Solacers: An Iranian Oliver Twist Story- A Memoir

A biography of this boys immense determination to survive and succeed against all the odds. Starving cold he continues his schooling even walking hours there and back. Hats off to you Arion. Respect!!!!! Each page riveting!!

This is a superbly written account of an unwanted and cast-off child growing up in pre-revolutionary Iran. Obviously it must be compared to The Kite Runner because of its similar setting/situation but that's (thankfully) where any similarity ends. There's nothing sentimental about The Solacers; it's not contrived or laboured and the choice of words perfectly convey the awfulness of Alireza's (or Arion's) situation.

The Solacers is one of those rare books which you would want to read again. There are dozens of little snippets which conjure up images of a world that most of us (thankfully) do not have to live in. This is why I've given it five stars.

I do have two minus points to add.

Firstly, I think that the Epilogue was unnecessary and really little more than a sermon. It could (and should) have been reduced to one or two paragraphs.

Secondly, the ending was hurried. The book should have stopped with him signing up and then with a summary bringing us up to date about what happened afterwards or it should have covered the time in the Iranian Navy and getting established in the US in more detail. That's an ideal subject for another book, of course. I just thought that it marred the experience slightly but not enough to dent the five stars.

The Postscript was much appreciated as I really wanted to know what happened to everyone. What I'd also like to know (but didn't find out) was had Arion made any progress in finding out what happened to Shahnaz? Going by the behaviour of his father one can hazard a good guess but other possibilities exist - did Arion discover anything more?

Amazing sad story and amazing writing ability. I hope this can help readers realize the child abuse going around everyday , everywhere in this world and try to do something to stop that. Well done Ali Reza.

Great story, easy to follow and very descriptive. At some point I felt I was walking through the streets of Mashad and imagine the environment surrounding this little boy who endured so much and survived the odds.

Could not stop reading this book. Golmakani writes with honesty but no bitterness. As sad and tragic as his story is, there are many who can relate to his predicament, and maybe find hope in unexpected places as he did.

Totally absorbing story as the reader follows a young man from childhood to his teens as he confronts family and societal issues. Being positive and optimistic no matter how painful the situation, being stoic in spite of set backs, molded this child to be able to confront negative situations and work them into his plan for life long satisfaction and success.

The reader also is awakened to the difficulties faced in a very old civilization where the changes we take for granted are slow to take place.

One of those rare books I couldn't put down easily.

There is a proverb in Farsi, which is literally translates the word that ascends from the heart will land on heart. A real story first hand lived by the author, simple, deep, sad, but full of hope and dignity. Very much recommended.

This is a wonderful book for everybody. you will not put it down until the last page.
I think all Iranians and especially Mashhadis should read this wonderful and elegantly written book ”Solacers”.
It is a rollercoaster of hope and despair. It will make you cry and laugh in joy more than a few times.
It Is one of the best books I have read, authored by a Persian writer.

If you love stories of overcoming adversity and have a heart for the orphan and oppressed, this book is for you. AND, on top of being an amazing story, it is beautiful written. This was recommended after reading another great story about the plight of the orphan, "Little Princes".