This study offers an in-depth exploration of the literary contributions of Yahya Amgasim, a distinguished Saudi novelist and journalist whose work has significantly enriched the contemporary Arabic literary landscape. Central to this inquiry is his acclaimed historical novel, The Crow’s Leg (Saq Al-Ghurab), a richly layered narrative set in the early 19th century during the period of the First Saudi State. Through this temporal and political setting, Amgasim constructs a compelling tableau that examines the intersection of identity, tradition, and social transformation within the confines of a small yet symbolically resonant village named Usayrah.
It, therefore, seeks to underscore Yahya Amgasim’s literary artistry and intellectual significance, examining how his work contributes to the broader discourse on nationhood, cultural memory, and gender politics in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it assesses his role in shaping a modern Saudi literary voice that is at once grounded in tradition and boldly forward-looking. Through this examination, Amgasim emerges as a pivotal figure in the evolution of Saudi literature—an author whose works challenge, preserve, and reimagine the narratives that define the region’s past and present.
Keywords: Golden Figures, literary influence, Saudi literary pioneers, Saudi historical novel, Saudi literature, The Crow’s Leg, Yahya Amgasim Sab’ai