The Septembers Of Shiraz

Is Isaac Amin a hero? If so, what heroic qualities does he embody? If not, where does he fall short?

Why does Sofer not describe what happens to the Amins after they get to Turkey? How does this lack of a clear and simple ending affect the reader?

Compare the narrative voices of the point-of-view characters. How does the novel differentiate their consciousnesses? What techniques does Sofer use?

The novel gives several examples of religious extremes, including the zeal of the Iranian Revolution and the Hassidism of the Mendelsons. How do these approaches to religion differ? How are they the same?

Research an aspect of Iran’s history or culture mentioned in the novel: miniature paintings, the ghazals of Hafez, the reigns of Darius or Cyrus. How is this element of ancient Persia used in the novel and why?

Why does Habibeh not have point of view chapters? How does this add to her characterization? Detract from it?

Discuss class in the novel. How do members of different classes view each other? What happens in places where different classes mix?

To what extent is Mohsen a sympathetic character? Do his past experiences of torture and his present poverty transform how readers see him? Why or why not?