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Zulaikha
In the winter of 2007, returning home from visiting her son in Amsterdam, Zulaikha accidentally runs into Kia, a family friend she hasn’t seen for many years. Kia’s father has passed away and he is flying home to attend his funeral. In a shocking twist, Zulaikha suspects that Kia may have had information about Zulaikha’s missing brother, Hessam, who disappeared shortly following the murder of their mutual friend, Abbass, during the Iran–Iraq War.
When the flight is suddenly cancelled, Zulaikha is taken into custody and questioned about her relationship with Kia by the European airport security. A day later, in Tehran, the Iranian authorities have their own agenda for intimidating her.
A tense thriller explores the impacts of war and oppression through a sprawling, tender, imperfect love story, scored with the notes of the Arabic and Persian music and poetry that grace so many Middle Eastern lives.
This sweeping novel explores many timely topics, including oppression, gender, class, race, and interracial marriage. It also sheds light on the tumultuous history of Iran from a new perspective. The novel reveals a forty-year period of upheaval in Iran, specifically in Zulaikha’s home, Khuzestan province, which boasts the bulk of Iran’s oil reserves—a place of intense tension between Iran and the U.S. still today.
When the flight is suddenly cancelled, Zulaikha is taken into custody and questioned about her relationship with Kia by the European airport security. A day later, in Tehran, the Iranian authorities have their own agenda for intimidating her.
A tense thriller explores the impacts of war and oppression through a sprawling, tender, imperfect love story, scored with the notes of the Arabic and Persian music and poetry that grace so many Middle Eastern lives.
This sweeping novel explores many timely topics, including oppression, gender, class, race, and interracial marriage. It also sheds light on the tumultuous history of Iran from a new perspective. The novel reveals a forty-year period of upheaval in Iran, specifically in Zulaikha’s home, Khuzestan province, which boasts the bulk of Iran’s oil reserves—a place of intense tension between Iran and the U.S. still today.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
332 pages, Paperback
Published November 9, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 27, 2024
In a Nutshell: The story of an Iranian woman and her life in her motherland, beginning from 1958. Covers a lot of Iranian history as well as the struggles of women in the patriarchal society. Drags a bit in the final section, but overall, an insightful OwnVoices read.
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Plot Preview:
The blend of contemporary and historical works well in this literary novel focussed on an ordinary Iranian woman. Through her eyes, we get to see the patriarchal and religious dominance in Iran as well as the historical upheavals that the country has faced since decades, be it the Iranian Revolution of the late 1970s, Reza Pehlavi’s monarchy being overthrown by the theocracy of Ayatollah Khomeini, the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, and the aftermath of all these events.
Reading this book actually feels like you are transported to Iran. It imbues the culture and the beliefs of the region into the plot with just as much vigour as it incorporates the negative aspects such as the misogyny and the post-revolution fallout.
The writing never gets historically intensive, so the story stays mostly accessible even to those who might not know of these events and places in detail. Moreover, the content never feels gruesome, though there are several intense moments. The writing stays focussed on the characters than on the historical chaos, thereby sheltering the reader from directly traumatic incidents. However, as someone who relishes Asian history, I would have liked a little more detail about the reasons behind the facts as well. There is a brief introductory note at the start about Khuzestan’s history, but I’d have liked this content to be blended into the novel as well.
Zulaikha makes for an interesting titular character. As that stunning cover indicates, her life undergoes many vicissitudes because of her family, her partners, and also because of the socio-political alterations in the region. While I appreciated her grit, I liked her greys even more. Despite being a young Muslim character in a conservative society, Zulaikha isn’t portrayed as a naïve girl who loses her way after being kicked around by life. Rather, she is strong and independent to the extent possible in her circumstances, and doesn’t hesitate to know her needs: material, emotional, or physical. Thus, she makes for a complex lead character.
There are many other characters in the story, some of whom are as layered. But as we get the story mainly through Zulaikha’s perspective, some of these characters become known to us only to a limited extent, making them feel flat.
The main themes in this book are exactly as you would expect from that premise, though the author also tries to incorporate the intricacies of human relationships in various forms – parental, spousal, sibling, friend. The story brings out well the importance of having a survival instinct when you can’t control the events around you.
The pacing of the book is quite fast for most of the way. The writing makes great use of the setting without bogging us down in needless descriptive prose. It is only in the final quarter that the story drags much, probably because we need to feel as frustrated as Zulaikha does with her situation.
