Customer Reviews

King of the Benighted

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This is not an easy book to read, but you will be glad you took the time to do so. You will be challenged if the kind of world depicted in it is unfamiliar to you - that is, if you come from the sheltered West. The introduction and translator's after word provide some useful context for the chilling story which unfolds. Footnotes provide interesting anecdotes, descriptions of historical and political events and dates, as well as detailed references about the many Persian poetic works to which the narrator refers. I learned a lot about Iran's history and the importance of the poetic (both written and experienced) for surviving the horrors humans can inflict on one another.

The writing is restrained, and somewhat controlled - but maybe that is the effect of translation. I hankered for some deeper sentiments, but realised on finishing that it was within myself that the deep emotions were successfully aroused. The Iran which is made real and beautiful and eternal by its people, as much as by its writers and poets - rather than the Iran which is characterised by its current government - is so worth the glimpse this astonishing little book provides the Western reader.

this novella is excellent!

part of the beauty of "king of the benighted" is that the writer juxtaposes classic persian poetry next to a writer's life in modern day iran. the metaphors and poetic references lend the reader a unique perspective on personal hope within a seemingly hopeless environment. it will also inspire you to check out the poets/writers the author references!

let me end with this poem (highlighted in the novella), as to not give away too much:

"merrily live with the ebony-eyed beauties, merrily,

for the world is no more than a tale and a wind.

saddened about the present we must not be,

recollections of the past we must not brave.

alas, the world is a mere wind and a cloud;

bring forth the wine, and carefree be."

~rudaki (b.850-860 and d.940)

This book on chapter one embarked on ancient Iran fairy tail history. Chapter two, author without any kind of prepartion took a journy in 60s, 70s, and 80s political turmoil in Iran. The story lacked introduction, body, climax and proper conclusion. The characters were not fully developed and there was no real story line. For example, author wrote about Samrad, who would do coup de grace and at the same time, he was a political prisoner. Samrad fate was unkown.

Mr. MILANI trasnlated word "peykar" as beautiful. However, "payker" means war in Persian language.

All in all, this book lacked proper story telling structure.

Please be advise that this comment is meant to be constructive critism and there is no personal hate against Dr. Milani, as a matter of fact, I do not know him whatsoever, for further reading kindly read the comment section.

Thank you.

Doroud va sepas faravon