If a dark and twisty stream of consciousness narrative in translation sounds like an intriguing read, Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat is perfect for you. Penned by the forefather of the Modernist movement in Iranian literature, this surrealist story blends Western influences, Iranian folklore, and psychology. In today’s episode, we discuss key themes and questions raised by Hedayat’s text (so. many. questions). Today’s pairings include a contemporary Iranian work in translation, a Persian fairy tale retelling, and a polarizing love-it-or-hate-it novel that is perfect for group discussions.

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Books Mentioned:

Girl Serpent Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust 

Earthlings by Sayaka Murata

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

Disoriental by Negar Djavadi

The Queue by Basma Abdel Aziz

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi