Quote of the day: 


You may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lines. You may trod me in the very dirt, but still, like dust, I'll rise. -Maya Angelou





There is something to be said about a book that touches on history. After all what is history if not the study of the past. Here we see a Persian story encompassing its past, its people and culture all weaved into a wonderful tale as seen with this book by Persian-Dutch writer Kader Abdolah. 'The King' is a tale chronicling the life of Naser, a young Persian Prince who inherits the throne following the death of his father, the Shah. With his new status comes a lot more responsibility than the new Shah could ever imagine. He has to deal with his mother, Mahdolia, his grand vizier, Mizra Kabir, who is a special adviser, and external forces from several countries including Britain, Russian and France, each scrambling for the inexperienced king's attention, as well as the country's potential resources on their march to modernization.

He has to deal with several forces within his own kingdom all competing for power, including his own mother whose view on the affairs of Persia differ greatly with that of the progressive vizier -whose dream it is to build roads, create employment by building factories, and modernizing the army. Caught between the counsel of his mother and that of the vizier whom everyone around him despises -but not the common people on the streets, the king of Persia must decide which path to follow for the advancement of the country and people.

The narration flows effortlessly and each chapter is as exciting as the last. The characters are memorable and Kader has managed to write the book in a simple manner. If you are seeking an alternate reading material away from your usual, it definitely is one to add to your reading list.




 Peace. Love. Light* 
Current Listen: Eddie Harris Quintet - Exodus