The author seems to have a fondness for poetry, and hence, there are many characters who spout poems at apt moments. Most of these verses are by noted Iranian poet and artist Sohrab Sepehri, so those who enjoy poetry will relish these interludes. However, as my friends know, my poetic bone is non-existent, so after a point, I just skipped these poems.
The ending didn’t satisfy me as much as I had expected as it felt a little abrupt. While it does offer a realistic closure to Zulaikha’s arc, I was hoping for a more settled conclusion. In addition, there should have been a little more clarity during scene transitions. There are some scenes with random perspective jumps and extended conversations without clear indicators of the speaker. These hinder the reading tempo and comprehension. Also, I wish some of the male characters had distinct names. Keeping Abu, Abbass, Assef, and Abdul straight was tricky, though the names are culturally familiar to me.
That said, there is a detailed list of character names at the start, and also a helpful glossary of Farsi words. I love it when such add-ons are placed at the start. If they are at the end, we don't even realise their presence until we complete the book.
All in all, I liked this indie novel a lot, for its lead character as well as its historical complexities. Despite some areas where it could have worked better, it is still a laudable debut work, highlighting a region and a time that barely finds mention in mainstream fiction.
Recommended to fans of historical fiction and Middle-East fiction.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to River Street Writing for a complimentary copy of “Zulaikha”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
In 2007, while returning to Tehran after visiting her son Sohrab in Amsterdam, Zulaikha runs into Kia, an old friend she hasn’t seen in almost forty years. Kia is also flying back to Tehran for the funeral of his father. This chance encounter spawns some unexpected events. At the airport itself, Zulaikha is taken into custody for being questioned about her relationship with Kia. Once she is allowed to go and she reaches Tehran, the Iranian authorities also harass her.
The story then moves to 1958, where thirteen-year-old Zulaikha, residing in Khuzestan in Southern Iran, has just been informed that she cannot continue her studies as educated girls have no future. How the young girl navigates her life across the challenges that come her way, what events lead to her being questioned at the two airports in 2007, and what happens next comprises the rest of the story.
The story comes to us in Zulaikha’s limited third person perspective.
The blend of contemporary and historical works well in this literary novel focussed on an ordinary Iranian woman. Through her eyes, we get to see the patriarchal and religious dominance in Iran as well as the historical upheavals that the country has faced since decades, be it the Iranian Revolution of the late 1970s, Reza Pehlavi’s monarchy being overthrown by the theocracy of Ayatollah Khomeini, the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, and the aftermath of all these events.
Reading this book actually feels like you are transported to Iran. It imbues the culture and the beliefs of the region into the plot with just as much vigour as it incorporates the negative aspects such as the misogyny and the post-revolution fallout.
The writing never gets historically intensive, so the story stays mostly accessible even to those who might not know of these events and places in detail. Moreover, the content never feels gruesome, though there are several intense moments. The writing stays focussed on the characters than on the historical chaos, thereby sheltering the reader from directly traumatic incidents. However, as someone who relishes Asian history, I would have liked a little more detail about the reasons behind the facts as well. There is a brief introductory note at the start about Khuzestan’s history, but I’d have liked this content to be blended into the novel as well.
Zulaikha makes for an interesting titular character. As that stunning cover indicates, her life undergoes many vicissitudes because of her family, her partners, and also because of the socio-political alterations in the region. While I appreciated her grit, I liked her greys even more. Despite being a young Muslim character in a conservative society, Zulaikha isn’t portrayed as a naïve girl who loses her way after being kicked around by life. Rather, she is strong and independent to the extent possible in her circumstances, and doesn’t hesitate to know her needs: material, emotional, or physical. Thus, she makes for a complex lead character.
There are many other characters in the story, some of whom are as layered. But as we get the story mainly through Zulaikha’s perspective, some of these characters become known to us only to a limited extent, making them feel flat.
The main themes in this book are exactly as you would expect from that premise, though the author also tries to incorporate the intricacies of human relationships in various forms – parental, spousal, sibling, friend. The story brings out well the importance of having a survival instinct when you can’t control the events around you.
The pacing of the book is quite fast for most of the way. The writing makes great use of the setting without bogging us down in needless descriptive prose. It is only in the final quarter that the story drags much, probably because we need to feel as frustrated as Zulaikha does with her situation.
