Song of a Captive Bird - Jasmin Darznik

This book is a 10/10, not just for Jasmin Darznik's writing abilities, but for how she gave Forough Farrokhzad an everlasting voice.

Set in Iran in the mid-1900's, this is a historical fiction based off the real life of Forugh Farrokhzad. We journey through a re-telling of her life, from her romantic encounters to her motherhood, and her career as a poet and film maker.

Darznik's interpretation of Forough's life brings readers a sense of magic and inspiration, but it doesn't shy away from pain either. Throughout this book I felt as Forough might have. I felt the guilt she did for leaving her son. I felt her pride in what she made of herself, as well as the shame that came from disobeying her family's wishes. All good books should impact the reader in some way, whether through an emotional response, or curiosity, or even comfort. This book provided all of these and more, leaving me hungry for more answers, trying to fill in the blanks of Forough's life, reading her poems, watching her films, anything I can do to surround myself in her life once more.

I don't think I could emphasize enough just how amazing this book is. I picked it up at a thrift store for $1. I didn't expect to like it very much. I never expected to love it. But this book has absolutely changed me and the way I see this world. It takes history, and the story of a girl, and turns it into magic, inspiration, a reason to care. Forugh Farrokhzad is someone who deserves the recognition Jasmine Darznik gives her and more. If you are looking for some new fiction that also teaches you history, this is your sign to check out Song of a Captive Bird.

This book is a 10/10, not just for Jasmin Darznik's writing abilities, but for how she gave Forough Farrokhzad an everlasting voice.