“Mama Hissa’s Mice,” a novel by Saud Alsanousi, is a poignant exploration of friendship, identity, and the impact of sectarian violence. The story unfolds in Kuwait over 30 years, weaving together two narrative threads. The first follows the protagonist, Katkout, as he navigates a Kuwait torn apart by sectarian strife, while the second thread is a novel within the novel, detailing Katkout’s life from childhood.

The book is rich in cultural and historical information, painting a vivid picture of Kuwaiti society and the long-term consequences of the Iraqi occupation. Alsanousi’s language is lauded for being clear and accessible, while the novel’s dense plot and multifaceted characters bring depth to the story. However, some reviewers point out that the prose is inconsistent and the characters are undeveloped. Readers unfamiliar with Arab politics and culture may be confused by the timeline’s frequent alterations.

The mice in Saud Alsanousi’s novel “Mama Hissa’s Mice” have a strong allegorical meaning. They reflect the seemingly unimportant elements that, if neglected, can lead to a society’s destruction. In the novel’s backdrop, the mice might be seen as a metaphor for Kuwaiti society’s underlying tensions and unresolved difficulties, which, if left uncontrolled, have the potential to inflict widespread damage and division. The story depicts a dystopian picture of Kuwait, where decades of sectarian hate, governmental instability, and the fallout from the Gulf War have debilitated the country, resulting in civil war and chaos1. In this perspective, the mice represent little grievances and biases that amass over time until bursting into violence and war

“Mama Hissa’s Mice” is a cautionary tale about the risks of permitting such mice—small seeds of hatred and intolerance—to spread. It underlines the need for tolerance, understanding, and togetherness in averting a self-inflicted catastrophe. The novel is a contemporary and significant work, especially in light of global policies and feelings that have resulted in increased intolerance and insensitivity. In essence, the mice are more than simply narrative characters; they are a strong allegory for the societal issues that might lead to a country’s self-destruction if not addressed with knowledge and compassion.

Despite these criticisms, “Mama Hissa’s Mice” is seen as a cautionary tale, demonstrating the risks of unbridled sectarianism and the value of tolerance and unity. It’s a gripping book that serves as a sharp warning about the dangers of separation and intolerance, pushing readers to look past their differences and find common ground.

By Swapna Peri