The novel, as an epic genre, stands out for its extensive formal

and temporal scope, its capacity to reflect social and philosophical

reality artistically, and its potential to address global themes through

literary expression. This universality allows it to be considered a

“literary chronicle of humanity.” The present article offers a

comparative-typological analysis of the novel “Paradise” by African

writer Abdulrazak Gurnah. The study examines the narrative

structure, system of characters, and their genealogical features within

the framework of literary theory.

The life story of the protagonist, Yusuf—a journey filled with

trials and adventures—is compared to the narrative of the Surah

“Yusuf” in the Holy Qurʼan. Commonalities and differences between

the religious text and the literary work are explored. The image of

twelve-year-old Yusuf, sold into slavery to a wealthy merchant due

to his parentsʼ debts, and the events that follow are analyzed in light

of religious interpretations using a comparative-typological method.

The article also addresses the theoretical challenges of

thematizing novels and offers reflections on the thematic direction of

“Paradise”, its social and spiritual dimensions, and their connection

to the essential characteristics of the novel as a genre.