Soldiers' Talk

Soldiers' Talk

Author	Ayman Otoom
Original title	حديث الجنود
Language	Arabic
Genre	Novel
Publisher	al-Mu'asasa al-Arabiah lil-Dirasat w al-Nashr
Publication date	February 25, 2014
Publication place	Jordan
Pages	472
ISBN	9786144199251

Hadith al-Jnoud (Arabic: حديث الجنود, lit. 'Soldiers' Talk') is a novel by Ayman Otoom, published in 2014. It describes the student demonstrations that occurred at Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan during the mid-1980s, particularly amidst the month of Ramadan in May 1986. These protests resulted in numerous casualties, injuries, and arrests, leaving a lasting impact on the collective memory of those involved. The narrative reflects the poignant recollections of the protest leader and his comrades, many of whom are still alive today. They entrusted their firsthand accounts of pain and fear to Otoom, recognizing his capability to convey their story. The novel faced censorship by the Jordanian Publications Department upon the arrival of its second edition from a private publishing house in Beirut. Ayman Otoom, the author, faced legal proceedings due to the ban imposed on the novel.

The protagonist, Ward, embodies the enduring trauma of those events, burdened by his role in leading the protests and haunted by memories that refuse to fade. The novel vividly transports readers to the streets of Irbid, immersing them in the tumultuous atmosphere of the demonstrations. Through Ward's perspective, readers witness the profound sacrifices made by individuals like Naima, whose unwavering loyalty to her deceased husband mirrors the steadfastness of those who fought for their beliefs. Ward's uncle emerges as a sage figure whose wisdom nourishes the flames of freedom in his nephew's soul, even as disillusionment threatens to extinguish them. Ward's companions on the revolutionary path represent a diverse spectrum of ideologies, yet they are united by a shared quest for justice and dignity. Their courage and resilience stand in stark contrast to the apathy of contemporary students, underscoring the depth of their commitment to principles and ideals.

Plot

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Yarmouk University in Jordan during the turbulent mid-1980s. The protagonist, Ward, finds himself thrust into a leadership role amidst student protests erupting during the month of Ramadan in May 1986. As tensions escalate between the student body and university authorities, Ward becomes a central figure in the struggle for freedom, justice, and dignity. Ward and his companions navigate the complexities of activism in a repressive environment. Ward's sense of responsibility weighs heavily on him as he grapples with the moral implications of his actions, questioning whether his leadership stems from a genuine desire for change or the mere circumstances of fate.

Amidst the chaos of the protests, Ward forms deep bonds with his fellow demonstrators, each representing a unique perspective and motivation for resistance. Naima, whose unwavering loyalty to her deceased husband mirrors the steadfastness of the protesters, emerges as a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. Ward's uncle, a source of wisdom and guidance, imparts invaluable lessons on the true meaning of freedom and sacrifice. Through his mentorship, Ward comes to understand the gravity of his role as a leader and the sacrifices demanded by the pursuit of justice.

In the climax of events depicted, the Jordanian security forces launch a decisive crackdown on the student protests at Yarmouk University in 1986. This pivotal moment marks the culmination of escalating tensions between the students and the authorities, as the demonstrations for freedom and justice reach a critical juncture. The storming of Yarmouk University by security forces represents a turning point in the narrative, as the protesters find themselves confronted with the full force of state repression. The harrowing scene unfolds amidst a backdrop of chaos and violence, as students face off against heavily armed security personnel in a desperate bid to defend their rights and ideals.

As the protests intensify and the authorities crackdown on dissent, Ward and his comrades find themselves facing increasingly dire circumstances. The novel delves into the psychological toll of activism, exploring themes of trauma, resilience, and the enduring power of hope in the face of oppression.

The novel vividly captures the visceral intensity of the confrontation, depicting the clashes between protesters and security forces with raw emotional honesty. As the situation spirals out of control, the characters are forced to confront the brutal realities of state oppression and the harsh consequences of their defiance. The storming of Yarmouk University serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those who dare to challenge injustice, as the students' struggle for freedom and dignity exacts a heavy toll on both their bodies and souls. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them, the protesters refuse to back down, their resolve strengthened by a shared commitment to their cause.

Ban in Jordan

The Jordanian authorities have prohibited the distribution and circulation of the second edition of Ayman Otoum's novel, 'The Soldiers’ Talk,' pending a judicial ruling from a specialized court handling publication cases. Amjad Al-Qadi, the Head of the Media Authority, clarified that while the Authority's Publications Department did not outright ban the novel, they did request the publisher to withhold distribution of the second edition until the judiciary addressed the alleged violations it contained. Al-Qadi explained that the department had not been provided with copies of the first edition, printed in Jordan in accordance with legal standards. Upon the arrival of the second edition from Beirut, distribution was halted pending the court's decision on identified infractions.

The judge referred to these infractions, whether concerning the depiction of events at Yarmouk University or perceived insults to security services, emphasizing that the matter now rests with the judiciary, subjecting all involved parties to its verdict. Ayman Al-Atoum, the novel's author, characterized the situation as a ban on a literary work, despite the first edition having sold out, effectively rendering the novel prohibited in Jordan. However, Al-Atoum suggested that circulation remains permissible in other Arab countries, as per his assessment.