Under the guise of writing a love story in present day Iran, the author produces a metafictional satire on the immense difficulties confronted by artists living under repressive regimes. Referencing western and Arabian literature, he highlights how a culture condemns artistic masterpieces as great evils. There's humour, history, magic realism and of course a sad ending, because it is really a story about the love the author feels for his country, in which he finds it impossible to live. Highly recommended.
(Denise Lewis - bwl 82 Autumn 2016 ) |
