The Age of Orphans by Laleh Khadivi

The Age of Orphans

Laleh Khadivi

The poetic language used in this book is something of an antidote to the violence and turmoil surrounding the life of its main character. It tells of the psychological damage to a young Kurd boy who after witnessing the death of his father at the hands of the Shah’s army struggles to find his identity. I probably wouldn't take this one on holiday but if you’re interested in the history of Iran and its people give it a go.

Extract
No longer allowed his morning jumps from the roof, the
boy perches, bird like and still, on the highest hill in a constant
survey of the continuous sky and Mesopotamian flats and
the horizon where they meet. He knows nothing of battle and
passes the morning hours imagining the oncoming cavalcade
of horses that breathe fire and smoke, his strong scream of warning,
the shoulders that will hoist him up to celebrate his bravery
and sharp eyes.

Parallels
  • The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai
  • The New Life by Orhan Pamuk
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Violence
Explicit sexual content