The Persians

Name: The Persians
SKU: 9780008589059
Availability: InStock

EGP1,055.00

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2025
Enormously entertaining’THE TIMES
As funny as it is moving’GUARDIAN
A joy of a debut’ DAVID MITCHELL
Magnificent’ BERNARDINE EVARISTO
A stunning debut novel following five women from three generations of a once eminent Iranian family as their lives are turned upside down
The Valiat family are in crisis. Elizabeth, the regal matriarch, remained in Tehran despite the revolution and only has Niaz, her Islamic law-breaking granddaughter for company. In America, Elizabeth’ s daughters, the flamboyantly high-flying Shirin and frustrated housewife Seema, are wondering if their new lives there are all they had hoped for. Lastly, there’s the second granddaughter, Bita, a disillusioned law student trying to find deeper meaning by giving away her worldly belongings.
When an annual vacation in Aspen goes wildly awry and Shirin ends up being bailed out of jail, gossip about the family spreads like wildfire. Soon, Shirin sets out to restore the family name to its former glory. But what does that mean in a country where the Valiats never mattered to anyone? And, will reputation be enough to make them a family again?
The Persians is an irresistible portrait of a unique family in turmoil that explores timeless questions of love, money, art and fulfilment. Here is their past, their present and a possible new future for them all.
A most anticipated novel of 2025 in Stylist, BBC and iNews.
Funny, gutsy and confidently written … an outstanding debut’ DIANA EVANS, 2025 Women’s Prize Judge
Magnificent … I lapped up its wonderful characterisations, profound insights and vivacious prose’ BERNARDINE EVARISTO
Mesmerising’ MONICA ALI
Riotous … will have you hooked’STYLIST
A darkly funny read about mothers and daughters, love and loss and being true to yourself’ RED
As exuberant as it is sharp’ iNEWS
A sweeping and irreverent tale’BBC
Gloriously engrossing’ TASH AW
Exuberant, comic, perceptive’ AMINA CAIN
A very brilliant, very special book’ JESSICA STANLEY
An unforgettable read’ JOSIE FERGUSON

SKU: 9780008589059 Categories: Books, English Books, Literature &Fiction

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The Persians

The Persians Book Description

The Persians is a vibrant debut novel that follows five women across three generations of the once‑prominent Valiat family. Elizabeth, the dignified matriarch, stays in Tehran after the revolution, sharing her life with her rebellious granddaughter Niaz. Across the ocean, her daughters Shirin and Seema navigate new worlds in America, questioning whether their fresh starts truly fulfil their dreams. Meanwhile, law student Bita abandons material comforts in search of deeper meaning. When a family vacation to Aspen goes off the rails and Shirin lands in jail, rumors ignite, and the sisters scramble to restore their name. The story examines love, loyalty, art, and the true price of reputation.

Readers will discover a family in crisis, bound by history yet yearning for independence. Meanwhile, the narrative weaves humor with heartbreak, delivering a page‑turner that feels both intimate and epic. Additionally, the novel earned a shortlist spot for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2025, and critics from The Times, The Guardian, and BBC have praised its wit and emotional depth.

Key Features of The Persians

Fans of multi‑generational sagas will appreciate the rich character portraits. Throughout the book, each woman grapples with identity, tradition, and modernity, offering a fresh look at Iranian diaspora life. Moreover, the prose is lively, with sharp dialogue that keeps readers hooked. The novel also blends cultural commentary with universal themes, making it accessible to a broad audience.

The Persians delivers strong, memorable scenes—from a chaotic Aspen night to quiet moments of self‑reflection in Tehran. Consequently, the story balances drama and comedy, ensuring a dynamic reading experience. Furthermore, the book’s accolades include praise from Stylist, iNews, and Women’s Prize judge Diana Evans, highlighting its literary merit.

Why Read This Book?

Because it offers a rare glimpse into a family torn between past glory and present uncertainty. Readers can explore the complexities of immigrant life while enjoying witty, heartfelt storytelling. Additionally, the novel’s themes of love, money, art, and fulfillment resonate with anyone seeking purpose. Meanwhile, the vivid settings—from bustling Tehran streets to Aspen’s snowy slopes—transport readers across continents.

Moreover, The Persians is praised for its “magnificent characterisations” and “vivacious prose,” making it both an entertaining and thought‑provoking choice. Therefore, this debut stands out as a compelling addition to any bookshelf, especially for those who cherish stories about women’s resilience and cultural identity.