Qazvin BookCity: Reviewing Darakāt

A cultural event centered on the critique and discussion of the book Darakāt took place at Qazvin BookCity on Friday, July 21, 2024. The event featured the book’s author, Mr. Arash Javaheri, alongside critics Ms. Fatemeh Sharifnejad and Mr. Kamran Soleimanian Moghaddam, with Ms. Zahra Alipour serving as the session’s moderator. Many literature enthusiasts attended the gathering at Qazvin BookCity.

Darakāt is a narrative that weaves the life of its mad narrator through a multitude of characters, stories, and unspeakable secrets, all presented in a complex structure with unusual words and sentences splashed across the white pages. The story intertwines layers of dreamlike family memories, tales from a mental asylum, and the fragmented thoughts of a collapsing mind, leading readers into a tempestuous whirlpool of illusion, myth, and symbolism. This odyssey-like journey across the sea of madness takes us from island to island in search of an elusive, imaginary utopia, ultimately culminating in a fascinating vortex of experiences.

During the session, discussions revolved around the techniques and writing style of the narrative, the use of standard language, the interplay of spoken and written language, the creation of tone, postmodern novels, and the necessity of addressing postmodern literature within Iranian literature.

BookCity is an initiative dedicated to promoting the culture of reading and literature in Iran. It organizes various events such as book fairs, literary discussions, and workshops aimed at fostering a love for reading and supporting authors and local publishers. Through its activities, BookCity seeks to create a vibrant literary community, encourage critical thinking, and enhance public engagement with literature, making it a significant player in the cultural landscape of Iran.