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Soroosh
Soroosh was ten years old, a tiny boy who looked like a 7-year-old. He was very lean; you could easily count his ribs; He was short for his age, timid, and quiet. He characteristically captured moments by looking, listening, and thinking. Talking was not his passion. He slept on the damp and dusty floor covered with broken tiles, on some ripped cardboards.Waiting at the port forever and staying homeless wasn’t going to bring his father back. His mother “My dear Soroosh, you are the man of our family, and unfortunately, you have to start early in life. Your father didn’t plan life for you like this, but it looks like destiny did.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2020
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 1, 2021
An other enchanting story from this talented author.
Chini with her words brings to life the magic of a far away world and teach us a bravery of mankind through the incredible story of Soorosh.
Chini with her words brings to life the magic of a far away world and teach us a bravery of mankind through the incredible story of Soorosh.
April 3, 2021
I read this novel after I had the chance of getting to know the author herself, through her blog on WordPress. It didn't take me that long to finish reading it, but it took me quite awhile to finally be able to sit and write a review on it. That isn't because the novel has a difficult language or complicated storyline, in fact, it's the opposite. The story is so simple that it makes you question your own beliefs and perceptions about life and the genre that is children's literature itself.
Soroosh is barely old enough to attend school when his father leaves the picture, making him the sole bread earner of the family. His mother guides him and encourages him in his role, but it essentially falls on Soroosh's little shoulders to now carry out the responsibilities as the head of the family.
Living in the port city of Abadan, Iran, there are many conventions that one needs to follow. Women aren't allowed to work alone outside. His mother, therefore, cannot do much to help him earn the daily income. They need to study in schools to be educated enough to afford to get proper jobs. The payment of fees has to be arranged on top of everyday living expense.
Soroosh has a younger brother, who is physically disabled. There is only so much one can expect from a job of meagre income. It is these hard-hitting and often bitter challenges of life that makes the book truly inspiring in its outlook. Soroosh is an ambitious young boy, he doesn't let his social background and poverty limit the reach of his own aspirations. He meticulously plans and organises his own savings to invest in a business that he deems profitable.
The novel follows the protagonist over several decades, spanning across his entire lifetime. Through his eyes, we learn the different perspectives of Iranian local people, including the journey of self-made entrepreneurs in the country. It's all about keeping a constant lookout for new opportunities, being sharp witted and smart enough to take risks when necessary. Soroosh never settles for less than he deserves, and he knows the value of his own investment.
What we end up experiencing through the novel is simply a remarkable tale of survival. If we overlook the fact that it is targeting children as it's main readership, one might even consider the plot unrealistic or too superficial. Everything seems to get resolved easily, the characters always find the most kind and benevolent patrons to partner with. The trajectory of the change in their lifestyle is hard to believe, but it is indeed their unquenchable optimism and indomitable spirit that is the real highlight of this novel.
Soroosh is not just a wish-fulfilling reverie, but also an inspiring tale of the journey of life itself. Nicely done!
Soroosh is barely old enough to attend school when his father leaves the picture, making him the sole bread earner of the family. His mother guides him and encourages him in his role, but it essentially falls on Soroosh's little shoulders to now carry out the responsibilities as the head of the family.
Living in the port city of Abadan, Iran, there are many conventions that one needs to follow. Women aren't allowed to work alone outside. His mother, therefore, cannot do much to help him earn the daily income. They need to study in schools to be educated enough to afford to get proper jobs. The payment of fees has to be arranged on top of everyday living expense.
Soroosh has a younger brother, who is physically disabled. There is only so much one can expect from a job of meagre income. It is these hard-hitting and often bitter challenges of life that makes the book truly inspiring in its outlook. Soroosh is an ambitious young boy, he doesn't let his social background and poverty limit the reach of his own aspirations. He meticulously plans and organises his own savings to invest in a business that he deems profitable.
The novel follows the protagonist over several decades, spanning across his entire lifetime. Through his eyes, we learn the different perspectives of Iranian local people, including the journey of self-made entrepreneurs in the country. It's all about keeping a constant lookout for new opportunities, being sharp witted and smart enough to take risks when necessary. Soroosh never settles for less than he deserves, and he knows the value of his own investment.
What we end up experiencing through the novel is simply a remarkable tale of survival. If we overlook the fact that it is targeting children as it's main readership, one might even consider the plot unrealistic or too superficial. Everything seems to get resolved easily, the characters always find the most kind and benevolent patrons to partner with. The trajectory of the change in their lifestyle is hard to believe, but it is indeed their unquenchable optimism and indomitable spirit that is the real highlight of this novel.
Soroosh is not just a wish-fulfilling reverie, but also an inspiring tale of the journey of life itself. Nicely done!
March 1, 2021
Ms. Chini is an excellent storyteller, which comes through in this novel. She writes in a way that enables the reader to visualize the scenes she describes. Written in first-person, it reads like a memoir as it follows Soroosh for decades of his life. I’m impressed at Ms. Chini’s ability to write a novel in English, as it was a second language for her.
In the beginning, Soroosh is a 10-year-old boy who has to become the man of the house and find a way to support his mother and younger siblings. Living in the port city of Abadan, Iran, Soroosh’s mother is between the proverbial rock and a hard place as she isn’t allowed to work or go into public places alone since she’s a woman in a Muslim country. Soroosh takes his new role very seriously and starts brainstorming to figure out a way to earn money to support the family.
The novel follows Soroosh for several decades. Although he and his family face many challenges and sad events, it is an uplifting story of what people of strong faith can do when they work hard, remember their meager beginnings, and look for ways to give back to society.
In the beginning, Soroosh is a 10-year-old boy who has to become the man of the house and find a way to support his mother and younger siblings. Living in the port city of Abadan, Iran, Soroosh’s mother is between the proverbial rock and a hard place as she isn’t allowed to work or go into public places alone since she’s a woman in a Muslim country. Soroosh takes his new role very seriously and starts brainstorming to figure out a way to earn money to support the family.
The novel follows Soroosh for several decades. Although he and his family face many challenges and sad events, it is an uplifting story of what people of strong faith can do when they work hard, remember their meager beginnings, and look for ways to give back to society.
January 21, 2024
Soroosh can do no wrong. I thought this was a stunning novel. I love books that give hope and has moral, which Soroosh delivered well. Soroosh is now one of my favourite books and Laleh Chini is up to the list of my favourite authors.
Incredible
Denise Cumb.
Incredible
Denise Cumb.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews