Song of a Captive Bird (English & Persian)

Song of a Captive Bird by Jasmin Darznik is a powerful, fictionalized account of the life of the trailblazing Iranian poet Forugh Farrokhzad. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century Iran, the novel captures Forugh’s defiance of societal norms and her fight for creative and personal freedom in a deeply conservative and patriarchal society.

From a young age, Forugh challenges the restrictions imposed on women, daring to write poetry that addresses love, desire, and independence—subjects deemed taboo for a woman in her time. Through her eyes, readers witness the complexities of her relationships, her struggles with her family, and her longing for both freedom and belonging.

Jasmin Darznik’s lyrical prose beautifully weaves together themes of art, rebellion, and self-discovery, bringing Forugh’s revolutionary spirit and her pursuit of truth to life. Song of a Captive Bird not only tells the story of a woman ahead of her time but also offers a profound exploration of the price of breaking free from societal constraints.