54 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category


    • Chapter Twenty-five Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter depicts a dreamlike encounter between Cyrus's father, Ali Shams, and the legendary poet Rumi outside a music venue. Ali, a hardworking immigrant who rarely appears in Cyrus's dreams, is seen smoking a cigarette—a habit he had abandoned in America. Rumi, adorned in vibrant robes and smoking a blunt, greets Ali with enthusiasm, revealing a mutual recognition between the two. The scene is set against the backdrop of a loud hardcore show, with young attendees milling about, creating a surreal…
    • Chapter Twenty-four: Orkideh Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Cyrus Shams waking up disoriented in a Brooklyn hotel room, cold and wet from having urinated in his bed—a relapse of an old habit from his drinking days. Despite being sober now, the incident floods him with familiar shame and self-loathing, along with the practical dread of inconveniencing the hotel staff. Cyrus reflects on how these feelings were once routine during his alcoholism, intertwined with rituals of hiding his messes. The episode triggers a wave of existential despair,…
    • Chapter Twenty-three Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter depicts a pivotal moment between Roya and Leila during a visit in Tehran, August 1987. While their husbands are away camping, Leila leads Roya through the bustling Tajrish bazaar, filled with vendors and sensory details like flowers, kabobs, and perfumes. The atmosphere is lively yet ordinary until Leila abruptly pulls Roya into a secluded alley, where she kneels and presses her ear to the ground, claiming to hear angels drumming beneath the earth. Roya, confused but intrigued, follows suit,…
    • Chapter Twenty-two Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Cyrus dreaming of Orkideh, a bald woman with bushy eyebrows and oversized sunglasses, walking through a luxurious mall alongside President Invective, who struggles to keep pace. Orkideh appears amused by his discomfort, while Invective, clad in an ill-fitting suit, pants heavily despite carrying nothing. Cyrus reflects on his tendency to involuntarily include repulsive figures in his dreams, such as past bullies or infamous criminals, suggesting a subconscious grappling with…
    • Chapter Twenty-one: Ali Shams Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Cyrus Shams in Brooklyn, attempting to call his friend Zee but hesitating to leave a message. His hands tremble uncontrollably, reflecting his inner turmoil. The narrative then shifts to memories of his father Ali's funeral, where only a handful of people attended, including his high school teacher, ex-girlfriend, and friends. Cyrus recalls the somber atmosphere and the scent of wet soil, a sensory memory that lingers with him. His uncle Arash's absence is noted, along with the later…
    • Chapter

      Chapter Twenty

      Chapter Twenty Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter follows Cyrus and Zee in Brooklyn as they spend a quiet evening together, ordering pizza and watching TV in their hotel. Zee reflects on the luxury of doing nothing in a city full of possibilities, framing it as an "opportunity cost" that feels opulent. Their banter over pineapple on pizza leads to a playful debate about botanical versus culinary terms, showcasing their easy camaraderie. The scene is intimate and relaxed, with the pair enjoying each other's company while watching *The Office*…
    • Chapter Nineteen Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Cyrus Shams meets Zee Novak at a Brooklyn café called Daylight, braving the cold for an outdoor conversation. His mind races after a puzzling encounter with Orkideh, who inexplicably referenced his mother’s death in a plane crash—a detail he never shared with her. The café patio buzzes with activity: a woman smokes elegantly, bearded men ignore their drinks, and a waiter navigates the chaos. Cyrus hopes Zee will help him break his cyclical thoughts about Orkideh’s cryptic knowledge, signaling…
    • Chapter Eighteen: Roya Shams/Mom Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with the narrator's vivid description of Leila, a woman whose striking presence transcends conventional beauty. Her sunglasses, confident demeanor, and animated conversation about eclectic topics make her magnetic, almost otherworldly. The taxi driver’s distracted driving underscores her allure, while her unfiltered cigarettes and casual defiance of norms—like removing her scarf—hint at her rebellious nature. The narrator is captivated, observing Leila as if she were a force of…
    • Chapter Seventeen: Bhagat Singh Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter follows Cyrus Shams on his third day in Brooklyn as he prepares to meet Orkideh at a museum. Eager to connect with her, he brings two coffees—one as a thoughtful gesture—reflecting on the profound yet often overlooked human ability to consider others' lives. This moment of simple kindness strikes him as miraculous, though he also questions whether his self-satisfaction reveals deeper narcissism. His internal monologue oscillates between wonder at human connection and self-criticism over…
    • Chapter

      Chapter Sixteen

      Chapter Sixteen Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter introduces Arash Shirazi, a soldier in the Iranian army during the 1985 Iran-Iraq War, who adopts a unique role inspired by his comrade Arman. Dressed in a black robe with a flashlight illuminating his face, Arash becomes a symbolic "angel of night," riding his horse Badbadak among the dying soldiers to offer them solace and reinforce their resolve. Arman explains that every platoon has a soldier like Arash—one who embodies this celestial figure to provide comfort amidst the horrors of war.…
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