عشق در بحران: رمان دانش‌نورَوایی - سفری در فرهنگ و تاریخ

by Ali Rad (علی راد)

در سپیده‌دمِ نوروز ۱۴۰۰ دکتر آبراهام مک‌دانلد، پزشک سالدارِ نیویورکی، راهیِ کتابخانه می‌شود تا به عروس سوگوار و هنرجویانِ مدرسهٔ داستان بپیوندد. همگی می‌روند تا بر مزار پسرش اِزمیل جشن بگیرند و از یادمانی داستانی رونمایی کنند. او در راه به هشت دهه عمر گذشته می‌نگرد.

آبراهام در شیکاگوی دوران جنگ زاده شد، با قصه‌های سادهٔ مادربزرگ بالید و به داستان‌های چندلایهٔ روزگاری پرآشوب پا گذاشت. او در میانهٔ عشق، جنگ و اسارت، به درکی تازه رسید: ”آن‌ها که داستان نمی‌دانند، در قصه می‌مانند. ریشه‌های انسان در خون و خاک نیست؛ ما با قصه‌های دیروز می‌روییم و در داستان‌های امروز می‌شِکُفیم.“

در گیرودار همه‌گیری کرونا، آبراهام برای همسرِ اِزمیل، میسرا، راز رهایی و عشقِ خود را می‌گشاید و برای فرزندش ژینا میراث داستان‌شناسی به جا می‌گذارد.

500 pages, ebook

First published July 1, 2025

Reviews

[Sydney Croud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love in Crisis is a remarkable debut from a first-time author—a historical novel that goes far beyond storytelling to explore timeless ideas about humanity, culture, and peace. The book is rich with fascinating historical detail, blending both well-known events and lesser-known insights that will delight history enthusiasts. Yet it is not just history on the page; it is also a thoughtful meditation on philosophy. The author skillfully weaves together narratives and ideas, suggesting that if cultures and civilizations could focus on the common threads in their ancient myths and stories, they might discover paths toward peace and harmony rather than division.

What makes Love in Crisis stand out is its balance of engaging historical narrative with deep philosophical reflection. It is at once informative, thought-provoking, and imaginative, inviting readers to reconsider what connects us across time and place.

For a first-time work, this novel is an impressive accomplishment. It is clear that the author has poured both research and passion into its creation. Readers looking for a book that is intellectually engaging while also carrying a message of unity will find much to admire here.

I highly recommend Love in Crisis to anyone interested in history, philosophy, and the enduring quest for peace. This is an inspiring beginning to what promises to be a meaningful literary journey for the author.

[kourosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love in Crisis was a great read from start to finish. As an Iranian-Canadian who left Iran at an early age and has spent most of my life abroad, I found so much to appreciate in this book. The author masterfully weaves together Eastern and Western cultures, showing how the two are more alike than we’re often led to believe. The storyline is fascinating and taught me a great deal about the intertwined histories of Iran and the United States, as well as the environmental degradation that could be prevented if our ancient traditions were truly understood and practiced.

All in all, it was an excellent read, hard to put down, except when I paused to look up some of the references because I was eager to learn even more about the topics it touched on. Can't wait for the future books by the author.

[CarolinaBookBliss · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love in Crisis by Ali Rad.
This book had an intriguing premise, but the writing style didn't quite resonate with me.
At times, I found the school's teaching methods a bit confusing, though I appreciated the philosophical themes underlying them.
The incorporation of historical fiction elements was a nice touch.
Overall, a thought provoking read.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[kourosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

کتاب عشق در بحران از ابتدا تا انتها خواندنی و جذاب بود. به‌عنوان یک ایرانی-کانادایی که از سن کم ایران را ترک کرده و بیشتر عمرم را در خارج از کشور گذرانده‌ام، نکات فراوانی برای قدردانی در این کتاب یافتم. نویسنده با مهارتی ستودنی فرهنگ‌های شرقی و غربی را در هم می‌تند و نشان می‌دهد که این دو، بیش از آنچه به ما گفته اند، به هم شبیه‌اند. داستان کتاب بسیار گیراست و چیزهای زیادی درباره‌ی تاریخ درهم‌تنیده‌ی ایران و ایالات متحده به من آموخت، همچنین درباره‌ی تخریب محیط زیست و این‌که چگونه می‌توان از آن جلوگیری کرد اگر سنت‌های کهن ما به‌درستی درک و به‌کار گرفته می‌شدند.

در مجموع، کتابی فوق‌العاده و بسیار خواندنی بود که واقعاً نمی‌شد آن را زمین گذاشت—جز وقتی که برای جست‌وجوی برخی ارجاعات تاریخی مکث می‌کردم، چون مشتاق بودم بیشتر درباره‌ی موضوعات مطرح‌شده بدانم. بی‌صبرانه منتظرم آثار بعدی نویسنده را بخوانم.

[Hasan Mirjalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dear friend Dr. Ali Shekofteh-Rad,

I’ve finished reading Love in Crisis, your latest work of fiction. You’ve truly brought something fresh to the table. The writing is smooth and charming, making it a real page-turner for any reader. While it's an easy read, the way everything ties together shows just how much thought you've put into researching both Iranian and Western (especially American) cultures.

I believe this book is particularly useful and rewarding for young Iranians living overseas. If I were to offer one critique, it would be the use of certain suggested Farsi words in the text, which felt a bit out of place—much like how similar efforts haven't quite taken root back in Iran.

I wish you a brilliant future in your writing career.
Best regards,
Hassan Mirjalili
January 3, 2026

[Elmira · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading Love in Crisis, I got to know Dr. Abraham Macdonald, a fascinating character. He’s a doctor from Chicago who grew up in New York and lives with PTSD from serving in the Vietnam War. Later, while working at the U.S. Embassy in Iran, he’s taken hostage during the revolution and held for 444 days. Years later, he uses his compensation to bring a bold idea to life. He creates a school to teach something he calls “Storyology.” Together with his Iranian son and architect daughter-in-law, Mythra, he founds the School of Story—a new kind of academy focused on showing the difference between a tale and a story. With Mythra’s help, he also designs a new, dynamic symbol to replace the static Statue of Liberty, one that better reflects America’s improving spirit.

[Pirouz Azadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a timely and most exhilarating book in 2025 and beyond “Love in Crisis” captivates the avid reader through a nostalgic, albeit euphoric or melancholic trance that awakens one’s conscience to introspect and gain a crisper and more empathetic approach in life. No other person, having undergone through myriad trials and tribulations on three continents, could have so masterfully narrate it as this author has..

[Sima · Rating 5 out of 5]

رمان عشق در بحران بهترین هدیه عمرم است که تاکنون گرفته‌ام. من هر کتابی که می‌خرم به پولی که پرداخته‌ام فکر نمی‌کنم بلکه به بهایی از عمر نویسنده می‌اندیشم که برای آن صرف کرده است. خواندن این رمان برایم مثل دسترسی به یک گنجینه اطلاعات و زمینه خودآگاهی شد. این اثر از جنبه‌های مختلفی برایم مفید بود. چه آشنایی با تفاوت قصه و داستان، چه شناخت کلی اسطوره‌ها، چه سفرها که با آن رفته‌ام و چیزهای زیادی دیده‌ام و چه گفتگوها، ایده‌ها و طرح‌هایی که نویسنده آفریده است.

[Dr. Hadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent novel from a great author!!
Definitely something you don’t come across every day! Very unique writing style for quite an inspirational Novel!
It’s a must read!!!