I really loved this latest novel by Iranian novelist Salar Abdoh, who doubles as a Professor and Director of Undergraduate Creative Writing at the City College of New York. It tells the story of Issa, a man who has recently returned to Tehran from New York. Although he teaches in a language school, he seems to have a lot of time on his hands, which he spends with his friend Nasser, a fireman. Issa lost his mother while young, and his father and brother have both died since then, so he has very little family other than Aziz (his childhood nanny) and her daughter. When Issa introduces Nasser to one of his older brother's gay friends, it sets in motion a whole series of events that draw Issa in. He plays a central role in all of his friends lives, always trying to do the right thing, but he's challenged constantly by Iranian cultural taboos. This novel deals with homophobia, forced marriage, transgender rights, violence against women, and much more. I loved the writing, plot, and characters. No one is stereotyped, and it shows a true diversity in Iranian culture which is much more multifaceted than we see through the news.
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