The Cursed

Majid Gharavi is a young and prolific writer whose works have been influenced by the rich and renowned storytelling tradition of his hometown, Isfahan. Various characteristics of this style are reflected in different ways in his writings. In his works, he employs ancient texts and classical word arrangements with creative and exceptional skill to craft modern stories. “The Cursed” is one of this author’s works and the second book in the beautiful and famous “Zayandeh-Rood” series. The first book of the series, “Sabat,” deals with Ahmad’s era and the legendary silk tale during the eventful autumn of 1978. However, “The Cursed” narrates the life of a new character named Nima Esfandiari, chronicling his adolescence and youth’s ups and downs. On the way to a sports camp with his teammates, Nima faces a hellish cold environment with freezing temperatures. This ordeal coincides with another journey, an inner one, through which Nima steps into the world of his suppressed and imprisoned desires and passions. The maze Nima enters is filled with mental and physical obstacles. Sometimes, he must even fight terrifying demons blocking his path and preventing him from achieving his goals. It seems that after every trial he faces, a new light is lit ahead of him. Though the destination remains dark and elusive, Yalda’s continuous presence and absence might guide him. The book features an engaging and gripping story that is both deep and thought-provoking, entertaining readers while encouraging them to reflect on the deepest layers of their own personalities. Due to these reasons and its fluent and clear prose, reading this book is highly beneficial and offers an unforgettable experience for its readers.