Rahab Saleh's novel "Nostalgia": A psychological horror story with shocking endings
Author Rehab Saleh has released her latest novel, "Nostalgia," a significant addition to the Arabic horror genre. The novel blends gripping mystery, psychological suspense, and profound human conflicts. Through this work, Saleh transcends traditional thrillers, boldly delving into the labyrinth of the human psyche and the dark recesses of fear rarely explored in this way.
The context and development of horror literature
The publication of the novel "Nostalgia" comes at a time when the Arab cultural scene is witnessing a remarkable shift in its approach to horror and mystery literature. This genre is no longer merely tales of ghosts or the supernatural, as was prevalent in earlier periods, but has evolved into a sophisticated literary tool that explores complex psychological and social issues. Rehab Saleh's work falls within a modern wave of writing that seeks to blend magical realism with psychoanalysis, reflecting a maturity in the Arab narrative experience and its ability to keep pace with global trends that focus on "psychological horror" rather than relying on trite external effects.
The paradox of the title and the narrative structure
The author explained that the novel's title, "Nostalgia," was chosen to embody a fundamental and deliberate contradiction between the warmth of the emotions it evokes and the unexpected shadow of terror that hangs over the events. As the reader delves deeper into the pages, they discover that behind this tender title lie tales that exhaust the soul before the body. The novel's structure relies on a complex and innovative emotional framework, stemming from a collection of terrifying short stories featuring heroines all named "Nostalgia," generating dramatic and psychological conflicts that readers have described as a simultaneously chilling and deeply moving experience.
Between inner terror and realism
Rehab Saleh pointed out that the novel skillfully blends two types of fear: an internal terror stemming from stifled emotions and psychological repression, and an external terror that rears its head through the rapidly unfolding events and situations. She emphasized that some stories frighten us more through what we feel than what we see with the naked eye. Regarding the starting point of the events, the author explained that the novel is based on realistic roots that have been reshaped by imagination, leaving the reader in a constant state of confusion between reality and illusion. This approach, she noted, gives the work a human quality that resonates with the reader and makes the characters vivid archetypes in which the reader can see themselves.
Cultural impact and shocking endings
The author revealed widespread and positive reactions to the novel's unexpected endings and subtle messages, noting that readers lingered over the opening phrases of the chapters, which served as keys preparing hearts to delve into the heart of the story. Through its innovative narrative, "Nostalgia" affirms that true fear arises when deferred memories intertwine with terrifying situations, creating a unique reading experience that blends sadness, longing, and anger within an unprecedented dramatic framework. This work is expected to contribute to strengthening the position of psychological fiction in Arabic literature and attract a broad segment of young readers seeking content that combines literary enjoyment with intellectual depth.
