The country is on a turning point of modernisation and industrialisation, but the Shah is weary of these rapid changes, and prefers to pretend he’s still living in the medieval fairytale-like country whose throne he has inherited from his father. The story takes us to 19 th century Persia, a country ruled by the young Shah Naser. His books always have some connection to Iran, or take place entirely in Iran, and this one is no exception. His style of writing and use of language is unique, and whenever I read any of his works I feel as though I’m being taken on some sort of magical journey (and yes I do realise how cheesy that sounds).
I’ve loved Kader Abdolah’s writing since I first read The House of the Mosque many moons ago. Reading as fairy tale and shedding light on a pivotal period in history, The King confirms Kader Abdolah as one of the world’s most engaging storytellers. With bloody battles, intrigue and extraordinary characters, The King brings a historical moment brilliantly to life.
But the Shah’s mother fiercely opposes the vizier’s reforms and sets about poisoning her son’s mind against his advisor. The Shah’s grand vizier sees only one solution – to open up to the outside world, and to bring Persia into modernity. But beyond the court, the greater forces of colonisation and industrialisation close in. When a young King, Shah Naser, takes to the throne he inherits a medieval, enchanted world. It is the nineteenth century and the kingdom of Persia is at a turning point.
Good Book Guide * Captivating and distinctive. Alastair Mabbott Herald Arts * Fabulously powerful and heart-warming. The Bookseller * Sensual, beguiling and elegantly translated. Waterstone's Books Quarterly * fabulously powerful and heart warming Good Book Guide * an impressive book a tragic story illustrating the power of the human spirit to conquer. The Scotsman Magazine * Expertly mingles fiction and personal history to create a thought-provoking novel to please fans of Khaled Hosseini, Mohsin Hamid and Azar Nafisi. And it's on the heart too that it leaves an indelible mark. Independent * tells this story straight from the heart. * Beautifully written and fiercely readable Daily Mail * Abdolah's is a powerful voice The Times Saturday Review * Enchanting.Abdolah's juxtapositions - the spiritual and the earthly, myth and reality - give the story a powerful irony.
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