cover image The Poet's Daughter: Malek o'Shoara Bahar of Iran and the Immortal Song of Freedom

The Poet's Daughter: Malek o'Shoara Bahar of Iran and the Immortal Song of Freedom

Parvaneh Bahar, with Joan Aghevli. Larson, $22.95 (224p) ISBN 9781936012572

In 1904, the author's father, Malek o'Shoara Bahar, became "The Prince of Poets," the last person ever to hold that title in Iran. His poetry supported Iran's quest for independence and democracy from the British and Russians as they fought to maintain their empires. Here, his adoring daughter tells of her father's fight for women's right to be educated, socially and financially independent, and free of the chador. As a result of his work, he faced imprisonment and exile, and saw his children shunned by those fearing the wrath of the government. Though his poetry was written 100 years ago, it may be even more appropriate now. Bahar's descriptions of holidays and everyday Persian life prove as beautiful as her father's work; her description of their home, called Paradise, allows readers to feel the sun, smell the sweet fruit, and hear the "Music of the Pigeons" as they are released each morning. After living in the U.S. for 50 years, writing in Persian allowed Bahar to return to the idyllic life of her childhood, and this inspiring memoir beckons readers to see the Persia of old. (Nov.)