The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree

The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technical
  • ID: 2212
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9781925893939
  • Published: 2020-08-01
  • Reviews: 3

Narrated by the ghost of a thirteen-year-old girl, this novel explores the power of storytelling in the face of oppression. Set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary Iran, the story blends magical realism with historical fiction, featuring enchanting elements like dragonflies, forest jinns, and mermaids that contrast with the harsh realities of political upheaval. The novel's lyrical prose and richly imagined characters create a timeless narrative that juxtaposes the beauty of Persian culture with the brutality of an oppressive regime. /n/n Through her unforgettable characters, the author weaves a tale that is both a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a critique of political oppression. The story highlights the importance of preserving intellectual freedom and the role of imagination in making sense of trauma. The enchanting and mystical elements of the narrative serve as a stark contrast to the material circumstances that alter the characters' lives, making it a powerful and poignant read.

Reviews
FAL Writing · 2020-07-29
profound 4.50

The language is poetic and beautiful, yet weary and violent, making it a triumph. The story's depth and emotional impact are profound.

The reviewer is captivated by the poetic and beautiful language, which is both weary and violent, creating a powerful and haunting atmosphere. They highlight the book's triumph in blending these elements to convey a deep emotional impact. The story's exploration of themes and its lyrical prose are particularly praised, making it a memorable and impactful read.


Quick quotes

    The book unfolds with language, translated from Farsi, that is simply poetic, yet beautiful, weary and violent.

    It is a triumph.

    The story's depth and emotional impact are profound.

The Guardian · 2020-06-05
thoughtful 3.50

The book is politically nuanced and less dangerous than it might seem, offering a unique perspective on Iran's history.

The reviewer notes that the book is politically nuanced and less dangerous than it might initially appear. They appreciate the unique perspective it offers on Iran's history and the way it blends magical realism with historical events. The reviewer finds the book to be a thoughtful and insightful exploration of a complex period, making it a valuable read.


Quick quotes

    After passing the copy around, they conclude that 'politically, it was not a dangerous book'.

    The censors have been less forgiving of Shokoofeh Azar.

    It offers a unique perspective on Iran's history.

Tony's Reading List · 2020-04-09
impressive 4.00

The book is a magical realism masterpiece with frequent nods to the author's background. It's a rich tapestry of storytelling.

The reviewer finds it hard to avoid labeling the book as magical realism, given its frequent nods to the author's background. They appreciate the rich tapestry of storytelling that blends magical realism with historical and cultural elements. The reviewer is impressed by the depth and complexity of the narrative, which makes the book a standout in its genre.


Quick quotes

    It would be hard to avoid labelling the The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree as magical realism.

    Despite the frequent nods to the author's background, it's a rich tapestry of storytelling.

    The depth and complexity of the narrative make it a standout.