Darius the Great My Not Be Okay, but He Is Great
I have been making a concerted effort to read books featuring non-white and non-heterosexual characters for a while, so "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" certainly checked my boxes. What I didn't expect was to fall so hard for Darius. I'm amazed that this is Adib Khorram's first book as it's a really good one. It's not without its flaws, but it's definitely still worth your read.
Darius is a compelling, fully fleshed-out character with a fascinating inner life and an interesting family and school life. I found myself rooting for Darius and his family every step of the way. Sohrab, Darius's friend, is also particularly compelling and was among my favorite characters. The book made me choke up more than once. I became attached to Darius, Sohrab, Darius's grandparents, and Darius's sister.
The book aims to take down American ideas of masculinity and the ways it is toxic. It explores same-sex attraction in conservative cultures. It demonstrates that there is an Iran beyond the current stereotypes. I do wish the theme of attraction between Sohrab and Darius would have been explored more overtly, but that is my only gripe with this book. I've recommended it to several friends and I will continue to do so.
Darius is a compelling, fully fleshed-out character with a fascinating inner life and an interesting family and school life. I found myself rooting for Darius and his family every step of the way. Sohrab, Darius's friend, is also particularly compelling and was among my favorite characters. The book made me choke up more than once. I became attached to Darius, Sohrab, Darius's grandparents, and Darius's sister.
The book aims to take down American ideas of masculinity and the ways it is toxic. It explores same-sex attraction in conservative cultures. It demonstrates that there is an Iran beyond the current stereotypes. I do wish the theme of attraction between Sohrab and Darius would have been explored more overtly, but that is my only gripe with this book. I've recommended it to several friends and I will continue to do so.