Parinoush Saniee – författare

A powerful story of friendship and passion, fear and hope - and a rare insider''s view of Iranian society

Massoumeh is an ordinary girl, passionate about learning. On her way to school she meets a local man and falls in love - but when her family discover his letters they accuse her of bringing them into dishonour, beat her and hastily arrange a marriage to a man she''s never met.

The years that follow Massoumeh''s wedding prove transformative for Iran. Her husband Hamid is a political dissident and when the secret service arrest him, it is the start of a terrifying period for Massoumeh. Her fate, so long dictated by family loyalty and tradition, is now tied to the changing fortunes of her country.

''A powerful and personal look at Iranian society'' Grazia''Written with passion and anger from the inside, it''s a compelling account'' Independent on Sunday''Memorable and nuanced'' Guardian

The novel that became a huge bestseller in Iran, before it was banned by the government.

This is the story, based on fact, of a boy who couldn''t speak until the age of seven. Now twenty, he describes the events of his life.Four-year-old Shahaab has not started talking. The family doctor believes there is no cause for concern; nevertheless, Shahaab is ridiculed by others who call him ''dumb''. Young Shahaab doesn''t understand what the word means and thinks it is a compliment, until one day his cousin plays a trick on him to prove to everyone that the boy truly is the neighbourhood idiot.When his mother recounts the incident to her husband, Shahaab is crushed to learn that his father also thinks the boy''s speech impediment indicates that his son is an idiot and thus brings shame on the family. Shahaab soon recognizes that his father''s love and esteem is concentrated on his older brother, Arash, and his younger sister, Shadee. In his innocent and deeply hurt child''s mind, he begins to believe that the ''good'' and ''intelligent'' children like his older brother are their fathers'' sons. On the other hand, children like him who are ''clumsy'' and ''problematic'' are their mothers'' sons. From that moment on, his world, which he thought was filled with beauty and kindness, suddenly turns harsh, full of anger and insult. He begins to lash out, taking childish revenge on those around him, encouraged by his two imaginary friends, Esi and Bibi.No one in the family can understand Shahaab''s wild behaviour except his maternal grandmother, who seems to possess the understanding and the kindness he so desperately craves. Their growing bond leads to a deep friendship in which Shahaab is able to experience some happiness and finally find his voice.