BOOK REVIEW: SKY OF RED POPPIES REVEALS THE ENDURING POWER OF FRIENDSHIP AMID A CLASH OF CULTURES

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Sky Of Red Poppies, By Zohreh Ghahremani (Turquoise Books, San Diego, CA, 2010, 305 Pages.)

Hear our interview with author Zohreh Gharemani, aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

Book Review by Dennis Moore

August 16, 2014 (San Diego)--Zohreh Ghahremani, an artist, writer and gardener residing in the San Diego area, has written a stunning and poetic tale about two girls coming of age in Iran during the 1960s. The theme of the book questions how much can a friendship change your life? Set against the backdrop of a nation forced to mute its profound identity, Sky of Red Poppies is a novel about culture, politics and the redeeming power of friendships.

This book takes us on a fascinating journey through the landscapes of Iran, providing a glimpse into a far too often overlooked side of Iranian culture and history.

The central characters in Ghahremani's book are two schoolgirls from different sides of the track in Iranian culture and society, but with an undying love and respect for each other's differences.

Roya Afshar, born of an affluent family in Iran, at 16, was curious about many things, but the activities of the Shah's secret police weren't among them. That would serve her well up until her graduation from high school. By contrast, her friend from the other side of the track, Shireen Payan, had more of a questioning and defiant approach to the Shah's reign. Perhaps, Payan's Muslim faith and practices contributed to this defiance, along with her high school teacher, Jenab Elmi.

Beginning with a casual friendship between these two schoolgirls coming of age in a politically divided 1960s Iran under rule of the Shah, Roya, the daughter of a prominent family, is envious of the fierce independence of her religious classmate Shireen. But Shireen has secrets of her own. Together, Roya and Shireen contend with becoming the women they want to be and, in doing so, make decisions that will cause their tragic undoing. In the unraveling of family secrets, Roya begins to question how she was raised and how to become the person she wishes to be.

Iranian culture and society was such, as indicated in Ghahremani's book, that the father of the young student, Afshar, felt a need to caution his daughter about discussing matters of the Shah's secret police in public. The overall theme of the book would later explain why. Afshar would witness one of her female classmates actually being forcibly dragged out of her school by this secret police, SAVAK, never to be seen or heard from again.

Steeped in Iranian and Muslim tradition, Afshar's friend and classmate, Shireen Payan, came to school wrapped in her "chador," the dark cloth that covered her head to toe. This was emblematic of Payan's faith and religious practices, whereas Afshar had none.

The turning point was the coming of age of these two female classmates, when Payan would acquire a husband and be so enamored by his beliefs, however militant and defiant, that Payan would have to follow suit. Demonstrations by the students against the Shah's regime were occurring continually, and Payan and her husband found themselves in the middle of it. Of course, the Shah's secret police was not going to react to dissent as we might here in America. Along with Payan and her husband's involvement in this dissent, it turns out that Payan's and Afshar's high school teacher, that they both revered, Mr. Elmi, was one of the protaganists against the government.

The poppies represented a poetic and central theme throughout the book, as Afshar's affluent father would actually be in communion with the head of the Shah's secret police, unbeknowest to her, having him over to engage in opium smoking, along with other well connected members of Iranian society. This connection would later serve the young Roya Afshar well later, when she would challenge her father's edict.

The poppies and Afshar had a connection, from a poetic standpoint. Of all the flowers, regardless of the variety and array of colors that made the family garden so spectacular, it was this fragile bloom that seemed to come closest to her heart.

The author states in her book that each day, the poppies seemed to reflect Afshar's own feelings of joy, sorrow, even fear. They spoke of hope, yet the danger hidden in their essence--that mysterious scent of opium--frightened her. Poetically speaking, to Afshar, the poppies rose from the mud in their garden with pride, yet bent their heads in modesty. And, although she didn't know a happier shade of red, they reminded her of sorrow.

Shireen's militancy and defiance to the Shah would land her in prison, and being subjected to torture while there. Tragedy to other members of her family would occur as a result of this militancy and defiance.

In the end, in coming to the support and defense of her friend Shireen, Roya would alienate herself from her opium smoking father, and be forcefully exiled to America, where she would reunite with a college classmate and start a new life.

Modern day newspaper headlines put Ghahremani's story in perspective. A November 16, 2010 story in the San Diego Union-Tribune reports of an Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning for adultery in which the woman, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, calls herself a "sinner." Although by our standards, we may look upon this as archaic, Ghahremani's book helps us to understand such Islamic rulings.

In another story in the November 23, 2010 edition of the Union-Tribune, Asia Bibi, 45, an agricultural worker and mother of five, became the first woman to be sentenced to death for blasphemy, according to human rights groups. Although this happened in Pakistan, it underscores the clash of religion and tradition demonstrated in Ghahremani's book. Adding pressure to the Pakistani authorities to overturn the sentence of Bibi, Pope Benedict XVI appealed recently for the woman to be freed unconditionally.

The mere fact of being a Christian or an Ahmedi in Pakistan makes an individual vulnerable to the Draconian blasphemy laws in this Islamic society, similar to the theme of Ghahremani's book.

