Playing House

The book “Khalebazi” written by Balqis Soleimani has been published by Qoqnoos Publishing. “Khalebazi” is the story of one man and three women. Each woman enters this man’s life due to the circumstances they find themselves in and plays the role destined for her. One comes to die, one comes to stay, and one comes to refuse. The one who refuses accepts her natural shortcomings but tries to stand against societal deficiencies and does not play the role everyone has designated for her. She seeks to find and create a unique identity for herself: The doctor said, “Here is your Leyli, Mr. Masoud, safe and sound. From now on, take better care of her.” I extended the bouquet toward her. Roshanak burst out laughing, and the doctor said, “Why are you standing like a statue? Sit down before Roshanak passes out from laughter.” Balqis Soleimani, the author of the acclaimed novel “Lady’s Last Game,” revisits a generation in “Khalebazi” that sought to transform the world and its foundations, a generation that did not want eternal roles to remain unaltered and… This man is a traditional one through and through. How did you not notice? Why did you think this man would bear it all for you? Why did you think that the fervor of justice-seeking and freedom-loving exclusive to youth would prevent his true character from showing? We are the direct continuation of our fathers and mothers. Fool!