Rationale for Zahira's Paradise

Zahra’s Paradise provides a rich portrait of one Iranian family as they struggle to discover the fate of a family member who participated in Iran’s Green Revolution. Less than two years ago, before the Arab Spring swept through the Middle East, millions of Iranians took to the streets to protest what was largely perceived as the fraudulent reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. This work not only documents the very real repercussions of participating in that historical event, but also captures the complexities of modern Iranian society. In this way, the narrative is multilayered and fluidly intertwines the many voices, both past and present, of modern Iran. By capturing these different perspectives, the creators of Zahara’s Paradise offer Western readers an authentic glimpse into an often misunderstood society, its ancient heritage, and unique culture. The novel opens with a foreboding prologue, a meditation that provides readers with a visceral awareness of the cruelty Iranians, especially young Iranians, have been subjected to by their government. This tone remains constant throughout the work, a dark shadow that clouds any sense of hope or redemption. Each chapter of this dark political tal