Darius the Great is Not Okay
Adib Khorram
I do not think I ever read a Young Adult (YA) novel. The YA phenomenon seems to be a more recent rebranding of novels written for younger readers. In the last decade many books targeted toward the YA market have been picked up by regular, older readers. The countless Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Twilight volumes never piqued my interest, despite encouragement from a smart-as-a-whip niece. It would be interesting to go back in time and suggest that she read this book.
Darius is the son of an American father and Iranian mother. The character repeatedly refers to himself as a “fractional Persian,” referencing his genetic make-up but also describing his lack of immersion into Persian culture and language. The family lives in Portland but are summoned to visit Iran, due to his grandfather’s advancing illness. Since Darius struggles to fit into the culture of middle/high school, he is troubled by whether this trip to a foreign land will be just as complicated, or even worse.
The Iranian family he encounters prove colorful and loving. It seems that Darius is finally feeling comfortable in a setting that is more welcoming than his Portland situation. Because Darius and his father both take medicine for their depression, they are reluctant to bring attention to the diagnosis while in Iran. Persian culture does not seem to perceive depression as a legitimate concern. Add this to the list of many forms of angst Darius contends with daily.
Things start to improve when Darius meets a local boy, Sohrab, with whom he develops a deep friendship. Their shared love of soccer becomes a part of the bond that is created. It is refreshing to read about Darius’ blossoming confidence just through his relationship with Sohrab. In an adult novel, it might become a romantic relationship. This being a YA novel, it remains platonic.
The novel educates the reader on many things Persian, with food being a recurring theme that seems integral to every familial occasion. You do not have to understand, or even pronounce, the many Persian idioms that provide a backdrop to the story. The interplay between Darius and his Persian friends and relatives, gives him a new appreciation of his history.
It never hurts to expand your knowledge of different cultures. Educating younger readers to do so through reading, is an admirable pursuit. Darius seems to find his voice in unexpected ways. The reader roots for him to do just that.
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REVIEW: STEPHEN COY
Queerguru Contributor STEPHEN COY has been an avid reader all his (very long) life ? and is finally putting his skills to good use. He lives in Provincetown full time with his husband Jim, having finally given up the bright lights of Boston and now haunts the streets mumbling to himself that no one reads anymore …
Labels: 2018, book review, Stephen Coy
