The Puppet (novel)

The Puppet follows upon the rise, flourishing, and demise of a Saharan oasis community, and revolves around betrayals and revenge inspired by gold lusts and ancient love affairs.

Aghulli, the chosen leader of the oasis, a noble and obtuse man, chases after the traditional nomadic pastoralist life of the Tuareg. He sees commerce, as in trading gold, marriage, or agriculture, as the culprit in the loss of the nomadic ethos. Later on, he is devastated to know that his supporters are trading gold.

Through this plot, the author illustrates the effects of capitalism and modernism on the Tuareg people.

He describes how chasing gold "went against" the traditions, according to Aghulli. Yet based on what his enemies see, "he is just too attached to his inherited beliefs"; they also see that he only proves to be "thinking backwards and not actually conservative making him unsuitable for his role". However, at the same time, Aghulli tends to prove that "he is not a puppet within the hands of stronger traders who are considered to own power".

Throughout the novel, several themes can be observed; including Sufi themes where star-crossed young lovers experiencing a possibility of transforming carnal into mystical love.

"My master thinks well of creatures. But my master should beware, because such elevated opinions are deadly.

Deadly?

What matters to me is warning you.

I would feel embarrassed walking among the people surrounded by bodyguards.

Life is a gift more precious than specious shame, master.

Do you think the danger is this severe?

Life is a gift more precious than specious shame, master.

While he traversed the eastern alleys that ran parallel to the blacksmiths market, the man was beside him. But when the alleys ended at the temple plaza, he found that his companion had disappeared, as if the alleys shadows, which had spat him out, had returned to swallow him".

Ismaeel Al Saberi says in a research that a usage of symbolism can be observed in the novel; symbolisms within the she-jinn, the scarecrow, and the title itself. As he wanted to depict the meanings of myths, bewitchments, and the idea of being a puppet within the hands of people who own power.

Moreover, Manal Abu Shuereb states in her study that the title, "The Puppet" contains within its meaning a hidden evidence as to what Kuni wanted to narrate in the story, considering the fact that a puppet is just an object with no soul. . " ()." (2019).