The Persians – Sanam Mahloudji

READ FOR WOMEN’S PRIZE

The story of an Iranian family, some of whom flee to the US during times of conflict, and some who stay. Five women from three generations of the Valiat family narrate their past and present as members of the Iranian elite who are discovering family secrets and trying to find their place in their new worlds.

We are born artists, us Persians, born dreamers. Even if we express it in high finance or dentistry.

RACHEL
● The Persians is a wild juxtaposition, combining the seriousness of Iranian political history and generational trauma with a satirical, absurd narrative voice. At first, I found this jarring. I think I expected a more typical immigrant-struggle narrative. Then Suzy referenced it as being like Housewives of Beverly Hills (or Tehrangeles) and that helped me loosen up and embrace the ride.

The characters are all super privileged, like spending-$30k-on-watches-and-then-throwing-them-in-the-snow rich. I didn’t ever connect with them, they were too entitled and shouty for my liking. What kept me going instead was the historical backdrop and the reflections on Persian identity, particularly for women. It is a fast-paced read with something new and dramatic happening every paragraph so it certainly wasn’t boring. – Rachel

SUZY
●  The juxtaposition of the character’s lives in both America and Iran was at times jarring, and I can only imagine the reality for immigrants who move between these two immense cultures that were each presented as flawed and challenging, with residents trying to make the best of things regardless of where they settled. 

I really enjoyed the layered, multi-generational storytelling and the debauched humour was much appreciated and often a welcome relief. 

Published 2024
Scribner
384 pages