Disoriental
A journey through memory and identity in exile
Négar Djavadi author Tina Kover translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Europa Editions (UK) Ltd
Published:3rd May '18
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The narrative of Disoriental explores a young woman's journey through memory and identity, intertwining her family's Iranian history with her modern life in France.
In Disoriental, the narrative follows Kimiâ Sadr, a young girl who, at the age of ten, escapes from Iran with her mother and sisters to reunite with her father in France. Now twenty-five, Kimiâ is on the brink of starting her own family, but she finds herself overwhelmed by memories and the rich tapestry of her family's history. As she sits in a Parisian fertility clinic, the stories of her ancestors flood her mind, including her powerful great-grandfather Montazemolmolk and her parents, Darius and Sara, who have always stood against the oppressive regimes of their homeland.
The novel intricately weaves together personal and political narratives, showcasing key moments in Iranian history while delving into the complexities of Kimiâ's identity. She is portrayed as a vibrant character, a punk-rock enthusiast, and a modern woman navigating the challenges of reconciling her family’s traditions with her own desires. Her journey is not only one of physical displacement but also a quest for self-discovery amidst the backdrop of her heritage.
Disoriental is a kaleidoscopic exploration of family, culture, and the immigrant experience. It captures the essence of exile and the struggle to reconstruct one's identity through the lens of familial stories. This bestselling novel resonates with readers as it highlights the intersection of personal and collective histories, ultimately celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.
“The novel pulsates with life but does not shirk from violence. The gorgeous prose…takes the edge off the relentless turmoil described throughout.” - * The Financial Times *
"Spiced with foreshadowings, packed with big issues and tempered by strategic reticence, this novel compels the reader’s attention as consistently as it entertains." * The Guardian *
"In her remarkable novel, Negar Djavadi beautifully captures the “disorientation” of exile and the attempt to reconstruct a self through family stories." * The New York Times *
"A compelling story that combines the personal and political." * Tony's Reading List *
“A momentous saga of modern Iran.” * Publishers Weekly *
"The captivating story of a girl who grows into a woman dealing with the burdens of history on her country, her family, and herself, Disoriental offers so much to both non-Iranian and Iranian readers." * World Literature Today *
"Négar Djavadi’s illuminating, richly entertaining debut novel Disoriental combines a sweeping family history in 20th-century Iran with an intimate study of identity and motherhood in contemporary Paris." * Bookanista *
"Djavadi is an admirable and artful storyteller." * The Brooklyn Rail *
ISBN: 9781787701557
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
352 pages