2016 Longlist
The King
Translated from the Dutch by Nancy Forest-Flier
ABOUT
THE BOOK
It is the nineteenth century and the kingdom of Persia is at a turning point. When a young King, Shah Naser, takes to the throne he inherits a medieval, enchanted world. But beyond the court, the greater forces of colonisation and industrialisation close in. The Shah’s grand vizier sees only one solution – to open up to the outside world, and to bring Persia into modernity. But the Shah’s mother fiercely opposes the vizier’s reforms and sets about poisoning her son’s mind against his advisor.
With bloody battles, intrigue and extraordinary characters, The King brings a historical moment brilliantly to life. Reading as fairy tale and shedding light on a pivotal period in history.
ABOUT
THE TRANSLATOR Nancy
Forest-Flier
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Date published
08/01/2015
Country
Iran, Netherlands
Original Language
Dutch
Publisher
Canongate Books
Translator
Nancy Forest-Flier
Translation
Translated from the Dutch by Nancy Forest-Flier