Muscat: UK-based Omani writer Laila Al Belucci launched Mirabella and the Pearl of Chulothe - the first book of the of the five-part fiction series at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel over the weekend.
"The stories that I was blessed to hear in my childhood days in Oman have instilled a myriad imagery at a very tender age," said the author after Sayeed Faisal Bin Turki Al Sayeed, COO of Brand Oman, formally launched the book.
The proceeds from the first day sale of the hard-bound book went to the Al Noor Society for the Blind.
"The scenes of Arabian deserts, the ensuing music of Oud and the characters described by the elders in the family have formed the story teller in me," Al Bellucci said.
"To write a story is much like a voyage of discovery," Sayeed in his opening speech.
"I understand that this book, Mirabella and the Pearl of Chulothe, is the first in a series (one book of which will be set in Oman), where young friends in order to succeed and survive must draw on their own strengths, on the quality of their friendship, their heritage and belief in themselves and each other. These are many of the traits that run through our culture," said the young COO of Brand Oman.
"We are very excited that books such as Laila Al Belluci's exist," Sayeed said. He believes that through this and other books by Omanis the world will know more about Oman and its rich traditions.
"I am so very proud of Laila and her book, its message of inclusivity and acceptance of all people and cultures is compelling and complements another fiction series we are working on called Serpentauria: Ark of Extinction," said Dennis M Lowery, CEO of Adducent Inc, Florida, the publishers of Mirabella.
He added that these two fiction series would have adventures that bring the main characters to Oman and through them he hopes to spread to others what he feels here — peace and hope.
"I cannot think of a finer setting for the words to come to life for the reader. Through our books and efforts we will promote a positive message and do our part to make our world better," he said.