There is now a French and Persion version of Sky of Red Poppies which directly quotes and references this review on its back cover. The "East County Magazine Live!" radio show sat down with the author and discussed this book and other topics. The host of the show, Reina Menasche, referred to Ghahremani as the voice of the Iranian-American diaspora.

There are many twists and turns in Sky of Red Poppies, a book revealing a clash of cultures and abounding with intrigue, which I highly recommend.

Dennis Moore has been a member of the San Diego Writers/Editors Guild. He has also been freelance contributor to the San Diego Union-Tribune Newspaper and is currently the book review editor for SDWriteway. Mr. Moore can be contacted contractsagency@gmail.com or you can follow him on Twitter at: @DennisMoore8.

 

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Comments

1970s Iran, a Fascinating Time

I also explore these themes in my (published) memoir and in my novel that I have yet to finish.I think Iranian-Americans will always explore the revolution because it was so unthinkable, unbelievable even. My family, who worked for the shah, still claims that stories of torture and brutality by the SAVAK were propaganda (or at the very least highly exaggerated). Regardless of what really is the truth, a boogey man is just as effective a tool of suppression as a real torturer. In my novel, I try to capture the youth who were actually not very religious at all but wanted more freedom...many were Marxists, who were killed by the Islamic clergy. This reality is one that is hardly ever explored. I hope readers will appreciate my attempts and read my story of forced exile in my memoir, Writing and Madness in a Time of Terror. On a last note, stoning was never really practiced in Iran...very rarely and in the most remote villages.

Sky of Red Poppies by Zonreth Ghahremani

Thank you, Dennis for this interesting, in-depth review of Sky of Red Poppies. It occurred to me that even though this story is set in the 1960's, this story is still relevant today and could be set in a number of cultures and countries in today's world. Peter Davidson

Sky Of Red Poppies, By Zohreh Ghahremani

This seems to be a rather interesting book indeed, very insightful about different cultures and family values. I have learned a lot from reading Dennis' review of the book. Mr. Moore does an excellent and thorough job with his book reviews. He makes you want to go out and get the book right away. About the writer, thanks for sharing. This book is a good lesson/education on life from another country's and or cultural perspective. I especially like the way you wrote this "..... each day, the poppies seemed to reflect Afshar's own feelings of joy, sorrow, even fear. They spoke of hope, yet the danger hidden in their essence--that mysterious scent of opium--frightened her. Poetically speaking, to Afshar, the poppies rose from the mud in their garden with pride, yet bent their heads in modesty. And, although she didn't know a happier shade of red, they reminded her of sorrow". I love how this was written, nice use of personification. Zohreh, thanks for writing his book. I am a wiser person because of it. Jacqueline Carr Author of "A Selected Few Just For You" - will be available next month.

Re: Review of "Sky of Red Poppies" by Dennis Moore

"The pen is mightier than the sword." When Edward George Bulwer-Lytton penned these words, the British politician and author probably could not have dreamed how completely his words would interconnect with another frequently paraphrased but equally forceful statement made by Victor Hugo: "There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come". And, indeed, The Pen continues to be the instrument through which ideas--with the potential to change hearts and shape the course of nations--are shared. The Pen is more powerful than weapons of war, for they, by force, can change boundaries and behaviors, but cannot extinguish an Idea or kill a Dream. It continues to expose travesties of justice, and bring to the world's attention the violations of human rights. Among the most brutal are those against the rights of women as described in Zohreh Ghahremani's "Sky of Red Poppies". The poetic title of her book belies the grim reality that some women have endured mutilation, brutalizing by other means, and even put to death for "infractions" that Westerners would deem minor. The Pen, historically as well as now, has been the instrument through which the world is informed of atrocities, and through which cultures where human rights are given high priority have been forced to take notice and demand change. Thank you, Zohreh Ghahremani, for your story. It puts the world on notice. And thank you, Dennis, for this insightful review. Your pens have provided additional exposure to this worldwide horror, and can only awaken a collective conscience to propel humanity toward a time when equal rights and privileges are enjoyed by all regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender. Best wishes, Zohreh Ghahremani, for the continued success of your book. And thank you Dennis and Michal, for mentioning my book as presenting women in roles that demonstrate what they can achieve when given the freedom to develop to their potential, and their courage in challenging traditions and practices that, historically, had denied them these rights. KB Schaller, Author 100+ Native American Women Who Changed the World Winner, 2014 International Book Award, Women's Issues http://KBSchaller.com/

