White Ash

White Ash written by Hamid Babaei, as the title suggests, is a story set in the Khak Sefid neighborhood of Tehran Pars. The novel’s events take place from 1995 to 2001. Khak Sefid is a district in Tehran Pars that expanded due to migration and unauthorized construction. Underneath Khak Sefid, an area known as the Island or West was formed, becoming a hotspot for crime. In late 2000, the police conducted a crackdown that led to the siege, cleanup, and demolition of the Island. The author uses the lives of several characters living in Khak Sefid as the basis of the novel. He strives to realistically portray the violence prevalent in this area, drawing from his own experiences living there. Hamid Babaei combines imagination and reality to present an engaging narrative of this place. The public held a very negative view of this neighborhood, which the author critiques in his novel. The main character’s journey follows the hero’s journey archetype, showcasing his development and growth. Pouya, the protagonist, enters the West area (the Island), spends time there, then returns to his own world after gaining university admission. During this period, he undergoes a maturation process. Akbar, another significant character, is a law student who has been expelled and is entangled in criminal activities out of poverty and desperation, though he retains a sense of loyalty and heroism. “White Ash” relies on a specific location and the people living there to tell a realistic story. The author, well-acquainted with the neighborhood, skillfully captures the tone and language of his characters. Structurally, by employing multiple perspectives and shifting viewpoints in each chapter, the novel offers a comprehensive portrayal of its setting and personalities, effectively engaging readers. The novel recounts a place that no longer exists, but its characters can still be seen in various parts of the city daily. For those interested in Persian novels who can handle such environments and characters, “White Ash” is a fitting choice.