The Beaver

“The Beaver” is the fourth novel by Saudi novelist and poet Mohammed Hassan Alwan, published by Dar Al Saqi. It explores many aspects of life, exposing many of society’s flaws and pointing out its negative aspects. It tells the story of a young Saudi man living in a broken family, with a father who was dissatisfied with his behavior and a mother who abandoned him. He read from an early age. The hero recounts his life story and recollects it to free himself from the negative pressures and deep psychological pain that have accompanied him since childhood. Regarding the reason for choosing this title, the author says: “The beaver is a river animal found in regions of Europe and North America, and is famous for the dams it builds across rivers to protect its family… thus linking the morals of an animal to a southern family living in Riyadh.” He adds that his novel is classified as a social drama, far removed from sentimentality, and different from his other novels.