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Literature & Fiction

The King: A Novel

The King: A Novel

A hypnotic page-turner about the grinding gears of historical change and ruthless palace intrigue in Persia, c. 1848.
The King, young Shah Naser, takes to the throne of Persia at a turning point of history: he inherits an enchanted medieval world of harems, eunuchs, and treasures as well as a palace of secret doors, sudden deaths, and hidden agendas. Within the court is danger enough: outside all manner of change threatensâ€•industrialization, colonization.Â Russia and England conspire to open the Kingâ€™s empire; his mother and his vizier take opposing sides. The poor Kingâ€•almost an exact contemporary of Queen Victoriaâ€•is trapped. Â He likes some aspects of modernity (electricity, photography) but canâ€™t embrace democracy. He must be a sovereign: he must keep his throne.Â The King cannot face change and he cannot escape it.

With this gleaming and seemingly simple story, breathlessly paced and beautifully told, Kader Abdolah, the acclaimed Iranian Ã©migrÃ© novelist, speaks of deeper truths. A novel which has many timely things to say about eras of change and upheaval, The King is an unforgettable book.
Country USA
Brand New Directions
Manufacturer New Directions
Binding Hardcover
ReleaseDate 2014-09-09
UnitCount 1
EANs 9780811223737

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