Dennis Moore's Exotic Bouquet

Here is another book, "Sky of Red Poppies" added to Dennis Moore's bouquet of fascinating book reviews. We can be sure of getting a diverse sampling of life's riches, both happy and sad from his reviews. Zoe's book is yet another dimension of women fighting for identity and safety. I found it compelling that Zoe describes American individualism and passionate desire for "our own space" to be somewhat isolating and lacking in the intimacy of other cultures. Not knowing your neighbors is so common in the U.S. We are all taken up with interests that keep us busy to the point that we are often hard to make friends with. I wonder if this is the product of having so much land and the cowboy spirit, call it what you want, that all Americans seem to share, from Native Americans love for the land and respect for the creatures that provide food, shelter, warmth etc. to the settlers that swarmed across the American plains in search of their own land and in conflict with those same Native Americans. From the ferocious "Smoked Yankees", soldiers of African descent who fought in America's wars with valor and tremendous will, to each and every one of us. We all want our own space. I have met other women of Middle Eastern descent who echo Zoe's feeling of loss of the kind of bonding with friends that they are used to. I like Zoe's description of America as not so much a melting pot but a collage. It is a beautiful way to describe it and reminds me of the cover of KB Schaller's book "100+ Native American Women Who Changed the World". In my mind that cover is like a quilt with the women's faces like a collage. These recent book reviews have been a celebration of women and the spirit of women of all types and their attempt to overcome cultural biases, retain their native roots, and support each other. Well done Zoe and thank you Dennis Moore for another enriching review. M.J.Payne Author "The Remembered Self"

Thank you for this review, Dennis!

So much of this horrible treatment goes on and we, in America, are oblivious to it. It is terrifying, to say the least. Thank you for a great review. This book will be enlightening.

A "Reading is Delicious" Adventure by the Book

In partnership with the Carlsbad Library , a panel discussion moderated by Susan McBeth and featuring Kitty Morse, Judith Liu, Kathy Diamant, Laurel Corona, Zohreh Gharemani, and Caitlin Rother, will be held at the Carlsbad (Dove) Library, Saturday, June 29, 2013, at 4:00PM. It is free to the public. Zohreh Gharemani recently informed me of her new book, "The Moon Daughter," which she indicates has been an unexpected hit, coming on the heels of the hugely popular "Sky of Red Poppies."

Malala Yousufzai

Tens of thousands rallied in Pakistan's largest city Sunday in the biggest show of support yet for a 14-year-old girl who was shot and seriously wounded by the Taliban for promoting girl's education and criticizing the militant group.

Gelareh Bagherzadeh - A Houston whodunit

Gelareh Bagherzadeh was a gregarious Iranian-born woman studying molecular genetics. She taught children to play the piano and volunteeres at her church. Why on earth would someone want to kill her? That question has befuddled family, friends and police for five months, ever since Bagherzadeh, 30, was found in mid-january slumped over the steering wheel of her Nissan Altima steps from her home with a single gunshot wound to the head. Bagherzadeh was an outspoken activist against Iran's Islamic theocracy, championed women's rights in the Middle East and had recently converted from Islam to Christianity have spawned a host of theories about her murder (everything from an Iranian intelligence agency to claims of other foreign government involvement).

Wonderful news!

Congratulations ! Thank you Dennis for this review, I would love to get a copy of the book and learn more about it! Anat

Sky of Red Poppies

Yes, this is wonderful news! It is my understanding that the author will be at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the San Diego Writers/Editors Guild, where you should be able to obtain a copy of the book, which is a nominee for KPBS' "One Book One San Diego."

KPBS "One Book One San Diego"

KPBS has chosen "Sky of Red Poppies" as a candidate for next year's "One Book One San Diego:" www.kpbs.org/onebook. I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to write this review, and to know Zohreh Ghahremani, and I will be even more honored for "Sky of Red Poppies" to come out on top, for it is a tremendously insightful book.

RESENTMENT BUILDS IN IRAN OVER PRICE HIKES:

Nearly a week after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad launched a plan to overhaul a long-standing system of state subsudies, Iranians are reeling from drastic government-ordered price increases for staples such as fuel and bread amid signs of growing frustration.

Sky of Red Poppies

Thank you for this wonderful review. Such articles justify the existence of this novel and years of work that went into it. The overwhelming response from readers assures me that I have accomplished what I had hoped for. That, without taking sides, a good nation is finally viewed outside the context of politics, religion or social class. As stated in a Persian poem, “A word that rises from one’s heart, can only settle into another.” Thank you, Mr. Moore, for proving it right. ”

For information regarding my book events and/or to organize a talk, please visit www.zoeghahremani.com

IRANIANS RALLYING AGAINST ACID ATTACKS ON WOMEN

A spate of attacks against women and girls in Iran's cultural cultural capital of Esfahan has been met with street rallies and social media protests, seemingly alarming Iranian authorities, who have promised to take steps to quell the disfiguring assaults, according to a story written by Ramin Mostaghim in the Los Angeles Time on October 28, 2014. The story further states: "At least eight or nine such attacks - which are generally carried out by assailants on motorbikes who flung acid into their victim's faces - have occurred in recent weeks, with some Esfahan residents saying they suspect the number is higher." It seems that assailants have targeted those deemed to be dressed immodestly.

"Sky of Red Poppies" - French Version

The author of this fantastic book told me recently that there is now a French version of "Sky of Red Poppies" which references on the cover my review of the book.

"Sky of Red Poppies" reading by author at San Diego Writer's Ink

Zoe Ghahremani, author of "Sky of Red Poppies," will read from her new novel at San Diego's premier writing center, San Diego Writer's Ink, on Saturday, December 4, 2010, at 5PM. The reading of her novel at San Diego Writers Ink is the culmination of years of writing and studying there. It will be a reading, conversation, friends, and of course food.