Tirdad Zolghadr was the author of a novel entitled A Little Less Conversation. At first glance it is a work of fiction. But a closer inspection would reveal that it is some sort of an autobiography.
By doing so, Zolghadr was clever enough to accomplish two things. First, he was able to use information from his past experiences and weave it into a believable story.
So he was able to create characters that are real and provokes the readers to relate to the characters. Secondly, Zolghadr was able to criticize the socio-political dynamics in the most subtle way.
The novel was chiefly a commentary about the confused politics and frustrated people of Iran (Zolghadr, 2006, p.40). But this was communicated in the most indirect manner.
The reader has to be wary because Zolghadr, without a moments warning can quickly inset a political commentary and those who did not pay attention goes past it.
But those who are sensitive and alert will know without a doubt that the author is some sort of a subversive and if the authorities are wise enough to extract the double-meanings and implied messages within this particular work of fiction then they can find more than enough grounds to arrest Zolghadr on his next visit.
Unwelcome Change
The author made it very clear that he was unhappy with the changes that transpired in his homeland. He could not hide the real feelings deep within him and it has to spring forth like bubbling water from a spring because this is the truth that is hidden in his heart.
He tried to make it light; he did not want to appear as if he was overly anxious about his love for Tehran but he cannot hide it from those who felt the same way.
The exiles, those who had to broker some form of a deal after the Islamic Revolution had to look with longing at their place of birth and shudder because it is not the same as the wonderful place in their childhood memories.
As usual the author was able to conceal his true feelings. But sandwiched between his historical and matter-of-fact description of Tehran is the biting commentary about how the present regime has created an ugly Tehran.
Zolghadr was exasperated because he came home to enjoy what he believed is authentic Persian culture. But when he reached his hometown he was astounded to find cheap imitation of Western living.
He also made a commentary on the ugly architecture and seems to have given the implication that the revolution did not create the kind of transformation that he was hoping to see.
Instead, he saw a distortion of beauty and truth. The author made it clear that his alter-ego Golmohamad is a man who travelled the world and was exposed to different cultures. And yet Golmohamad was still in love with everything that is Persian.
Thus, one could understand the feeling of anger when he discovered that instead of propelling Iranian society forward, the revolution held it back.
The proof of the mismanagement, corruption and poor taste was revealed when the author pointed to the ugly structures in the city. He must have lamented the fact that in cities in Europe the architecture is something that the residents are proud of.
He was ashamed to even have to describe the way the city littered with structures in a feeble attempt to show sophistication. A man of taste like Golmohamad can only shudder.
His most poignant attach was focused on the politicians as well as the leaders who thought that they are the only patriots. He was careful of course to direct his criticism and as usual found a way to temper the sharp words with the idea that these people had already acknowledged the error of their ways.
Consider how he described the cold-blooded killer named Mr. Tarofi. This man killed without remorse and for a Westerner there is not even enough justification to execute someone.
But Mr. Tarofi is both judge and executioner, the perfect illustration as to how the Islamic Revolution has transformed the country. The author wanted to say more but he knew he had to write cryptically to be able to speak freely in a society where fear and frustration are feelings commonly experienced by seldom expressed.
Transcending Culture and Language
The beauty and power of the novel can be explained in its ability to transcend culture and language. The Persia of old can still be seen today. One only needs an expert guide.
The author was gracious enough to give the reader a tour of Tehran, showing them that there is more than meets the eye. The emotions and the relationships portrayed in the novel is very real. Thus, it was not difficult for the reader to relate to the characters and as a result the message had a more powerful impact.
Conclusion
The novel written by Tirdad Zolghadr is a thinly veiled criticism of the aftermath of the Islamic Revolution. The author seemed to say that he expected ore from the politicians and leaders of Iran.
He was hoping for genuine change and yet he was baffled by how the nation tried to imitate the culture of those they said they disliked. For instance one girl had a t-shirt that condemned the United States and yet at the same time she seemed unable to enjoy life without products coming from the West.
Reference
Zolghadr, T. (2006). A Little Less Conversation. New York: Words Without Borders.