her mistress inspired some aspects of a character in this story.
How creative is that!

It took me a while to get into the story, but once I did I was able to completely immerse myself in it. This is a feast for literature connoisseurs!

The story takes place in 19th century Sudan. Akuany and her little brother Bol have been orphaned in a village raid and taken in by their late father’s friend, a young merchant Yaseen. First living with Yaseen’s sister, later enslaved, Akuany has to adjust to her frequently changing circumstances. At the same time a self proclaimed Mahdi prepares to claim power, and people around Akuany end up on different sides of the conflict.

When Akuany gets older her relationship with Yaseen evolves. The Mahdi revolution keeps tearing them apart, yet they are drawn to each other and stay close against all odds.

The writing is absolutely magical; it is descriptive yet not entirely direct. We learn about the atrocities of war but they are presented in a way that is not overly explicit or dramatic.

There are a few POVs and the narrative is switching between the first, third and even second person. The characters represent various combinations of national and religious background, political views and involvement in the conflict. It is a brilliant way to describe the events from different angles and show how they impact the lives of everyone affected.

It is not a light and easy read but I am glad and grateful that I picked it up. Highly recommended to all historical fiction lovers!

Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

i would want to love this book so much but i have 'buts'. the story about Mahdi's war in 19th century in Sudan is definitely a new ones to me. the research done for this book was definitely intricated but it was more on Mahdi's and his followers side and the people who against him. for the british side, so little of their pov. there are also alot of povs so readers must give their attentions in order not to get confused. there are non-Mahdi's supporter & Mahdi's supporter & main characters.

i feel like this book is merely more into pov of how does the war looked like instead of building characters. i love how Islam was portrayed perfectly as what muslims has been practices. the characters were definitely felt so dry and lacking of depth. wishing more emotions were written but it felt so straight and dry. i wish i can rooted more on the characters but i don't really cared a lot except Salha. Salha was described intelligent and I like her for that and her intelligence were highlighted when she had to make a very hard decisions regarding to her life. i admired her for her decision.

i believe if you are interested to know Mahdist war, this is a book you can read about.

Sudan, late 19th Century. The country is an agglomeration of tribes, different Islamic sects, people from all over the world, as Khartoum is a major trading centre at the confluence of the Blue Nile and the White Nile. Sudan is a part of the Ottoman Empire, and is ruled by the Khedivate of Egypt-a tributary state of the Ottoman Empire. Sudan was being taxed relentlessly, the governors of the provinces were from the wider Empire, and not native Sudanese, and there were governors who tended to enslave Sudanese as maids, servants in their houses. There was growing resentment as it became harder to pay the taxes, and from this powder keg, arose the Mahdist rebellion. Mohammed Ahmed, a charismatic, ambitious preacher, proclaimed himself the Mahdi, or the predicted Messiah, and preached a creed of overthrowing whom he called the foreign rulers, and protecting the people from their excesses. This excellently written, deeply evocative book is historical fiction that traces this revolt, from the start to the eventual success and ending with the violent siege of Khartoum. The multiplicity of narratives Aboulela has chosen all show you different facets of the situation: Yaseen, a trader-turned-Islamic jurist, representing the opposition to the Mahdi, Fatima, his mother trying to chafe against the restrictions placed on her because of her gender, Robert, a Scottish engineer and artist through whose eyes we see the changing situation in Khartoum, Musa, a footsoldier in the Mahdi’s army, showing you that the new boss really wasn’t so different from the old boss, and the memorable narrative of Akuany, from southern Sudan, and her spine of absolute steel, and the strength she draws from the talismanic Nile. It’s lovely to read of all the narratives of the experiences of the women-so much historical fiction focuses on men or only on women in power, these stories of survival in times of great chaos are just as important. Aboulela writes with great nuance, and shows you all the different forces at play here-while the Mahdi did protect villages from Ottoman corruption and excesses, he also wanted to erase a multiplicity of sects, beliefs and rituals in a country that had never been homogenous, and as the civil war went on, the reprisals visited on villages that didn’t support him were just as bad as the Ottomans, and they were enslaved too-though Islam prohibits the enslavement of other Muslims, the excuse was that those who were against the Mahdi were infidels.. It’s also interesting to read about the conflict between tradition and modernity-it was a time when the Ottoman Empire was trying to liberalise and modernise, and to that end, General Gordon was seconded from the British Army, to the Ottoman Army, as the governor-general of Sudan, and he banned slavery-a move greeted with great joy by many, but also outrage from those who made their money from slavery ( a practice that still continues in parts of Sudan , and still a struggle for the south Sudanese-some conflicts have been festering for centuries). SO when the Mahdi promised to overturn these measures, and end modernity that allowed women more freedom , tribes that made their living off slavery naturally joined his cause. I can’t begin to imagine the amount of research Aboulela has undertaken to write this book that encompasses so many different points of view on the civil war. THe events leading up to the devastating Siege of Khartoum are harrowing, with Gordon’s state of mind described -he could have surrendered and avoided hundreds of deaths, but “Chinese” Gordon, who had brought an end to the Taiping rebellion and seen off another self-proclaimed messiah, wasn’t going to do that, and insisted on fruitlessly waiting for reinforcements that arrived too late. Aboulela is strictly objective and takes no sides at all, and her descriptions make you feel like you’re right there in the thick of the action. This is probably going to be by far one of the best books I read this year.