The author seems to have a fondness for poetry, and hence, there are many characters who spout poems at apt moments. Most of these verses are by noted Iranian poet and artist Sohrab Sepehri, so those who enjoy poetry will relish these interludes. However, as my friends know, my poetic bone is non-existent, so after a point, I just skipped these poems.
The ending didn’t satisfy me as much as I had expected as it felt a little abrupt. While it does offer a realistic closure to Zulaikha’s arc, I was hoping for a more settled conclusion. In addition, there should have been a little more clarity during scene transitions. There are some scenes with random perspective jumps and extended conversations without clear indicators of the speaker. These hinder the reading tempo and comprehension. Also, I wish some of the male characters had distinct names. Keeping Abu, Abbass, Assef, and Abdul straight was tricky, though the names are culturally familiar to me.
That said, there is a detailed list of character names at the start, and also a helpful glossary of Farsi words. I love it when such add-ons are placed at the start. If they are at the end, we don't even realise their presence until we complete the book.
All in all, I liked this indie novel a lot, for its lead character as well as its historical complexities. Despite some areas where it could have worked better, it is still a laudable debut work, highlighting a region and a time that barely finds mention in mainstream fiction.
Recommended to fans of historical fiction and Middle-East fiction.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to River Street Writing for a complimentary copy of “Zulaikha”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
August 24, 2023
Beautifully written, weaving past and present, 'Zulaikha' is a tense and touching novel you won't soon forget. An ambitious debut from a talented new voice.
August 14, 2024
3.5 maybe even 4. Good book that us North Americans probably cannot relate to or even imagine a life in war torn countries
October 17, 2024
This is a heartbreaking, beautiful, tense, powerful book. I advise against reading it on the bus-- you will miss your stop.
June 3, 2025
When we first meet Zulaikha, she has returned from the Netherlands after visiting her son for three months. After meeting a man from her past at the airport, her flight is mysteriously cancelled and upon her eventual return to Tehran, she is immediately stopped and held for questioning.
From the 1950s to 2010, Zulaikha – both the book and its protagonist – takes on a journey of loss, family conflict, the Iran Iraq war in the 1980s, and the subsequent and persistent cultural and religious conflicts. Zulaikha lives through an arranged marriage, a forced abortion, a marriage to a man who insists on running away, and the loss of two brothers, one a physical loss the other an emotional one. All the while struggling to find herself amidst outside expectations and arbitrary rules. At its heart, Zulaikha is a love story, a love for family and a love for Iran.
From the 1950s to 2010, Zulaikha – both the book and its protagonist – takes on a journey of loss, family conflict, the Iran Iraq war in the 1980s, and the subsequent and persistent cultural and religious conflicts. Zulaikha lives through an arranged marriage, a forced abortion, a marriage to a man who insists on running away, and the loss of two brothers, one a physical loss the other an emotional one. All the while struggling to find herself amidst outside expectations and arbitrary rules. At its heart, Zulaikha is a love story, a love for family and a love for Iran.
March 8, 2024
A story about revolution and survival. It’s not about the sides in the wars so much as it is about the people and how they respond and move forward with their lives, particularly Zulaikha, who we travel with as she makes a life for herself.
May 13, 2026
Finally! Iranian historical fiction I can recommend!
A relatively obscure book club read that was already on my TBR, I’m so glad I got to read and discuss it with others. This novel spans several decades, treating its main location, Abadan, like a character, and that is REFRESHING because this part of Iran does not get enough airtime!
Historically, the province of Khuzestan is significant because it borders Iraq, which famously launched a ground invasion led by Saddam Hussein in the 1980s. Towns and cities like Abadan were invaded, occupied and destroyed. Khuzestan is also where, 70 years earlier, the British discovered rich oil reserves. There, they established a colonial settlement to exploit Iranian oil for profit.
Zulaikha’s story begins in the 1950s, and continues on until 2008. We follow her journey through time and space, negotiating relationships with key people who impact her life in significant ways, often in response to the political context around them.
Despite the harsh war-zones and politically tense environments being inhabited by our characters, I appreciated how Soltani abstains from presenting polemic stances or political heavy-handedness. Instead, she imbues the novel with a softness and a delicacy that never tries to manipulate the reader to take a “position” on anything or anyone.
One way she does it is through feminine positionality and perspective, none of which is neat or tidy. Take Madineh: a complex character with many flaws, but as soon as you start to consider her a possible villain, she eludes the title by a brilliant act of wisdom. Or Aliah, the strong first wife that befriends and protects her sister-wife fiercely, despite privately dealing with her own jealousy.
Another example of the softness is the lyricism. While the novel does not explore much interiority, we get glimpses. Zulaikha has a special relationship with the song, Esmaony (“Listen to me”), which soundtracks several key moments of her life. Chapters begin with translations of Persian poems that speak to the complexities of each moment. You’re not told how to feel. But feel you will!
The standout scene for me is when Zulaikha sings Esmaony in Dr Matlab’s presence. An agent of the guard that represents repression and shame on women’s singing, is drawn into the beauty of the song. Enticed and impressed by her beautiful voice and command of Arabic, the guard expresses appreciation, but quickly ruins the moment by making it about the Quran.
It’s a reductive view of the Arabic language that we are used to seeing among Iranians. Except that we tend to see it among a certain genre of Persian-supremacy nationalists. Here, the ignorance is switched around, placing an amazing mirror on the Iranian reader that may still, to this day, pair their disdain of the Islamic Republic with anti-Arab sentiment. I love the idea of flipping that absurdity.
Arab Iranians exist! And they live in Khuzestan. We meet them and other Arabs living short distances away in Iran and from across the Persian Gulf in this novel. It might sound corny to say, but the precarious concept of “borders” between Iran and its Arab neighbours is shaken, and we start to feel more rooted in cities as holders of local culture, more so than countries. By my reading, Tehran - a colder city by the Alborz mountains - feels more foreign to Zulaikha than the much closer and warmer Manama.
Historical fiction can be well-written and gripping, but not always convincing to a person that knows that place and its history. A lot of the events of this novel, from the 1979 revolution to the Rex Cinema fire are all meticulously mapped and grounded historically and geographically, which makes this a good read from an educational perspective, too.
Overall, this is an ambitious project set in an underserved location that is told simply yet with a truckload of heart. I’d recommend it to readers of historical fiction, anyone interested in Khuzestan, and fans of complex female characters.
A relatively obscure book club read that was already on my TBR, I’m so glad I got to read and discuss it with others. This novel spans several decades, treating its main location, Abadan, like a character, and that is REFRESHING because this part of Iran does not get enough airtime!
Historically, the province of Khuzestan is significant because it borders Iraq, which famously launched a ground invasion led by Saddam Hussein in the 1980s. Towns and cities like Abadan were invaded, occupied and destroyed. Khuzestan is also where, 70 years earlier, the British discovered rich oil reserves. There, they established a colonial settlement to exploit Iranian oil for profit.
Zulaikha’s story begins in the 1950s, and continues on until 2008. We follow her journey through time and space, negotiating relationships with key people who impact her life in significant ways, often in response to the political context around them.
Despite the harsh war-zones and politically tense environments being inhabited by our characters, I appreciated how Soltani abstains from presenting polemic stances or political heavy-handedness. Instead, she imbues the novel with a softness and a delicacy that never tries to manipulate the reader to take a “position” on anything or anyone.
One way she does it is through feminine positionality and perspective, none of which is neat or tidy. Take Madineh: a complex character with many flaws, but as soon as you start to consider her a possible villain, she eludes the title by a brilliant act of wisdom. Or Aliah, the strong first wife that befriends and protects her sister-wife fiercely, despite privately dealing with her own jealousy.
Another example of the softness is the lyricism. While the novel does not explore much interiority, we get glimpses. Zulaikha has a special relationship with the song, Esmaony (“Listen to me”), which soundtracks several key moments of her life. Chapters begin with translations of Persian poems that speak to the complexities of each moment. You’re not told how to feel. But feel you will!
The standout scene for me is when Zulaikha sings Esmaony in Dr Matlab’s presence. An agent of the guard that represents repression and shame on women’s singing, is drawn into the beauty of the song. Enticed and impressed by her beautiful voice and command of Arabic, the guard expresses appreciation, but quickly ruins the moment by making it about the Quran.
It’s a reductive view of the Arabic language that we are used to seeing among Iranians. Except that we tend to see it among a certain genre of Persian-supremacy nationalists. Here, the ignorance is switched around, placing an amazing mirror on the Iranian reader that may still, to this day, pair their disdain of the Islamic Republic with anti-Arab sentiment. I love the idea of flipping that absurdity.
