The King: A Novel

<p>A hypnotic page-turner about the grinding gears of historical change and ruthless palace intrigue in Persia, c. 1848.</p> The King, young Shah Naser, takes to the throne of Persia at a turning point of history: he inherits an enchanted medieval world of harems, eunuchs, and treasures as well as a palace of secret doors, sudden deaths, and hidden agendas. Within the court is danger enough: outside all manner of change threatens -- industrialization, colonization. Russia and England conspire to open the King's empire; his mother and his vizier take opposing sides. The poor King -- almost an exact contemporary of Queen Victoria -- is trapped. He likes some aspects of modernity (electricity, photography) but can't embrace democracy. He must be a sovereign: he must keep his throne. The King cannot face change and he cannot escape it.<br><br> With this gleaming and seemingly simple story, breathlessly paced and beautifully told, Kader Abdolah, the acclaimed Iranian émigré novelist, speaks of deeper truths. A novel which has many timely things to say about eras of change and upheaval, The King is an unforgettable book.