TEHRAN- “A River Called Time” by Mozambican writer Mia Couto has recently been published in Persian.

Translated by Mehdi Ghabrai, the book has been published by Ofoq Publications in Tehran.

The book tells the story of Mariano, who finds himself torn between the urban world he has known for so long and the ancestral village to which he is reluctantly summoned. Upon returning to his village for his grandfather's funeral, Mariano is faced with unexpected responsibilities as his dying grandfather entrusts him with the task of restoring peace and closure to their family affairs. Despite his initial reluctance, Mariano is compelled to navigate the complexities of traditional beliefs and the spiritual realm in an effort to lay his grandfather's troubled soul to rest.

As Mariano delves into the past through letters purportedly penned by his grandfather, he unravels long-held family secrets and confronts the truth about his own origins. Through this unique form of communication with the deceased, Mariano not only discovers the hidden histories and interconnected relationships within his family but also embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The novel weaves together elements of mystery, folklore, and humor as Mariano grapples with the weight of ancestral legacies and the intricacies of human connection across time and space.

Within the tapestry of picturesque and sometimes comical characters and situations, Mia Couto skillfully explores themes of identity, memory, and the enduring impact of unresolved past traumas. Through Mariano's quest to fulfill his grandfather's final wishes and uncover the truth about his own origins, "A River Called Time" serves as a poignant reflection on the enduring power of family ties, the complexities of tradition, and the transformative nature of reconciling with one's roots.

SAB/