Secrets of My Land (Two Volumes)

The Secrets of My Land is a historical novel written by Reza Baraheni, first published in 1987. It is an extensive story revolving around significant events in contemporary Iranian history, including the emergence of the Democratic Party in Azerbaijan, the presence of American advisors in Iran, the 1953 coup, the Shah’s departure, and finally the victory of the revolution. The Secrets of My Land is a realist novel that, in some parts, leans towards magical realism. Each chapter of the book is narrated by a different character, a factor that makes the story come together like a puzzle. The most important character of the novel is Hossein, a young man working as a translator for an American advisor, who witnesses the murder of the advisor by thirteen army officers. The novel’s subsequent events unfold following this incident. The army officers are executed, and Hossein is sentenced to life imprisonment… The Secrets of My Land is an engaging and readable book that you won’t feel like putting down once you start reading it.