TALE OF A RACONTEUR

Fatima Bastaki/DTNN

fatima@dt.bh

The family members were adept in spinning yarns, especially the grandparents. Naturally, their delicate talent in narrating tales has influenced 

Noor Al Noaimi. Her grandparents had amazing stories, folktales and tales of their youth to tell. Later, this led her to develop a passion for literature and history. Obviously, she became a bibliophile.. 

During her undergraduate studies, Al Noaimi majored in both Interior Design and Marketing at New York Institute of Technology in Bahrain. But she realised her passion for essay writing as it rekindled her passion for writing once again.

 After graduating and working in a series of jobs, she decided to call it a day from the mundane office job. 

The Pearl Thief

With her first published book coming out this year, Bahraini author Noor Al Noaimi has written a fictional account of one man’s quest to escape poverty by joining the ranks of peal divers risking their lives in search of the elusive Bahraini pearl.

She is currently working at a nascent publication in Bahrain. Al Noaimi is also a member of the Bahrain Writer’s Circle as well as a regular contributor to many local and international magazines.

 “The Pearl Thief did not take long to write. It is a short story. However, I did need to do my research, which took more time than the actual writing. My research was done through some of the people I’ve talked to and reading through essays about the era. Once I had the entire material ready, the writing flowed easily soon after,” she explains.

 Elaborating on what inspired her to write about this particular story, Al Noaimi says, “I’m passionate about history and historical fiction is my favourite. What better way to break into the genre than writing about your own country?”

“I’ve always thought pearl divers were fierce, especially in an era with so little equipment. I enjoy the image of Bahrain, raw with its people, the culture and the simplicity. Through “The Pearl Thief,” I became one with my characters, the streets, the shades of palm trees,” Al Noaimi says. “It was a need to translate those images into words. I enjoyed writing about the pearl diving voyage, the image of the sea, the masts and the sailors working under the hot sun.”

Passion for writing

On the subject of writing, she expressed its utmost significance to her. “Writing started out as an escape. I’ve used journals to scribble about my day-to-day musings, until I found more interest in writing about people, and those turned into stories,” Al Noaimi reveals. 

“To other writers, I’d say try to read as many books as you can as it is the first thing you need to do if you desire to write. Branch out of your favourite genre, and don’t be afraid of the seclusion writing gives you,” she adds.

 Today at 12 pm in Words Bookstore Cafe in Budaiya, Noor Al Noaimi is welcoming everyone to the book signing of her first published book along with a brief reading, lively conversations and treats. Noor is also looking forward to getting her
book published by a mainstream publisher.