The Persians
The Persians by Sanam Mahloudji, published by 4th Estate in 2025, is a debut novel that intricately follows the lives of five women from three generations of the Valiat family, a once-prominent Iranian family facing turmoil. Set against the backdrop of cultural upheaval, the story centers on Elizabeth, the matriarch who remains in Tehran, and her daughters, Shirin and Seema, who navigate their new lives in America. The narrative unfolds as their annual vacation in Aspen takes an unexpected turn, leading to a crisis that challenges their family bonds and reputation.
Readers will find a rich exploration of family life, cultural heritage, and the complexities of identity as the Valiat women confront their past and present. The novel delves into themes of love, money, and fulfillment, presenting a vivid portrait of a family striving to reclaim their significance in a changing world. With 371 pages, this edition offers a comprehensive look at the characters’ struggles and aspirations, inviting readers to reflect on what it means to be a family amidst chaos.
Official synopsis Publisher
SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2025
‘Enormously entertaining’ THE TIMES
‘As funny as it is moving’ GUARDIAN
‘A joy of a debut’ DAVID MITCHELL
‘Magnificent’ BERNARDINE EVARISTO
A stunning debut novel following five women from three generations of a once eminent Iranian family as their lives are turned upside down.
The Valiat family are in crisis. Elizabeth, the regal matriarch, remained in Tehran despite the revolution and only has Niaz, her Islamic law-breaking granddaughter for company. In America, Elizabeth’ s daughters, the flamboyantly high-flying Shirin and frustrated housewife Seema, are wondering if their new lives there are all they had hoped for. Lastly, there’s the second granddaughter, Bita, a disillusioned law student trying to find deeper meaning by giving away her worldly belongings.
When an annual vacation in Aspen goes wildly awry and Shirin ends up being bailed out of jail, gossip about the family spreads like wildfire. Soon, Shirin sets out to restore the family name to its former glory. But what does that mean in a country where the Valiats never mattered to anyone? And, will reputation be enough to make them a family again?
The Persians is an irresistible portrait of a unique family in turmoil that explores timeless questions of love, money, art and fulfilment. Here is their past, their present and a possible new future for them all.
A most anticipated novel of 2025 in Stylist, BBC and iNews.
‘Funny, gutsy and confidently written … an outstanding debut’ DIANA EVANS, 2025 Women’s Prize Judge
‘I lapped up its wonderful characterisations, profound insights and vivacious prose’ BERNARDINE EVARISTO
‘Mesmerising’ MONICA ALI
‘Darkly funny, richly satisfying’ SARAH WINMAN
‘Riotous … will have you hooked’ STYLIST
‘A darkly funny read about mothers and daughters, love and loss and being true to yourself’ RED
‘As exuberant as it is sharp’ iNEWS
‘A sweeping and irreverent tale’ BBC
‘Gloriously engrossing’ TASH AW
‘Exuberant, comic, perceptive’ AMINA CAIN
‘A very brilliant, very special book’ JESSICA STANLEY
‘An unforgettable read’ JOSIE FERGUSON
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