A sweet and touching novel which can be read both as a coming of age story, set against a fascinating backdrop, and at a deeper level as a commentary on life in country where there is very little freedom of expression.
This is the story, based on fact, of a boy who couldn't speak until the age of seven. Now twenty, he describes the events of his life.
Four-year-old Shahaab has not started talking. The family doctor believes there is no cause for concern; nevertheless, Shahaab is ridiculed by others who call him 'dumb'. Young Shahaab doesn't understand what the word means and thinks it is a compliment, until one day his cousin plays a trick on him to prove to everyone that the boy truly is the neighbourhood idiot.
When his mother recounts the incident to her husband, Shahaab is crushed to learn that his father also thinks the boy's speech impediment indicates that his son is an idiot and thus brings shame on the family. Shahaab soon recognizes that his father's love and esteem is concentrated on his older brother, Arash, and his younger sister, Shadee. In his innocent and deeply hurt child's mind, he begins to believe that the 'good' and 'intelligent' children like his older brother are their fathers' sons. On the other hand, children like him who are 'clumsy' and 'problematic' are their mothers' sons. From that moment on, his world, which he thought was filled with beauty and kindness, suddenly turns harsh, full of anger and insult. He begins to lash out, taking childish revenge on those around him, encouraged by his two imaginary friends, Esi and Bibi.
No one in the family can understand Shahaab's wild behaviour except his maternal grandmother, who seems to possess the understanding and the kindness he so desperately craves. Their growing bond leads to a deep friendship in which Shahaab is able to experience some happiness and finally find his voice.
Finally, away from the roar and blare of heavily-hyped new publications, we find a low-key release which may well cause a ripple but
deserves to make a splash. I Hid My Voice by the Iranian novelist Parinoush Saniee is a novel based on fact about a boy who couldn't speak until the age of seven. Now twenty, Shahaab looks back on his life and shares his ordeal. He is mocked by friends, shunned by his father and understood only by his grandmother who gradually helps him to find his voice again. Saniee's book shines a light on one child's helplessness and, by extension, everyday Iranians' inability to speak out. It is also proof that a book doesn't have to be a big-name blockbuster to be an immensely satisfying summer read
