Symphony of the Dead

One of the best-known modern Iranian novels, by Abbas Maroufi. Set in the cold city of Ardabil, it tells of the Urkhani family and the bitter rift between two brothers: Aidin, drawn to poetry and books, and Urhan, who stays in their father's trade. Built like a piece of music in several movements and voices, it is a dark, memorable story of family, envy and stifled dreams. The text is in Persian (Farsi/Dari).

Author: Abbas Maroufi

Persian title: سمفونی مردگان

Bought from a Kabul bookshop and hand-delivered — the recipient inspects it at the door before accepting. The edition and cover may differ from the photo.