Rooftoops of Theran by Mahbod Seraji
Rooftops of Tehran
Since the early years of 18th century, novels have found their ways to the public awareness on how such literary works could bring impacts to the community. One of the most popular sub genres of novel is “Social Novel” which has seen been used as a popular device of authors to publish their works and propagate its messages. However, the earliest documented European novel was published way further back in the 17th century or even much earlier, with pioneering novel, Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. (“Novel”, n.d.) It is also one of the earliest writings in the form of a very lengthy piece of work which is known as novel (derived from Spanish noun, Novella which means new story). (“Novel”, n.d.)
Since late 20th century, non-American writers have found their ways of getting their messages through – literary works. This is no exception to Mahbod Seraji, Iranian born, American based writer who wrote his debut novel, which also served as a social novel, Rooftops of Tehran, first published and printed in May 2009 that served as both commentary and criticism to both Iranian and world communities. This essay will try to attempt to provide an insight of what are the main messages behind Mr. Seraji’s Rooftops of Tehran which will be divided into five main points which are, prevalent corruptions among religious scholars and royals, the importance of family and social values, the importance of knowledge, the price of freedom and the concept of reality versus perception. One has to take note that these messages are not solely targeted for one community or area or those with particular interest, but actually served as an insight for the global community whom can view these points from different perspectives and reflect upon the real importance message behind it.
Throughout recorded history, the clashes of interests between people and religion and royalty and public especially the corrupted ones have always been problematic social problems that seem to
Since the early years of 18th century, novels have found their ways to the public awareness on how such literary works could bring impacts to the community. One of the most popular sub genres of novel is “Social Novel” which has seen been used as a popular device of authors to publish their works and propagate its messages. However, the earliest documented European novel was published way further back in the 17th century or even much earlier, with pioneering novel, Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. (“Novel”, n.d.) It is also one of the earliest writings in the form of a very lengthy piece of work which is known as novel (derived from Spanish noun, Novella which means new story). (“Novel”, n.d.)
Since late 20th century, non-American writers have found their ways of getting their messages through – literary works. This is no exception to Mahbod Seraji, Iranian born, American based writer who wrote his debut novel, which also served as a social novel, Rooftops of Tehran, first published and printed in May 2009 that served as both commentary and criticism to both Iranian and world communities. This essay will try to attempt to provide an insight of what are the main messages behind Mr. Seraji’s Rooftops of Tehran which will be divided into five main points which are, prevalent corruptions among religious scholars and royals, the importance of family and social values, the importance of knowledge, the price of freedom and the concept of reality versus perception. One has to take note that these messages are not solely targeted for one community or area or those with particular interest, but actually served as an insight for the global community whom can view these points from different perspectives and reflect upon the real importance message behind it.
Throughout recorded history, the clashes of interests between people and religion and royalty and public especially the corrupted ones have always been problematic social problems that seem to
References: British Library. (n.d.) Indulgences. Retrieved March 10, 2011, from http://www.bl.uk/treasures/gutenberg/indulgences.html Iran Chamber Society. (n.d.). Islamic Revolution of 1979. Retrieved March 10, 2011, from http://www.iranchamber.com/history/islamic_revolution/islamic_revolution.php Iranian Revolution. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved March 9, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_revolution Karim Raslan. (2011). Never Say Never. The Star. Retrieved March 11, 2011, from http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2011/3/1/columnists/ceritalah/8156340&sec=ceritalah Novel. (n.d.). In Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 9, 2011, from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/421071/novel Seraji, M. (2009). Rooftops of Tehran. New York: New American Library. Thích Quảng Đức. (n.d.) In Wikipedia. Retrieved March 9, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%ADch_Qu%E1%BA%A3ng_%C4%90%E1%BB%A9c