Arab Iranians exist! And they live in Khuzestan. We meet them and other Arabs living short distances away in Iran and from across the Persian Gulf in this novel. It might sound corny to say, but the precarious concept of “borders” between Iran and its Arab neighbours is shaken, and we start to feel more rooted in cities as holders of local culture, more so than countries. By my reading, Tehran - a colder city by the Alborz mountains - feels more foreign to Zulaikha than the much closer and warmer Manama.
Historical fiction can be well-written and gripping, but not always convincing to a person that knows that place and its history. A lot of the events of this novel, from the 1979 revolution to the Rex Cinema fire are all meticulously mapped and grounded historically and geographically, which makes this a good read from an educational perspective, too.
Overall, this is an ambitious project set in an underserved location that is told simply yet with a truckload of heart. I’d recommend it to readers of historical fiction, anyone interested in Khuzestan, and fans of complex female characters.
December 10, 2023
Niloufar-Lily Soltani's Zulaikha is an exquisitely-penned novel that offers a glimpse into the life of an Iranian woman, set against the backdrop of the Iranian revolution and the Iran-Iraq War. The narrative elegantly charts Zulaikha's life from her childhood through to marriage, childbirth, and the complexities of new love, painting a vivid portrait of a woman navigating the tumultuous waters of societal and personal change.
The novel shines a light on a region of the world that remains largely unexplored in literature, offering insights into the intricacies of Iranian culture and history. Soltani's portrayal of Zulaikha's strained relationship with her mother, Madineh, is crafted with sensitivity and depth, allowing readers to feel the emotional weight of their dynamic. The prose is beautifully wrought, with each sentence weaving a tapestry of Zulaikha’s dreams, heartaches, and journey toward understanding and forgiveness. Soltani's skill in shifting between past and present narrative threads is commendable, creating a rich, layered story that keeps the reader deeply engaged. Zulaikha's character resonates universally, transcending cultural boundaries and inviting readers from all walks of life to root for her triumphs and empathize with her struggles. The novel poignantly poses the question of whether Zulaikha will find her place in the Islamic Republic or be compelled to seek new horizons in the West, as many of her relatives have. While the novel occasionally unfolds at a more leisurely pace, this allows for a deeper appreciation of its many compelling strengths. One such strength is the incorporation of Persian poetry, which adds a layer of cultural richness and beauty to the narrative. Soltani's depiction of Khuzestan is vivid and tangible, imbuing the novel with a strong sense of place.
Zulaikha is a book that will resonate with a diverse readership, with women, in particular, finding a special connection to its themes. Soltani adeptly addresses universal challenges faced by women, grounding her narrative in a specific time and place yet making it universally relatable. This novel is a must-read for aficionados of historical drama, romance, and literary fiction, offering a richly textured experience that is both enlightening and deeply moving.
The novel shines a light on a region of the world that remains largely unexplored in literature, offering insights into the intricacies of Iranian culture and history. Soltani's portrayal of Zulaikha's strained relationship with her mother, Madineh, is crafted with sensitivity and depth, allowing readers to feel the emotional weight of their dynamic. The prose is beautifully wrought, with each sentence weaving a tapestry of Zulaikha’s dreams, heartaches, and journey toward understanding and forgiveness. Soltani's skill in shifting between past and present narrative threads is commendable, creating a rich, layered story that keeps the reader deeply engaged. Zulaikha's character resonates universally, transcending cultural boundaries and inviting readers from all walks of life to root for her triumphs and empathize with her struggles. The novel poignantly poses the question of whether Zulaikha will find her place in the Islamic Republic or be compelled to seek new horizons in the West, as many of her relatives have. While the novel occasionally unfolds at a more leisurely pace, this allows for a deeper appreciation of its many compelling strengths. One such strength is the incorporation of Persian poetry, which adds a layer of cultural richness and beauty to the narrative. Soltani's depiction of Khuzestan is vivid and tangible, imbuing the novel with a strong sense of place.
Zulaikha is a book that will resonate with a diverse readership, with women, in particular, finding a special connection to its themes. Soltani adeptly addresses universal challenges faced by women, grounding her narrative in a specific time and place yet making it universally relatable. This novel is a must-read for aficionados of historical drama, romance, and literary fiction, offering a richly textured experience that is both enlightening and deeply moving.
