"Alizadeh’s nuanced and detailed narrative maps out the unexpected fates of individual lives against the backdrop of historical events. In a finely wrought, new translation by Ghanoonparvar, The House of Edrisis will resonate with readers across the globe as history so often repeats itself."—Rabeah Ghaffari, author of To Keep the Sun Alive
"Alizadeh is a remarkable writer whose works are now receiving more critical attention among scholars, students, and critics of Persian literature."—Nasrin Rahimieh, UC Irvine
"The English translation of Alizadeh’s The House of Edrisis stands as a testament to the brilliance of Persian literature, particularly within the modernist movement. This novel, a major work of Persian literary achievement, now opens its doors to a broader audience through a masterful translation by Ghanoonparvar."—M. Mehdi Khorrami, author of Literary Subterfuge and Contemporary Persian Fiction
Description
Celebrated Iranian novelist Ghazeleh Alizadeh’s The House of the Edrisis is a novel deeply rooted in historical and cultural significance inviting readers into a world of revolution, power, and societal transformation. The story revolves around a once-affluent aristocratic family and their majestic house, a decaying and melancholy backdrop for the unfolding drama among a colorful cast of disgraced family members and disillusioned revolutionaries.
Set in Central Asia, Alizadeh’s story cleverly parallels the Islamic Revolution in Iran and offers an intimate portrait of both young ideologues-turned-tyrants and jaded women whose hope for change slowly fades. With a sardonic tone and elements of black comedy and farce, The House of the Edrisis offers an engrossing reflection on a turbulent history and the enduring spirit of men and women living through it.
About the Author
Ghazaleh Alizadeh (1947–1996) was an Iranian poet, novelist, and short story writer. The House of the Edrisis was awarded a prize for the best novel of “Twenty Years of Fiction Writing” by Iran’s Ministry of Islamic Culture and Guidance in 1999. Her short stories include “The Crossroad,” “After Summer,” and “The In-transitory Journal.”
M. R. Ghanoonparvar is professor emeritus of Persian and comparative literature at the University of Texas at Austin. He has published widely on Persian literature and culture in both English and Persian. He is the translator of In the Alley of the Friend: On the Poetry of Hafez.
October 2024