“The Last White Man” comes to Iranian bookstores

September 13, 2024 - 18:22

TEHRAN- A Persian translation of British-Pakistani novelist and writer Mohsin Hamid’s book “The Last White Man” has recently been published by Morvarid Publications in Tehran.

The book has been translated into Persian by Lida Qahremanlou.

"The Last White Man" is a thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, change, and identity. Published in 2022, this is Hamid's fifth novel, which was longlisted for the prestigious 2023 Aspen Words Literary Prize. The book employs magical realism to tell the story of Anders, a white man who awakens to find himself transformed into a darker-skinned individual with an unfamiliar appearance.

As the phenomenon spreads, society becomes increasingly divided and perplexed, grappling with questions of race, privilege, belonging, and loss. The novel's themes are timely and relevant, prompting readers to consider the complexities of identity and the human experience.

In addition to the novel, Hamid also published a short story on the same theme, "The Face in the Mirror", in the same year.

Mohsin Hamid is a renowned author known for his impactful novels, including “Moth Smoke” (2000), “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” (2007), “How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia” (2013), and “Exit West” (2017).

“Moth Smoke” explores the life of a former banker in Lahore, who becomes a heroin addict while entangled in a love affair. It quickly gained cult status and was a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award. His second novel, “The Reluctant Fundamentalist”, narrates a Pakistani man's decision to leave America after 9/11 and became a bestseller. It employs a dramatic monologue style, addressing an unseen American listener. 

Hamid's third novel, “How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia”, uses second-person narration to depict a rural boy’s rise to wealth. His fourth, “Exit West”, follows a couple navigating migration. With his inventive storytelling, Hamid captures the complexities of identity and ambition in a changing world.

SAB/