January 26, 2024
This book was hard to put down! It's a beautiful and haunting book. A book that covers a great sweep of history - much of it tumultuous - but that does so in such a personal way that the story lodges in your heart, and not just your mind. Zulaikha endures much, and the writer does not shy away from harsh realities. But at the same time, she doesn't push the narrative into the kinds of graphic details that make some books traumatic reading (for me). And all the painful, heavy losses are balanced by perfectly-observed moments of lightness, and a hard-won, quiet, human-scaled reslience. So one is not left feeling hopeless. Highly recommended.
May 6, 2024
Zulaikha touched my heart deeply. The novel reminded me of the unfair executions after the revolution and the tough eight years of war in Iran. In its emotional story, the author skillfully brings attention to the lasting shadows of suffocation and injustice in the country.
Zulaikha, the character, becomes a symbol of both strength and vulnerability, representing the silent struggles of many Iranian women. They lack support from loved ones and society, slowly losing the sense of self-respect and humanity. The author’s ability to intertwine cultural and political elements adds depth to the narrative, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Zulaikha, the character, becomes a symbol of both strength and vulnerability, representing the silent struggles of many Iranian women. They lack support from loved ones and society, slowly losing the sense of self-respect and humanity. The author’s ability to intertwine cultural and political elements adds depth to the narrative, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
September 4, 2024
“People always win, Zulaikha. Right or wrong. People can crush you. Be careful out there.” (p.31)
On the inside cover of Zulaikha, the debut novel from Niloufar-Lily Soltani, André Forget describes the book as “epic and intimate”: this is the perfect description, for at the heart of this story of war and upheaval is the complicated relationship between mother and daughter. Zulaikha is a compelling and beautifully written novel. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work in the future.
On the inside cover of Zulaikha, the debut novel from Niloufar-Lily Soltani, André Forget describes the book as “epic and intimate”: this is the perfect description, for at the heart of this story of war and upheaval is the complicated relationship between mother and daughter. Zulaikha is a compelling and beautifully written novel. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work in the future.
December 21, 2023
I recommend everyone to read this book, the best Christmas gift for your friend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2023
An extreamly powerful novel of a southern Iranian teenage girl born before 1979 revoulution and her challenging life during past decades was chronicled beautifully based on true events.
April 16, 2026
3.5 stars
The writing was not my favorite but anchored by a strong lead
The writing was not my favorite but anchored by a strong lead
February 24, 2024
This is a book you will remember, and you cannot put it away...
(In Turkish)
Zulaikha, (Züleyha) İran'da doğup büyümüş, olayların göbeğinde aileyisle birlikte savrulmuş güçlü bir kadın. Hayatını şekillendiren annesi, kardeşleri, bir adamın ikinci genç eşi olarak evden ayrılışı. Yaşadıkları. İrandaki molla hareketi. Züleyha'nın gidişi, oğlu, geçmişi, kardeşleri... hepsi bir anda yıllar sonra havalanında karşılaştığı bir yabancı (eski sevgilisi) yüzünden birbirine giriyor. Türkiye'de yaşayan kişilerin özellikle ilginç bulacağı bir roman.
Umarım Türkçe'ye çevrilir.
(In English)
From the moment I turned the first page of Zulaikha, I was captivated by the rich tapestry of emotions and the compelling narrative that unfolded.
I had waited a long time to read this novel. I was curious. But against my wish to read it at once, I took it slowly and spent some time in the labyrinths of the past and the deep emotions that run through Zulaikha's youth and when she is a mother, an older woman. This novel is more than a simple journey - it is a profound exploration of history and how our lives are shaped by it, especially in the Middle East, where our personal histories and politics are like a helix.
Set against the backdrop of Iran's past, "Zulaikha" tells the story of one woman's unexpected encounter with secrets. As Zulaikha embarks on what should have been a routine flight from Amsterdam to Tehran, the novel quickly transforms into a thriller filled with suspense and a deep sense of urgency.
The author masterfully blends the stories of Zulaikha, Kia, and the silent struggles of others in the shadow of war.
The language is profound and poetic. The characters are honest and intimate, and as you spend time with them, you come to know them as real as they are. The emotions ran deep as I turned the pages. I was in another realm of grief, loss, and beauty. This novel will stay with you long after you put it down and make you think about our shared human experience.
