Parisa Reza; trans. Adriana Hunter
The Gardens of Consolation by Parisa Reza, translated from the French by Adriana Hunter, opens in 1918 in Iran. The narrative is in five sections. The first two sections focus on Talla and Sardar, their marriage and their departure from their small Iranian village to a suburb of Tehran. The third section transitions from Talla and Sardar to their son, Bahram. And the final two sections focus almost exclusively on Bahram, his shenanigans with women and his political activities.
The novel is set against the background of internal political upheaval in Iran while world powers jockey for power and for control of Iran’s rich natural resources. The politics becomes increasingly prominent as the novel progresses until it virtually dominates the latter sections as Bahram becomes embroiled with the various political factions demanding reforms as well as the expulsion of colonial powers.
The Talla and Sardar sections of the novel are engaging. Young and illiterate, they enter into their marriage having a modicum of knowledge of one another. But they develop a tender love toward one another, are fiercely loyal and protective of one another, endure challenges, work hard, share a profound appreciation for the beauty in their natural surroundings, demonstrate an unconditional love toward their son, and embrace unwavering faith in God. The images in these sections, especially of the young married couple as they cross the desert to their new home, are powerful. Talla and Sardar are simple, modest, genuine, honest peasants who show little understanding for or concern with the political upheavals swirling around them. Their life together is described in simplistic, almost child-like diction.
The latter sections focus on Bahram, his schooling and his young adulthood. A gifted, talented student, Bahram develops a reputation as a lady’s man. He spends much of his time using his good looks and charm to ensnare young women, calculating moves and words with precision to bring about the desired outcome. He becomes politically active, debating the pros and cons of various political factions. These explorations read almost like a history lesson. They deliver a crash course in Iranian politics and the violent coups of the early twentieth-century and conclude with the CIA-orchestrated coup of 1953.
Reza’s narrative transitions from an exploration of a humble peasant family with its rituals, traditions, and beliefs to a society experiencing vast changes domestically and internationally. It is both a deeply personal and touching love story and a sweeping panorama of the complex socio-political and economic history of early to mid-twentieth-century Iran.