Debut Novel Celebrates Feminism and Art in 1950's Iran

Jasmin Darznik discusses her debut novel Song of a Captive Bird. She tells the story of Iranian poet and filmmaker Forugh Farrokhzad, who grew up in Iran during the 1940's and 1950's and was forced into an unhappy marriage. She persevered, found love with another filmmaker and used her work to oppose an increasingly oppressive regime. The novel draws from her poetry, letters and films to capture the tenacity and spirit of a woman who represents the birth of feminism in Iran.

Darznik will be in conversation with Shahriar Mandanipour, Sara Khalili, and Porochista Khakpour on April 23 at 7 pm at The Asian American Writers’ Workshop (112 W 27th Street, Suite 600). The event will also be live-streamed on the Asian-American Writers’ Facebook page.

This segment is guest hosted by Alison Stewart.