For anyone interested in an exciting story with depth and relevance to current global issues, "Zulaikha" is highly recommended. It teaches, touches and terrifies in equal measure - a powerful combination that makes for an unforgettable read.
(In Turkish)
Zulaikha, (Züleyha) İran'da doğup büyümüş, olayların göbeğinde aileyisle birlikte savrulmuş güçlü bir kadın. Hayatını şekillendiren annesi, kardeşleri, bir adamın ikinci genç eşi olarak evden ayrılışı. Yaşadıkları. İrandaki molla hareketi. Züleyha'nın gidişi, oğlu, geçmişi, kardeşleri... hepsi bir anda yıllar sonra havalanında karşılaştığı bir yabancı (eski sevgilisi) yüzünden birbirine giriyor. Türkiye'de yaşayan kişilerin özellikle ilginç bulacağı bir roman.
Umarım Türkçe'ye çevrilir.
(In English)
From the moment I turned the first page of Zulaikha, I was captivated by the rich tapestry of emotions and the compelling narrative that unfolded.
I had waited a long time to read this novel. I was curious. But against my wish to read it at once, I took it slowly and spent some time in the labyrinths of the past and the deep emotions that run through Zulaikha's youth and when she is a mother, an older woman. This novel is more than a simple journey - it is a profound exploration of history and how our lives are shaped by it, especially in the Middle East, where our personal histories and politics are like a helix.
Set against the backdrop of Iran's past, "Zulaikha" tells the story of one woman's unexpected encounter with secrets. As Zulaikha embarks on what should have been a routine flight from Amsterdam to Tehran, the novel quickly transforms into a thriller filled with suspense and a deep sense of urgency.
The author masterfully blends the stories of Zulaikha, Kia, and the silent struggles of others in the shadow of war.
The language is profound and poetic. The characters are honest and intimate, and as you spend time with them, you come to know them as real as they are. The emotions ran deep as I turned the pages. I was in another realm of grief, loss, and beauty. This novel will stay with you long after you put it down and make you think about our shared human experience.
For anyone interested in an exciting story with depth and relevance to current global issues, "Zulaikha" is highly recommended. It teaches, touches and terrifies in equal measure - a powerful combination that makes for an unforgettable read.
December 14, 2023
Excellent choice for readers and writers!
As a reader, I value the rich storytelling and a fully fleshed-out character I care about. Zulaikha is an Iranian woman growing up in violent times, political upheaval, and all the tragedy that comes with war. Her story is particularly potent in current times, given the crisis in Gaza and the Ukraine-Russia war. Her struggles as a woman are more personal and universal and will resonate with many readers of the female persuasion regardless of their ethnicity.
As a writer, I appreciate the literary craft in this novel. Soltani uses a variety of techniques involving word choice, voice, and fluency that create a compelling story with excellent pacing. She is a literary writer and poet with plenty of tools in her writer toolbox. I highly recommend readers and writers pick up copies of this novel!
As a reader, I value the rich storytelling and a fully fleshed-out character I care about. Zulaikha is an Iranian woman growing up in violent times, political upheaval, and all the tragedy that comes with war. Her story is particularly potent in current times, given the crisis in Gaza and the Ukraine-Russia war. Her struggles as a woman are more personal and universal and will resonate with many readers of the female persuasion regardless of their ethnicity.
As a writer, I appreciate the literary craft in this novel. Soltani uses a variety of techniques involving word choice, voice, and fluency that create a compelling story with excellent pacing. She is a literary writer and poet with plenty of tools in her writer toolbox. I highly recommend readers and writers pick up copies of this novel!
June 6, 2024
“And may this lash, this slavery, And may his burden of poverty, this futility, In every form, may these be abolished all over the world” (excerpt from the book, p 120)
A 300 pages novel which has a lot to offer, if you’re into mystery, tragedy, family drama, romance all in one journey in the life of our main character, Zulaikha.
A story of Zulaikha having a conflict relationship with her mother, trying to find herself amidst the chaos happening around and balancing her feelings on relationships which I think for us women we find ourselves in certain circumstances yet we still manage to stand for ourselves.
An inspiring character driven novel that is relatable & reflective just in the cover itself will make you think half-faced woman in two colours.
Thank you for the gifted book.
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