Silenced Whispers: A Novel

NEW YORK BOOK FESTIVAL HONORABLE MENTION • 2024 BOOK AWARDS IPNE SILVER MEDALIST • From Iranian-born author Afarin Bellisario comes an “impactful and immersive” (Foreword Reviews) novel about the struggle for freedom and love against tradition, corruption, and colonial ambition during World War I. "Silenced Whispers is a provocative drama with a heart-wrenching and emotional storyline that is gripping and affecting. Bellisario's excellently crafted tale also provides an illuminating insight into the harsh and oppressive social landscape of early 20th century Iran." -Booklife Gohar doesn’t fit the mold: While other girls in early 20th-century Iran cook, sew, and dream of marriage, she climbs trees, reads books, and secretly plays the tar despite the ban on music. But she bows to her fate when at 14, she is compelled to marry a 55-year-old conservative politician. Soon destiny brings her to Tehran—a city rife with corruption, violent political rivalries, and colonial powers’ meddling. Defying her husband, she joins the movement to reform the country. Meanwhile, her attraction to Aslan, a mysterious Russian ally of the cause, tests her faith and family honor. Tension rises when the reformists hire an American to modernize the country, prompting the Russians to invade Northern Iran. And mayhem ensues. Is there a future for an Iranian Muslim and a Russian Christian hunted by their own government amidst the Great War? Silenced Whispers transports readers to the enchanting world of Iran at the turn of the 20th century as the country transforms into a modern nation. This critically acclaimed page-turning tale of love, sacrifice, and courage has been awarded a prestigious Clarion rating of 4 out of 5. It celebrates the women and men who dared to stand up to tradition,…