Pomegranate Sky

Description

Pomegranate Sky

by Louise Soraya Black

Winner of The Virginia Prize For Fiction, 2009

Pomegranate Sky is an evocative story of love and lies set against the turmoil of post-revolutionary Tehran. An impressive debut novel, Pomegranate Sky won the inaugural Virginia Prize for Fiction (2009).

Living in contemporary Tehran, Layla refuses to bow to the ayatollah’s rules, resisting her mother’s relentless attempts to find her a suitable husband. Instead, she embarks on an illicit affair with her art teacher Keyvan, and they tentatively imagine a future together.

But the sudden death of her uncle, an outspoken journalist, raises many unanswered questions and when Layla’s cousin, who is visiting from America, is arrested by the morality police, the Komiteh, Layla’s plans for the future begin to unravel.

Reviews

“I was totally captivated by this novel. Layla is torn between her heart and the restrictions of her culture. She obeys her heart though not without a price. This wonderfully poetic story keeps you hooked right to the very end.” Stephanie Hale, author and broadcaster

“a bittersweet tale of betrayed trust and ruptured innocence… the feel for colour and language is vibrant” Guardian first novel choice

“Vividly written, fresh and eloquent, a girl’s poignant tale of love and menace in contemporary Iran.” Fay Weldon

“I loved this book. It gives you real insight into the world of educated middle-class Iranians in the early 21st century. We are so used to the Iranians we meet in the UK that we do not realise how hard it is to live under their political regime at home. A joy to read.” www.openingthebook.com

About the author

Louise Soraya Black was born in England in 1977 to an English mother and Iranian father. She has lived in Nigeria, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia. She has a first class honours degree in law from UCL and spent eight years in corporate law but creativity was always very important to her. Pomegranate Sky is her debut novel.