Mohammad Javad Khordmand, Author of 'A Handful of Troubles', Passes Away

Mohammad Javad Khordmand was one of the few Iranian writers who chose the short story style for his writing, delving into ancient Persian literature while also considering similar methods in Western literature. This style is referred to as minimalist in the West. A short story is a slice of an intriguing life situation. The motto of the short story writer is: only what is necessary should be said. Contemporary writer Hassan Asghari believes that Khordmand wrote very short stories full of irony and humor, and overall his work was very good, but he never allowed himself the opportunity to sit down and write. Sometimes he wrote these short stories in his car or while eating, in a hurried manner. His writings fall into two categories: a series of anecdotal stories that are humorous and distant from the structure of realistic stories, utilizing legends and myths, mixed with humor and social and political commentary. He also has a type of modern, subjective stories, which I find brilliant. When in 1998, due to some disagreements, the literary magazine Kolak faced the resignation of its first editor Ali Dehbashi, it was Mohammad Javad Khordmand who did not spare any effort to prevent the magazine from shutting down, continuing its publication and later taking over the editing of several issues. Kasra Haj-Seyed-Javadi, the editor-in-chief of this magazine, which has now ceased publication again, despite having difficulty interviewing due to a stroke and illness, spoke to Radio Farda about Khordmand's unwavering support: 'We served together in the 9th Armored Division in Ahvaz since 1966. We were sent to Kurdistan, where we taught side by side. When Mr. Dehbashi resigned from Kolak, the only person I trusted was Mr. Khordmand, and with the help of other friends, Kolak continued to publish for several more years. I will never forget his role in my life, and I am deeply saddened by his passing.' Hassan Asghari also fondly recalls his time working with Khordmand at Kolak, saying: 'He put all his resources into ensuring the magazine was published: financially and with his time. All of us writers had dual jobs. Our dear Javad put in a lot of effort. He had many commitments, sometimes working on construction contracts in distant places where his brother was an architectural engineer, and they were working on a project in Hashtgerd. The daily pressures of life took away the leisure needed for him to sit down and focus on his artistic work. Javad always dedicated a lot of time to the magazine and helped many friends with financial problems without others noticing. He worked hard to earn money and then spent it on friends, acquaintances, and cultural activities.' Farzaneh Khordmand, Mohammad Javad Khordmand's sister, recalls her brother's way of life and his works: 'He endured this illness with patience and dignity—just like his entire life—and lived calmly and patiently until the last moments, never complaining about his illness and enduring it without transferring any discomfort to others. He lived a cultural life and was dedicated to culture. One book titled 'Ten Short Stories and Small Tales for Big People' and 'A Handful of Troubles' are among his remaining works. He had another book that is with the Ministry of Culture and has not yet been published. This is also a collection of stories that did not receive permission for publication.' Mohammad Javad Khordmand's literary and journalistic works were published during a period in Iranian literary history when political events had a direct impact on the creativity of artists, and such influences are clearly reflected in his works. The body of Mohammad Javad Khordmand was buried on the morning of Saturday, September 7, in Behesht Zahra cemetery following a funeral procession from Kowsar Hospital.