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To Keep the Sun Alive
A cinematic debut about an Iranian family and their fruit orchard, caught up in the Revolution of 1979
The year is 1979. The Islamic Revolution is just around the corner, as is a massive solar eclipse. In this epic novel set in the small Iranian city of Naishapur, a retired judge and his wife, Bibi, grow apples, plums, peaches, and sour cherries, as well as manage several generations of family members. The days here are marked by long, elaborate lunches on the terrace and arguments about the corrupt monarchy in Iran and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism. And yet life in the orchard continues. An uncle develops into a powerful cleric. A young nephew goes to university, hoping to lead the fight for a new Iran and marry his childhood sweetheart. Another nephew surrenders to opium, while his widowed father dreams of a life in the West. Told through a host of vivid, unforgettable characters that range from servants to elderly friends of the family, To Keep the Sun Alive is the kind of rich, compelling story that not only informs the past, but raises questions about political and religious extremism today.
The year is 1979. The Islamic Revolution is just around the corner, as is a massive solar eclipse. In this epic novel set in the small Iranian city of Naishapur, a retired judge and his wife, Bibi, grow apples, plums, peaches, and sour cherries, as well as manage several generations of family members. The days here are marked by long, elaborate lunches on the terrace and arguments about the corrupt monarchy in Iran and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism. And yet life in the orchard continues. An uncle develops into a powerful cleric. A young nephew goes to university, hoping to lead the fight for a new Iran and marry his childhood sweetheart. Another nephew surrenders to opium, while his widowed father dreams of a life in the West. Told through a host of vivid, unforgettable characters that range from servants to elderly friends of the family, To Keep the Sun Alive is the kind of rich, compelling story that not only informs the past, but raises questions about political and religious extremism today.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 8, 2019
113 people are currently reading
5925 people want to read
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November 24, 2022
Most of To Keep the Sun Alive takes places in 1979, immediately before and at the very start of the Iranian Revolution. In 1979, I was nine years old, the daughter of an active duty U.S. Marine. We watched the world news every night. The first time I ever heard of Iran was in 1979, when hostages were taken at the US Embassy in Iran. Being only nine, I didn't fully understand what was happening or why. I just gathered that the hostages were taken because the people in Iran hated our culture. But in truth, I knew nothing about the true people of Iran, or the rich history of their culture. The hostage crisis was caused by the actions of a small faction of the population. Unfortunately, as I got older the only times I ever heard about Iran were when more frightening things were happening. And it became a country to be feared because it's a danger for Americans to visit. I still knew nothing about the rich history and culture of the people.
With that backstory to my very limited knowledge, I hope you can see why I loved this book so much. It opened my eyes to a country I really knew nothing about. I learned so much through this book and the story of the family within its pages. They are a somewhat typical family that you'd find anywhere with their own internal struggles. The story follows two sets of brothers from different generations. One of each set was doted upon and given the world; the other was practically forgotten and forced to find his own way. The decisions and actions of the brothers come full circle in the story and there are consequences.
The writing is moving and poetic. The descriptions of the fruit farm the family gathers at for grand lunches, the food they prepare and eat at the lunches, the thoughts and dreams of the characters - it all feels so real and enticing. At times I just closed the book at the end of a chapter to visualize what I had just read. Simply beautiful.
There is real heart and soul in this book. I felt the anguish and pure love the characters felt as I read. I learned so much about the culture of the time and their history through stories the elder characters told to the younger generation.
I really can't say enough good things about this book other than I loved it and am so glad I had the chance to read it thanks to my local library. If you get the chance to check it out, I hope you do! I'm giving this book five emotionally charged stars. When I read a book I truly love with all of my heart, I just hold onto it and hug it to my heart for a minute or so when I'm done with the last page. The last book I did this with was Fairy Tale by Stephen King. I did this with To Keep the Sun Alive as well. It will stay in my heart, most likely, for a lifetime. I found it that beautiful.
With that backstory to my very limited knowledge, I hope you can see why I loved this book so much. It opened my eyes to a country I really knew nothing about. I learned so much through this book and the story of the family within its pages. They are a somewhat typical family that you'd find anywhere with their own internal struggles. The story follows two sets of brothers from different generations. One of each set was doted upon and given the world; the other was practically forgotten and forced to find his own way. The decisions and actions of the brothers come full circle in the story and there are consequences.
The writing is moving and poetic. The descriptions of the fruit farm the family gathers at for grand lunches, the food they prepare and eat at the lunches, the thoughts and dreams of the characters - it all feels so real and enticing. At times I just closed the book at the end of a chapter to visualize what I had just read. Simply beautiful.
There is real heart and soul in this book. I felt the anguish and pure love the characters felt as I read. I learned so much about the culture of the time and their history through stories the elder characters told to the younger generation.
I really can't say enough good things about this book other than I loved it and am so glad I had the chance to read it thanks to my local library. If you get the chance to check it out, I hope you do! I'm giving this book five emotionally charged stars. When I read a book I truly love with all of my heart, I just hold onto it and hug it to my heart for a minute or so when I'm done with the last page. The last book I did this with was Fairy Tale by Stephen King. I did this with To Keep the Sun Alive as well. It will stay in my heart, most likely, for a lifetime. I found it that beautiful.
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August 8, 2019This family saga plays out at the time of the Iranian Revolution, 1979. In particular, there are two sets of two brothers, a generation apart. The older pair, half-brothers really, consists of a retired judge and a practicing mullah. A father's favoritism and an unrequited love, the plot suggests, accounts maybe for a splintered worldview between the two. As a literary device, it's a contrivance, yes; but not such as to make a reader wince.
Of the younger pair, the older brother is an opium addict turned militant Islamist. The younger brother is wide-eyed about things, but mostly he's in love with a girl. The couple manage to get around some harsh religious restrictions. At least for awhile. The alert reader can foresee that this younger pair of brothers will have an intersecting denouement near book's end; but again the obvious is not enough to make the reader wince.
The author wants us, I think, to consider the basic elements of human nature when examining the larger landscape of major events. And she does that well.
Early in the novel there is a short episode when a scorpion and a bee meet up. Kind of like an Iranian insect Who Would Win story. The judge, who witnesses this and is given to profound utterances, remarks: The laws of nature seem clear and without malice. Even in their arbitrary cruelty. While the laws of men seem vague and malicious. Even in their attempt at equity.
A little later, the boy who is in love witnesses a killing of one youth by another because of religious pride. Much like the judge, the boy considers: The boys who had argued were his age, eighteen, and already so convinced of their beliefs they were willing to hate each other. Whatever the cruelty of nature, animals, fish and birds never sought revenge or redress. So why did all human cruelties and injustices have to be accounted for? Carried from generation to generation until someone was called upon to pay the note, setting the cycle in motion again?
And when the spark of revolution comes to this story, there are cruelties indeed.
There was one character, a minor character, called the apothecary. He was much beloved by the people. And so, he would inevitably face the general. Who are you? the general demands. And the apothecary's answer is why you should read this book:
I am a story. You cannot destroy what you cannot grasp.
Of the younger pair, the older brother is an opium addict turned militant Islamist. The younger brother is wide-eyed about things, but mostly he's in love with a girl. The couple manage to get around some harsh religious restrictions. At least for awhile. The alert reader can foresee that this younger pair of brothers will have an intersecting denouement near book's end; but again the obvious is not enough to make the reader wince.
The author wants us, I think, to consider the basic elements of human nature when examining the larger landscape of major events. And she does that well.
Early in the novel there is a short episode when a scorpion and a bee meet up. Kind of like an Iranian insect Who Would Win story. The judge, who witnesses this and is given to profound utterances, remarks: The laws of nature seem clear and without malice. Even in their arbitrary cruelty. While the laws of men seem vague and malicious. Even in their attempt at equity.
A little later, the boy who is in love witnesses a killing of one youth by another because of religious pride. Much like the judge, the boy considers: The boys who had argued were his age, eighteen, and already so convinced of their beliefs they were willing to hate each other. Whatever the cruelty of nature, animals, fish and birds never sought revenge or redress. So why did all human cruelties and injustices have to be accounted for? Carried from generation to generation until someone was called upon to pay the note, setting the cycle in motion again?
And when the spark of revolution comes to this story, there are cruelties indeed.
There was one character, a minor character, called the apothecary. He was much beloved by the people. And so, he would inevitably face the general. Who are you? the general demands. And the apothecary's answer is why you should read this book:
I am a story. You cannot destroy what you cannot grasp.
November 3, 2020
It's 1979 and revolution is in the air, but for the moment it is outside the walls of this family orchard in Northeastern Iran. I liked the multiple religions/traditions represented, as well as many characters with secrets. Two generations of brothers who go different directions also becomes important (the owner of the orchard is a judge and his brother is the mullah).
September 12, 2022
A haunting and memorable saga of one family’s downfall against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution. The prose is rich and filled with emotion, tracing the terrible roots of resentment, prejudice, and jealousy, until there is nothing left but solitude and silence. A short but incredibly impactful read.
February 15, 2019
Tears in eyes. This is not a book for light reading. This is a beautifully told portrayal of life in Iran at the coming of the revolution in the late 1970's. There are beautiful descriptions of family life in a well-run orchard where family members exhibit extraordinarily different personality characteristics and usually feel free to express them. Early in the book the mid-day meal preparations and gathering holds many lighter moments with a generous sprinkling of humour.
This bucolic picture can't last, of course, knowing the maelstrom coming as well as the oft-referred to anticipation of the full solar eclipse that occurs every 33 years.
Action alternates between Iran and Paris in 2012 from where one member of that orchard family has been living since the last solar eclipse.
Highly Recommend!
Lucky Library Loan
This bucolic picture can't last, of course, knowing the maelstrom coming as well as the oft-referred to anticipation of the full solar eclipse that occurs every 33 years.
Action alternates between Iran and Paris in 2012 from where one member of that orchard family has been living since the last solar eclipse.
Highly Recommend!
Lucky Library Loan
February 1, 2019
A lovely and intimate novel about a family and their inner circle at the beginning of the Iranian revolution. You get to know these characters so well, but the book almost feels like a fable or an allegory. (In that way it reminds me a little of EXIT WEST, another book where we see a larger picture through a close view of a few people that almost feels unreal.) You get a slice of life and society through the varied characters, and I particularly enjoyed it on audio with the author's delicate voice.
November 16, 2022
4.5* I may give it a 5 later.
An intimate story about a family at the time of the Iranian Revolution in 1979. The characters have a diverse set of beliefs and it’s incredibly interesting to see how it all relates to the events that unfold. To read about a divided Iran in chaos from an author that clearly loves the country and has hope for the best is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
”I had never imagined such a thing was possible. I had begun to believe that one had to go somewhere else and build a new life, that a country with thousands of years of history could not change, that we could not see past our differences, could not forgive our past aggressions, could not let go of our prejudices, that we were incapable of change. But I am watching that change and I know my place is here with my people, my brothers and sisters.”
I’ll probably write a proper review later, but I’ll just say I wish this book got more attention considering what is going on at the moment and how some of us (i.e., me) are a bit uneducated when it comes to Iran’s past.
An intimate story about a family at the time of the Iranian Revolution in 1979. The characters have a diverse set of beliefs and it’s incredibly interesting to see how it all relates to the events that unfold. To read about a divided Iran in chaos from an author that clearly loves the country and has hope for the best is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
”I had never imagined such a thing was possible. I had begun to believe that one had to go somewhere else and build a new life, that a country with thousands of years of history could not change, that we could not see past our differences, could not forgive our past aggressions, could not let go of our prejudices, that we were incapable of change. But I am watching that change and I know my place is here with my people, my brothers and sisters.”
I’ll probably write a proper review later, but I’ll just say I wish this book got more attention considering what is going on at the moment and how some of us (i.e., me) are a bit uneducated when it comes to Iran’s past.
January 31, 2023
This is a wonderful novel set at the time of the Iranian revolution. The characters consist of the multiple family member (including several generations) of a family that owns an orchard in a small town in Iran. The first part of the book shows us their lives in intimate and beautiful detail. We experience customs, food, all aspect of daily life, family relations and religion (or lack thereof). Then comes the brutality of the revolution, which affects the family in numerous, tragic ways. (Of course some family members become active in the religious revolution, while others suffer because they chose not to do so or are ambivalent.) The writing is lovely, and the author transitions very well from beautiful descriptions of daily life to brutality and despair. If you have any interest in Iran or the Iranian revolution (particularly in light of what is happening in Iran today), I recommend this novel.
March 21, 2019
This is such an absolutely gorgeous book! Beautifully told, lusciously written, you feel and see the events unfolding, entering a world that is no more.
Set mostly in Naishapur, Iran, in 1979, during the days leading up to a full solar eclipse and the Iranian Revolution, it tells the story of an extended family during that time of turmoil, which gathers weekly in the family orchard for lunch, providing a microcosm of the various human stories and conflicts behind the revolution. Serving as bookends to the story are moments during the day of another complete solar eclipse in Paris, 30 years later, as experienced by an elderly Persian man. You soon learn that the family in the orchard is his and that we are reading his memories of events from 30 years earlier. This is not so much a retelling of the events leading up to revolution as it is a telling of the human stories. As they are told, the culture and conflicts in the last days of the shah are illuminated.
The writing is vivid, sensual even. For example, the descriptions of the Persian food being prepared for that first luncheon we attend in the orchard; it had me immediately looking for Persian and Iranian cookbooks (at a talk, when asked, the author recommended New Food of Life: Ancient Persian & Modern Iranian Cooking & Ceremonies). There are Iranian folktales told in the guise of life lessons to the younger members of the family. The classic Sufi poem The Conference of the Birds, is referenced. A favorite passage describing the marital love between the mature Bibi-Khanoom and Akbar-Agha includes this: "Sometime passion is so quiet, you have to close your eyes to hear it."
I took a long time to read this because it is a book to savor, to sip like a fine cognac.
Fit ATY 2019 #14 - astronomical term.
Set mostly in Naishapur, Iran, in 1979, during the days leading up to a full solar eclipse and the Iranian Revolution, it tells the story of an extended family during that time of turmoil, which gathers weekly in the family orchard for lunch, providing a microcosm of the various human stories and conflicts behind the revolution. Serving as bookends to the story are moments during the day of another complete solar eclipse in Paris, 30 years later, as experienced by an elderly Persian man. You soon learn that the family in the orchard is his and that we are reading his memories of events from 30 years earlier. This is not so much a retelling of the events leading up to revolution as it is a telling of the human stories. As they are told, the culture and conflicts in the last days of the shah are illuminated.
The writing is vivid, sensual even. For example, the descriptions of the Persian food being prepared for that first luncheon we attend in the orchard; it had me immediately looking for Persian and Iranian cookbooks (at a talk, when asked, the author recommended New Food of Life: Ancient Persian & Modern Iranian Cooking & Ceremonies). There are Iranian folktales told in the guise of life lessons to the younger members of the family. The classic Sufi poem The Conference of the Birds, is referenced. A favorite passage describing the marital love between the mature Bibi-Khanoom and Akbar-Agha includes this: "Sometime passion is so quiet, you have to close your eyes to hear it."
I took a long time to read this because it is a book to savor, to sip like a fine cognac.
Fit ATY 2019 #14 - astronomical term.
March 15, 2019
While interesting and often evocative, this family story leading up to and including the Iranian Revolution, did not fully engage me, as I expected it to.
July 22, 2021
It took me too long to get around to this one, but I'm so glad I finally did! TO KEEP THE SUN ALIVE follows an Iranian family in Mashhad, set mostly during the months leading up to the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
Though the cast is decidedly an ensemble (to the extent that, at points, it's somewhat tricky to track who is who, and how the characters are related) and we meet more characters than I can name here, most of the action is told from the perspectives of Bibi-Khanoom, the family's matriarch, Shazdehpoor, a misanthropic widower, his son Madjid, an intellectual and ambitious university student, Akbar, Bibi-Khanoom's wife and a retired judge, and Habib, a cleric who plays an apparent role in the Revolution. (See? I wasn't kidding about the number of characters.)
There are so many levels on which this novel works. As a piece of historical fiction, Ghaffari avoids leaning on history to compel the reader--although the story is specific to a certain moment in history, this isn't a "period piece," and the author isn't interested in nostalgia, as so many novels in the relatively-recent-past are, nor is she out to explain the history to an audience who does not already know about it. Instead, a real human drama emerges--or, actually, many of them. Instead of "history" becoming the thing the author is trying to sell us, she instead gives us fully-formed characters who suffer tragic loss and pain at the hands of history, allowing the reader to understand it more fully.
Another feat of the book is its structure; we're strung along as Ghaffari pulls on one thread, which seamlessly leads to another and another. There is the over-arching story about the family and the tumult it faces in the uncertain political climate, but within that story is so much--narratives are woven in that stretch back hundreds of years, and whose impact on the characters in the book's present action is real and convincing.
There are a couple points on which the book lost a star, though. Chiefly, I found the ending unsatisfying, as things wrap up rather quickly and we never really understand what happens to major characters. Irksome, too, that Shazdehpoor, the novel's least compelling character, gets the book's last words.
Still, TO KEEP THE SUN ALIVE is an excellent novel, and some of the best historical fiction I've read. It's mind-boggling to know that this is Ghaffari's first book, and I'm eager to see what she does next.
Though the cast is decidedly an ensemble (to the extent that, at points, it's somewhat tricky to track who is who, and how the characters are related) and we meet more characters than I can name here, most of the action is told from the perspectives of Bibi-Khanoom, the family's matriarch, Shazdehpoor, a misanthropic widower, his son Madjid, an intellectual and ambitious university student, Akbar, Bibi-Khanoom's wife and a retired judge, and Habib, a cleric who plays an apparent role in the Revolution. (See? I wasn't kidding about the number of characters.)
There are so many levels on which this novel works. As a piece of historical fiction, Ghaffari avoids leaning on history to compel the reader--although the story is specific to a certain moment in history, this isn't a "period piece," and the author isn't interested in nostalgia, as so many novels in the relatively-recent-past are, nor is she out to explain the history to an audience who does not already know about it. Instead, a real human drama emerges--or, actually, many of them. Instead of "history" becoming the thing the author is trying to sell us, she instead gives us fully-formed characters who suffer tragic loss and pain at the hands of history, allowing the reader to understand it more fully.
Another feat of the book is its structure; we're strung along as Ghaffari pulls on one thread, which seamlessly leads to another and another. There is the over-arching story about the family and the tumult it faces in the uncertain political climate, but within that story is so much--narratives are woven in that stretch back hundreds of years, and whose impact on the characters in the book's present action is real and convincing.
There are a couple points on which the book lost a star, though. Chiefly, I found the ending unsatisfying, as things wrap up rather quickly and we never really understand what happens to major characters. Irksome, too, that Shazdehpoor, the novel's least compelling character, gets the book's last words.
Still, TO KEEP THE SUN ALIVE is an excellent novel, and some of the best historical fiction I've read. It's mind-boggling to know that this is Ghaffari's first book, and I'm eager to see what she does next.
February 3, 2019
I have no clue what to do with this book. The story has immense potential but time and again continued to fall short of expectations. Don’t get me wrong, I did like this book and depending on the person, I would even recommend it. Look, the author has a bright future, but needs to sharpen his craft when it comes to predictability and flow. Personally I enjoy books with a rhythm and this seemed clunky.
On the other hand the author does a noble job of creating an atmosphere filled with tradition and sophistication when describing the family members, their acquaintances and their mouth watering feasts. Like in many parts of this world, politics and religion go hand in hand. This book is no different. Throughout the book, a majority of the events revolve around individuals and their divine right of choice when it comes to freedoms and lifestyle.
On the other hand the author does a noble job of creating an atmosphere filled with tradition and sophistication when describing the family members, their acquaintances and their mouth watering feasts. Like in many parts of this world, politics and religion go hand in hand. This book is no different. Throughout the book, a majority of the events revolve around individuals and their divine right of choice when it comes to freedoms and lifestyle.
April 9, 2019
The reader is taken though a story set in Iran right before the revolution, looking at the lives, troubles, joys and thoughts of various people set around long lunches and commentary about current events, gossip, etc. It was interesting to see a slice of life right before an incredibly tumultuous event that changed lives and a country (and the region and the world) and how one could think of "the good old days" before X happened.
But I'm baffled at the high reviews. I absolutely did not see the appeal and quite frankly found the book very boring. The best word I think might be "ponderous" but certainly this could just be me. Other reviews talk about how beautiful the writing is or how thoughtful, etc. Afraid I'm just not one of those people. For a relatively short book it felt really long.
Maybe it was just me. Borrowed from the library and recommend getting it that way.
But I'm baffled at the high reviews. I absolutely did not see the appeal and quite frankly found the book very boring. The best word I think might be "ponderous" but certainly this could just be me. Other reviews talk about how beautiful the writing is or how thoughtful, etc. Afraid I'm just not one of those people. For a relatively short book it felt really long.
Maybe it was just me. Borrowed from the library and recommend getting it that way.
November 20, 2022
A beautifully written book set on the eve of the Iranian revolution in 1979.
This book follows the ordinary lives of a large extended family, focusing on two sets of brothers. As the revolution gains steam, the family is literally pulled apart.
The Revolution in 1979 was the first major international news story I ever followed. I was just a little too young to understand the Vietnam War at the time.
I think the thing that struck me is the non-monolithic nature of revolutions. There are two clear sides, but the vast majority of people are on neither side. They just want to live their lives. Utterly heartbreaking - and I think a theme that has played out across human history.
This book follows the ordinary lives of a large extended family, focusing on two sets of brothers. As the revolution gains steam, the family is literally pulled apart.
The Revolution in 1979 was the first major international news story I ever followed. I was just a little too young to understand the Vietnam War at the time.
I think the thing that struck me is the non-monolithic nature of revolutions. There are two clear sides, but the vast majority of people are on neither side. They just want to live their lives. Utterly heartbreaking - and I think a theme that has played out across human history.
March 10, 2025
التقييم : 3.75/5
شازديپور مغترب إيراني مسن في باريس، يتذكر خلال يوم واحد، حياته الماضية في نيساپور، إيران. كانت أسرته تتندر عليه وتسميه فوكولي»، أيّ الأفندي صاحب ربطة العنق المولع بالغرب وثقافته، يحب الموسيقى الغربية ويفضلها على الموسيقى الفارسية الكلاسيكية ، إلا أنه مسكون بإحساس عميق بالفقدان هذا الإحساس يتعمق مع اندلاع ثورة العام 1979 . تنطلق أحداث رواية «أن تبقي الشمس حية في العام 2012 في باريس، حيث يجلس شازديپور في مقهى مع صاحبه الفرنسي تريانان، ويتذكر اليوم الذي ابتلع القمر فيه الشمس قبل ثلاثين عاماً. ففي ذلك اليوم الربيعي اجتمعت أسرته في بستان الفاكهة الذي يمتلكه القاضي أكبر وزوجته بيبي - خانوم في نيسابور لتناول الغداء. ومع أن هذا الاجتماع كان يشكل متنفساً اعتاده أفراد هذه الأسرة، إلا إنه يشهد نقاشات حامية بينهم تتكشف على أثرها أسرار وخلافات معبّرة. رابعة غفاري الكاتبة والممثلة وصانعة الأفلام التي غادرت إيران صحبة والديها قبل شهور عدة من نشوب الثورة، رسمت لنا خرافات محلية، ووهبت حتى أصغر شخصياتها الروائية الكثيرة خلفية قصصية، وشيّدت لنا عالماً زاخراً جداً دقيقاً جداً بحيث إنك تجد نفسك تعيد كتابة تاريخ ما لمجرد أن تتصوّر أنه يُمكن أن يُوجد من خلال حدوتة ممتعة وتفاصيل ممتعة وتاريخ مقيت من القمع والدماء والتعذيب والوحشية لا نعرف إلى اليوم مدى صحته ومصداقيته .
ما يُحسب لهذه الرواية هو تنوع شخصياتها، واختلاف خلفياتها وتوجهاتها ومشاربها وأفكارها، فهناك القاضي العلماني أكبر آغا الذي ينتقد جور السلطة، وهناك شقيقه الملا حبيب الله الرجعي الذي يدعو إلى تطهير المجتمع وفقاً للقواعد الدينية، وهناك ابن أختهما الغندور الذي يتوق للعيش في أوروبا، وهناك الشاب جمشيد المدمن على تعاطي الأفيون، والخادم الأفغاني ميرزا المولع بتناول النبيذ، والقابلة التي تتحلى بحنان ورأفة إنسانيين قل نظيرهما، إذ تعطف على عاهرة تسكن في كوخ بأطراف المدينة، وتترك لها الطعام عند باب منزلها كي تنقذها من الجوع. وهناك أيضاً العاشقان الشابان مجيد ونسرين ، مجيد الفتى المثقف والشاب الذي يطمح أن يدرس الهندسة المدنية ويسعى للإسهام في بناء مستقبل بلاده، والفتاة نسرين التي تستمع إلى أغاني كوكوش وتتمنى أن تصبح ممثلة مسرحية .
زيادة على ذلك، تحضر باستمرار وصفات الطعام الإيرانية الشهية بروائحها الزكية ومذاقاتها الممتعة ، وطقوس الإيرانيين وعاداتهم حيث النيروز والأربعاء الأخير ، والوثنية الزرداشتية التي تمجد النار لكي تبقي الشمس حية دائما في قلوب أصحابها والإسلامية الشيعية بكل طقوسها التراجيدية في موسم كربلاء الحسين وعاشوراء واللطم والحزن والتشابيه والمسرحيات التمثيلية ، كما يحضر الشعر والشعراء الفرس، حافظ والخيّام، وصادق هدايت وقبره في باريس ، وحكاية موت فريد الدين العطار. هذا كله في رواية آسرة كثيفة، تعج بالأحداث والتفاصيل الصغيرة، تكشف لنا الكاتبة من خلالها العنف الذي شاب الثورة، وكيف انقسم المجتمع بين مؤيد ومعارض إزاء ما يجري من وقائع تتصارع فيها القيم الحداثية مع القيم الرجعية الراديكالية ؛ وقائع قاسية وموجعة مبللة بالدمع
ومضرجة بالدماء وما نتج عنهما من تطرف سياسي وديني وحروب بعدها كالحرب العراقية الإيرانية . الكاتبة رابعة غفاري رسمت لنا قصة بينت لنا فيها مدى تأثير التربية والتنشئة والتفرقة بين الأبناء ودور الآباء في رسم ذلك ، ومكانة البنات في المجتمع الإيراني آنذاك ومقارنتها بما كان يمتاز به الذكور، وكثير من الأشياء المغلوطة بخصوص التشيع والتي وجدتها منفرة نوعًا ما،،،
المراجعة منقولة بتصرف …
شازديپور مغترب إيراني مسن في باريس، يتذكر خلال يوم واحد، حياته الماضية في نيساپور، إيران. كانت أسرته تتندر عليه وتسميه فوكولي»، أيّ الأفندي صاحب ربطة العنق المولع بالغرب وثقافته، يحب الموسيقى الغربية ويفضلها على الموسيقى الفارسية الكلاسيكية ، إلا أنه مسكون بإحساس عميق بالفقدان هذا الإحساس يتعمق مع اندلاع ثورة العام 1979 . تنطلق أحداث رواية «أن تبقي الشمس حية في العام 2012 في باريس، حيث يجلس شازديپور في مقهى مع صاحبه الفرنسي تريانان، ويتذكر اليوم الذي ابتلع القمر فيه الشمس قبل ثلاثين عاماً. ففي ذلك اليوم الربيعي اجتمعت أسرته في بستان الفاكهة الذي يمتلكه القاضي أكبر وزوجته بيبي - خانوم في نيسابور لتناول الغداء. ومع أن هذا الاجتماع كان يشكل متنفساً اعتاده أفراد هذه الأسرة، إلا إنه يشهد نقاشات حامية بينهم تتكشف على أثرها أسرار وخلافات معبّرة. رابعة غفاري الكاتبة والممثلة وصانعة الأفلام التي غادرت إيران صحبة والديها قبل شهور عدة من نشوب الثورة، رسمت لنا خرافات محلية، ووهبت حتى أصغر شخصياتها الروائية الكثيرة خلفية قصصية، وشيّدت لنا عالماً زاخراً جداً دقيقاً جداً بحيث إنك تجد نفسك تعيد كتابة تاريخ ما لمجرد أن تتصوّر أنه يُمكن أن يُوجد من خلال حدوتة ممتعة وتفاصيل ممتعة وتاريخ مقيت من القمع والدماء والتعذيب والوحشية لا نعرف إلى اليوم مدى صحته ومصداقيته .
ما يُحسب لهذه الرواية هو تنوع شخصياتها، واختلاف خلفياتها وتوجهاتها ومشاربها وأفكارها، فهناك القاضي العلماني أكبر آغا الذي ينتقد جور السلطة، وهناك شقيقه الملا حبيب الله الرجعي الذي يدعو إلى تطهير المجتمع وفقاً للقواعد الدينية، وهناك ابن أختهما الغندور الذي يتوق للعيش في أوروبا، وهناك الشاب جمشيد المدمن على تعاطي الأفيون، والخادم الأفغاني ميرزا المولع بتناول النبيذ، والقابلة التي تتحلى بحنان ورأفة إنسانيين قل نظيرهما، إذ تعطف على عاهرة تسكن في كوخ بأطراف المدينة، وتترك لها الطعام عند باب منزلها كي تنقذها من الجوع. وهناك أيضاً العاشقان الشابان مجيد ونسرين ، مجيد الفتى المثقف والشاب الذي يطمح أن يدرس الهندسة المدنية ويسعى للإسهام في بناء مستقبل بلاده، والفتاة نسرين التي تستمع إلى أغاني كوكوش وتتمنى أن تصبح ممثلة مسرحية .
زيادة على ذلك، تحضر باستمرار وصفات الطعام الإيرانية الشهية بروائحها الزكية ومذاقاتها الممتعة ، وطقوس الإيرانيين وعاداتهم حيث النيروز والأربعاء الأخير ، والوثنية الزرداشتية التي تمجد النار لكي تبقي الشمس حية دائما في قلوب أصحابها والإسلامية الشيعية بكل طقوسها التراجيدية في موسم كربلاء الحسين وعاشوراء واللطم والحزن والتشابيه والمسرحيات التمثيلية ، كما يحضر الشعر والشعراء الفرس، حافظ والخيّام، وصادق هدايت وقبره في باريس ، وحكاية موت فريد الدين العطار. هذا كله في رواية آسرة كثيفة، تعج بالأحداث والتفاصيل الصغيرة، تكشف لنا الكاتبة من خلالها العنف الذي شاب الثورة، وكيف انقسم المجتمع بين مؤيد ومعارض إزاء ما يجري من وقائع تتصارع فيها القيم الحداثية مع القيم الرجعية الراديكالية ؛ وقائع قاسية وموجعة مبللة بالدمع
ومضرجة بالدماء وما نتج عنهما من تطرف سياسي وديني وحروب بعدها كالحرب العراقية الإيرانية . الكاتبة رابعة غفاري رسمت لنا قصة بينت لنا فيها مدى تأثير التربية والتنشئة والتفرقة بين الأبناء ودور الآباء في رسم ذلك ، ومكانة البنات في المجتمع الإيراني آنذاك ومقارنتها بما كان يمتاز به الذكور، وكثير من الأشياء المغلوطة بخصوص التشيع والتي وجدتها منفرة نوعًا ما،،،
المراجعة منقولة بتصرف …
April 22, 2019
3.5 stars
The setting of this novel alternates between pre-revolution Iran (1978) and 2012 Paris.
In Iran, we meet the various members of one extended family. Most live at or near the orchard inherited by one if the older wives--it has been in her family for generations. The orchard's caretaker is an Afghan refugee, the wife's best friend is the local midwife. Two of the youngest generation (second cousins?) have fallen in love and hope to marry.
In this setting we see, through their eyes, the revolution beginning. Only the oldest brother, the mullah, sees it (and wants it) for what it will be. The others hope for positive change or try to ignore it. As the mullah and then his nephew get more wrapped up, the nephew's brother is going the other way, regretting the change he had hoped for. Ghaffari also makes clear why these men are so susceptible to wanting this change and to grab control. As rejected/unfavored children, they have grown up feeling inferior to younger siblings and stewing in jealousy and hatred. Which makes them susceptible to grabbing any control when they have the chance.
I saw Ghaffari speak on a panel at the 2019 LA Times Festival of Books. She was born in Iran and now splits time between Iran and New York. She made it clear that while this is not her family, the orchard is modeled after an orchard that was in her family. It simply became her setting.
The setting of this novel alternates between pre-revolution Iran (1978) and 2012 Paris.
In Iran, we meet the various members of one extended family. Most live at or near the orchard inherited by one if the older wives--it has been in her family for generations. The orchard's caretaker is an Afghan refugee, the wife's best friend is the local midwife. Two of the youngest generation (second cousins?) have fallen in love and hope to marry.
In this setting we see, through their eyes, the revolution beginning. Only the oldest brother, the mullah, sees it (and wants it) for what it will be. The others hope for positive change or try to ignore it. As the mullah and then his nephew get more wrapped up, the nephew's brother is going the other way, regretting the change he had hoped for. Ghaffari also makes clear why these men are so susceptible to wanting this change and to grab control. As rejected/unfavored children, they have grown up feeling inferior to younger siblings and stewing in jealousy and hatred. Which makes them susceptible to grabbing any control when they have the chance.
I saw Ghaffari speak on a panel at the 2019 LA Times Festival of Books. She was born in Iran and now splits time between Iran and New York. She made it clear that while this is not her family, the orchard is modeled after an orchard that was in her family. It simply became her setting.
December 8, 2018
A beautifully written literary novel.Iran on the brink of the Revolution a family ,life on a family orchard life full of long lunches servants th pier help daily existence a family two brothers torn apart by the revolution by differences of radical views on the side of one brother and the other brother who wants his life his family to continue as it has been.A debut novel an emotional read a new author to discover thanks@edelweiss for the advance copy.
March 29, 2020
Another one of my favorites for this year! A poignant tale of an Iranian family grappling with the onset of the religious revolution. The author excels at fleshing out her diverse characters with their differing ideologies, and the book reads like a slow-burning soup- the various ingredients seem disjoint at first, but the Iranian pot and slow flame of the revolution mix them all together to make a delicious, slightly sad meal. Highly recommend!
May 12, 2019
This was a 3.5 read for me.
thoughts coming shortly
thoughts coming shortly
July 1, 2024
this was hard to read as an audiobook bc there’s a lot to keep track of but honestly so worth it, reminded me of dostoevsky in a way, i’d love to read this physically and mark it up
rating: 5 stars
category: set in middle east
rating: 5 stars
category: set in middle east
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January 14, 2019I'm reviewing this one for Chicago Review of Books and will post a link to the review when it's up.
June 11, 2025
One of the most beautiful, heart wrenching, and special books I’ve read. Literally sobbing on the bus right now.
November 27, 2021
The story was amazing but my problem was totally my own not the author’s! But I rate a book on what I get out of reading it. I spent a lot of time listening to it and when I got to the parts I understood it was wonderful. My problem was the characters names were unfamiliar to me because they are Iranian names, something I’m not used to ( see ???) so totally my fault not the author. Therefore I became confused at times about who was who. Also there were times when I didn’t know who or what the author was talking about. To me the story jumped around a lot.
February 3, 2019
A Very Captivating Family Saga!
I really loved this book. It is a beautifuly told story through a great group of characters. I loved how layered they all were.
I found that the author crafted a very realistic picture of a family being torn apart. You felt almost a part of this family and all the waves of emotion they go through. It was heartbreaking but heartening at the same time. I also loved how the backdrop of the orchard was used.
This book also offers a very insightful look at Iran and its culture and traditions.
And the writing was very poetic and lovely. Reccomended reading especially if you like family sagas and books like Exit West.
•
Thank You to the Publisher for Gifting me this beautiful copy.
•
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
I really loved this book. It is a beautifuly told story through a great group of characters. I loved how layered they all were.
I found that the author crafted a very realistic picture of a family being torn apart. You felt almost a part of this family and all the waves of emotion they go through. It was heartbreaking but heartening at the same time. I also loved how the backdrop of the orchard was used.
This book also offers a very insightful look at Iran and its culture and traditions.
And the writing was very poetic and lovely. Reccomended reading especially if you like family sagas and books like Exit West.
•
Thank You to the Publisher for Gifting me this beautiful copy.
•
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
February 13, 2019
I am laid down so low by this story. Rabeah Ghaffari’s story telling is beyond the beyond. Inside the near past and present are the long ago far away stories that will never be silenced. The characters on the pages leap out at you, tug at your sleeve and heart, asking that you listen to what they have to say. The people who come to the orchard offer you enchantment. There is delicious food, humor and fantastic flights of the imagination. This author writes with fervor and conviction. Even if you never set foot in Iran you will feel homesick for what was lost.
September 3, 2019
This book had been on my to read list and then I received this book though Goodreads' Giveaways! I so enjoyed this book. The story of the family, the orchard in pre-revoluntonary Iran and displaced Shazdehpoor in Paris was moving and heart wrenching. I will be recommending this book to friends and plan to donate my copy to my local library which will add it to their permanent collection.
December 29, 2023
من أجمل ما قرأت في الأدب الفارسي. قصة عائلة كانت تعاني من الصراع بين الانتماء للتاريخ والعادات الفارسية وبين الانتماء السياسي والديني الدخيل على البلاد. هذا الصراع دمّر العائلة ومن فيها وخصوصًا الشباب فجعل الكبّار يتحسّرون عليهم على مصابهم. أن تكتب رابعة غفّاري عن هذا الموضوع بهذه الطريقة الجميلة هو بالفعل كتاب يستحق القراءة.
January 29, 2019
Beautiful poetic language. An insightful look at the culture of the time in Iran. Sadly, it's not that interesting. The writing itself is so lovely I kept reading just for that. So, there's a lot to like here, but only if you have the patience and slowness to appreciate it. In this case, I didn't.
April 26, 2019
Iranian writing is always so lyrical, this is a beautifully told story. So full of the simplicity of family life before a war that will tear apart their families and country. I like how it finishes at the dawn of the trouble
May 22, 2019
Rabeah Ghaffari's "To Keep the Sun Alive" is a book that I picked up from the library on a whim because the name is intriguing, I also make a point to read novels by women. I like historical fiction enough but the Iranian Revolution isn't something I'm super familiar with so I originally worried that I wouldn't get it. That worry was over by the time I cracked open the book and read the first page.
The language is rich and captivating, I ate up every word like a sweet and lush piece of fruit. For a relatively short book, this novel has a lot of depth to it. It's not a lighthearted read but it is an easy read for those people who are in love with words. The writing style made this come off like a fable or some sort of tragic fairy tale but this isn't just a novel with flowery writing. What I find so enchanting about this book is that it starts easy, like a calm summer's day but you know that revolution is around the corner. As a reader, I adopted the attitude of the family living an easy life on an orchard.
The novel is told in two different times which can annoy some people but Ghaffari does this well. The bulk of the novel takes place in 1979 Iran but there are six chapters based in Paris on March 20, 2012 which is the day a solar eclipse is happening, 33 years after the events of the novel took place. There is an interesting cast of characters based on this large extended family which tells the story of love, addiction, heartbreak, infidelity, religion, and intellectualism. At it's center it is a story of two sets of brothers in two different generations. While some characters were more developed than others, I think that the story is told an evocative way that makes me care about who I should care about.
This book meets all of my standards and to find out that this is a debut novel really adds to it. MY expectations are high for future work from this author.
The language is rich and captivating, I ate up every word like a sweet and lush piece of fruit. For a relatively short book, this novel has a lot of depth to it. It's not a lighthearted read but it is an easy read for those people who are in love with words. The writing style made this come off like a fable or some sort of tragic fairy tale but this isn't just a novel with flowery writing. What I find so enchanting about this book is that it starts easy, like a calm summer's day but you know that revolution is around the corner. As a reader, I adopted the attitude of the family living an easy life on an orchard.
The novel is told in two different times which can annoy some people but Ghaffari does this well. The bulk of the novel takes place in 1979 Iran but there are six chapters based in Paris on March 20, 2012 which is the day a solar eclipse is happening, 33 years after the events of the novel took place. There is an interesting cast of characters based on this large extended family which tells the story of love, addiction, heartbreak, infidelity, religion, and intellectualism. At it's center it is a story of two sets of brothers in two different generations. While some characters were more developed than others, I think that the story is told an evocative way that makes me care about who I should care about.
This book meets all of my standards and to find out that this is a debut novel really adds to it. MY expectations are high for future work from this author.
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