Song of a Captive Bird

A Novel

By: Jasmin Darznik

Narrated by: Mozhan Marnò

LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER • A spellbinding debut novel about the trailblazing Iranian poet Forugh Farrokhzad, who defied society’s expectations to find her voice and her destiny

“A complex and beautiful rendering of [a] vanished country and its scattered people, a reminder of the power and purpose of art, and an ode to female creativity under a patriarchy that repeatedly tries to snuff it out.”—The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)

All through her childhood in Tehran, Forugh Farrokhzad is told that Persian daughters should be quiet and modest. She is taught only to obey, but she always finds ways to rebel—gossiping with her sister among the fragrant roses of her mother’s walled garden, venturing to the forbidden rooftop to roughhouse with her three brothers, writing poems to impress her strict, disapproving father, and sneaking out to flirt with a teenage paramour over café glacé. During the summer of 1950, Forugh’s passion for poetry takes flight—and tradition seeks to clip her wings.

Forced into a suffocating marriage, Forugh runs away and falls into an affair that fuels her desire to write and to achieve freedom and independence. Forugh’s poems are considered both scandalous and brilliant; she is heralded by some as a national treasure, vilified by others as a demon influenced by the West. She perseveres, finding love with a notorious filmmaker and living by her own rules—at enormous cost. But the power of her writing only grows stronger amid the upheaval of the Iranian revolution.

Inspired by Forugh Farrokhzad’s verse, letters, films, and interviews—and including original translations of her poems—this haunting novel uses the lens of fiction to capture the tenacity, spirit, and conflicting desires of a brave woman who represents the birth of feminism in Iran—and who continues to inspire generations of women around the world.

Praise for Song of a Captive Bird

“If poetry is emotion rendered incendiary, then Forugh Farrokhzad was made of fire. . . . Song of a Captive Bird is an unsparing account of the necessity and consequences of speaking out.”—BookPage

“Sometimes, simply choosing whom to love is a political act.”—Vogue

“Forugh Farrokhzad’s short life brimmed with controversy and rebellion . . . .This feminist icon inspired Darznik’s imaginative debut.”—Ms.

Excellent!

Beautifully written, as beautiful as the poetesses poems. so much compassion and warmth. I highly recommend the book.

A woman we should all know about

In light of the persecution of women in many places in the world, the experiences of Forugh Farrokhzad, although well researched but fictionalized in this novel, was sad and inspiring. I was unfamiliar with her poetry and her struggles to be free prior to reading the novel. I'm so glad I spent time learning more about her. This book was well written.

Thank you

Thank you very much Jasmine for great writing and Mozhan for great narration. Looking forward to more from you both

Great book.

This was an outstanding book. Really moving and so well written. I went through it in about three days. Couldn't stop.

Deeply moving

A heartbreaking yet well written piece of literature detailing brevity in Iran. Had to listen to the book twice over.