Sovushun: Depicting the 'Inevitable Repeated Fate' of Iranians

Simin Daneshvar, who holds titles such as 'the first Iranian woman novelist, author of the best-selling novel in the history of Iranian fiction, one of the founding members of the Iranian Writers' Association, and of course the first president of this association,' passed away three years ago on March 8, 2012, at the age of 90. Simin Daneshvar published four short story collections and three novels, but it seems that the publication of the novel 'Sovushun' was enough to earn her a beloved and famous place among several generations of Iranian readers, a novel that some critics consider to lack the values often attributed to it. Nevertheless, this novel, in the 42 years since its writing and publication, has carved its path among readers, bringing great fame to its author. This week's program of 'Distant View, Close View' is dedicated to Simin Daneshvar, and on this occasion, I have conducted an interview with another great Iranian novelist, Mahmoud Dowlatabadi, who also holds a prominent position in Iranian fiction with his ten-volume novel 'Kelidar,' 'The Empty Place of Soluch,' and of course, eleven other novels, two short story collections, and three other plays. In the interview, Dowlatabadi discusses the significance of Daneshvar and her works, highlighting her three distinct aspects: her kind and benevolent personality, her awareness and knowledge in the field of art and literature, and her primary role as a writer, with 'Sovushun' being her most notable work. Dowlatabadi reflects on the impact of 'Sovushun' on Iranian literature and society, particularly its representation of the national spirit and the inevitable fate of Iranians. He also addresses the literary contributions of Daneshvar's later works post-revolution and her relationship with Jalal Al-e Ahmad, emphasizing that he never saw her as dependent on him in terms of literature, as both were independent personalities.