The novel "Dancers on the Embers" revolves around the life of a Libyan family living in a mountainous region in the city of Tarhuna in northern Libya. It delves into the family's struggle with supernatural forces, social challenges, and the tragedies they face.
The main character, Omar, starts the story with painful memories of his family, particularly his brother Bashir, who falls ill with a mysterious disease and becomes the center of attention for both the family and the local community. Bashir is a strong and courageous young man, but he experiences a series of crises, starting with his sudden collapse after a day of work on the farm. The villagers believe that he has been afflicted by an evil spirit or envy, prompting them to seek the help of religious scholars and healers.
The novel also highlights the tense relationships between family members and neighbors, addressing issues of love, jealousy, and envy among the characters. Salma, a character who has loved Bashir since childhood, suffers from rejection due to her appearance. The story takes a tragic turn when Muznah, Salma's mother, engages in acts of witchcraft and sorcery to exact revenge on Bashir and his family after he refuses to marry her daughter, leading to further tragedy and suffering for the family.
The novel explores various aspects of rural Libyan life, such as customs and traditions, and depicts the social and cultural conditions that govern the lives of the people in that region. It also addresses themes of magic and sorcery and their impact on the social and psychological dynamics of individuals.
In essence, "Dancers on the Embers" is a novel that portrays a blend of human tragedies, spiritual and social conflicts, and tells the story of a family struggling to survive in the face of a dark destiny dominated by supernatural forces and traditional societal norms.
