From one of Iran’s most acclaimed and controversial contemporary writers, his first novel to appear in English—a dazzlingly inventive work of fiction that opens a revelatory window onto what it’s like to live, to love, and to be an artist in today’s Iran. The novel entwines two equally powerful narratives. A writer named Shahriar—the author’s fictional alter ego—has struggled for years against the all-powerful censor at the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. Now, on the threshold of fifty, tired of writing dark and bitter stories, he has come to realize that the “world around us has enough death and destruction and sorrow.” He sets out instead to write a bewitching love story, one set in present-day Iran. It may be his greatest challenge yet. Beautiful black-haired Sara and fiercely proud Dara fall in love in the dusty stacks of the library, where they pass secret messages to each other encoded in the pages of their favorite books. But Iran’s Campaign Against Social Corruption forbids their being alone together. Defying the state and their disapproving parents, they meet in secret amid the bustling streets, Internet cafés, and lush private gardens of Tehran. Yet writing freely of Sara and Dara’s encounters, their desires, would put Shahriar in as much peril as his lovers. Thus we read not just the scenes Shahriar has written but also the sentences and words he’s crossed out or merely imagined, knowing they can never be published. Laced with surprising humor and irony, at once provocative and deeply moving, Censoring an Iranian Love Story takes us unforgettably to the heart of one of the world’s most alluring yet least understood cultures. It is an ingenious, wholly original novel—a literary tour de force that is a triumph of art and spirit.
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"This was quite the book! I admit I was completely taken by the entire concept of being forced to speak of intimate things entirely in metaphor. I am certain that the Iranian poets and authors have to stretch further to get their messages across. As an author, myself, I enjoyed the author's conversations with himself about his lack of control over his characters. I am grateful to my friend Milan for bringing this book to my attention!"
— GateGypsy (4 out of 5 stars)
" Interesting. and strange. Writing as if your novel will be censored which means both avoiding being censored and giving the censors something to censor while maintaining your story. So many layers upon which to read, or listen, to a story! Ultimately, it didn't go anywhere for me (didn't like the ending so much) but the challenge was incredibly interesting in and of itself. "
— Kani, 12/16/2013" Could not finish - Dude, you are no Italo Calvino - GET OVER IT AND STOP TRYING. "
— marg, 11/27/2013" Loved every page of it. Has more than one story, and each story has a different metaphoric meaning. "
— Shahad, 10/4/2013" Excellent read. Poignant, funny, enduring and titillating all at the same time. Picturesque writing. "
— Deepa, 9/28/2013" a wonderful yet melancholy tale of love in a hard place. magical and surreal, yet very grounded in the harsh realities of this world. "
— Aisha, 9/5/2013" This is a beautifully crafted and written book, by far my favorite of the previous year. It feels very smart and literary, but doesn't beat you over the head with it. It's not abstract in any way, and feel fresh and moves well. I really really loved it and would recommend it to anyone. "
— Lindsey, 3/10/2013" It reminded me of Flann O'Brien, with stories within stories. For me it was an engrossing read. "
— Clare, 7/26/2011" This book is beautiful and I learned a lot about censorship in Iran. "
— Jane, 5/26/2011" One of the most interesting books I've read in a while. Loved how the author's attempts to explain what he couldn't write (for fear of being censored) helped unravel his story. Might need another go at this book to appreciate all the intricacies of his characters and their actions. "
— Karen, 4/16/2011" This is a beautiful book that transports you to a forbidden world, a censored world. The freedom we take for granted are heightened and exposed. The luxury of love... "
— Ashlie, 2/14/2011" A bit difficult, but worth it. This book is an excellent viewpoint on the problems of censorship in modern-day Iran, but it doesn't lose the art of the novel by becoming overly politicized. A beautiful story that everyone should read. "
— Valarie, 10/20/2010" The 'love story' itself was just okay, but the parallel story about writing a story with the tidbits about life in Iran were fascinating. "
— Janice, 10/5/2010Sunil Malhotra is an actor and voice artist. His film credits include Dude, Where’s the Party?, Call Center, 24, ER, Cold Case, and The West Wing. On stage, he has performed on Broadway and at East West Players. He has also worked as a writer, producer, and director, and his audiobook narrations have won three AudioFile Earphones Awards.