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The Septembers Of Shiraz

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007

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Book Brief

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Dalia Sofer

The Septembers Of Shiraz

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007
Book Details
Pages

340

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Tehran, Iran • 1980s

Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer follows the Amin family, a wealthy Jewish family in Tehran, who face persecution after the Iranian Revolution. Isaac Amin, a jeweler, is imprisoned by the Revolutionary Guards, forcing his wife Farnaz to navigate a tumultuous and dangerous environment to secure his release, while their children Parviz and Shirin each encounter their own challenges amidst the political upheaval. The novel contains graphic descriptions of torture and frequent anti-Semitic slurs.

Mysterious

Dark

Challenging

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.0

9,326 ratings

69%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Dalia Sofer's The Septembers of Shiraz offers a haunting portrayal of post-revolutionary Iran, rich with emotional depth and cultural detail. Critics praise its well-drawn characters and evocative prose, though some find the plot slow at times. Overall, it's an insightful and compelling narrative that resonates deeply with readers, despite occasional pacing issues.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Septembers Of Shiraz?

Readers who appreciate stories of family resilience amidst political upheaval will enjoy The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer. Fans of The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi will be drawn to its poignant, introspective portrayal of life during Iran's 1979 revolution.

4.0

9,326 ratings

69%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Isaac Amin

The 58-year-old protagonist of the novel around whom other characters revolve. He is a father, husband, and boss, whose time in prison leads to profound personal reflections and changes.

Isaac’s wife, dedicated to her family, with a passion for art and luxury. She undergoes a transformation in strength and resilience following Isaac's imprisonment.

Isaac and Farnaz’s 20-year-old son, studying architecture in New York. He deals with loneliness, his Jewish identity, and the impact of his family's changing status in Tehran.

The nine-year-old daughter of Isaac and Farnaz, sensitive and imaginative. She faces the harsh realities of the Revolution and matures rapidly as a result.

The Amins’ housekeeper and a significant figure in the narrative. Her role evolves from a resentful bystander to a supportive ally amidst the Revolution’s upheaval.

Book Details
Pages

340

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Tehran, Iran • 1980s

Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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