Song of a Captive Bird Summary
Jasmin Darznik

Song of a Captive Bird Overview

Song of a Captive Bird is a novel by Jasmin Darzik. The novel is structured as a fictional account of the life of Iranian poet and political activist Forough Farrokhzad. Jasmin Darznik imagines Forough telling the story of her own life, from her childhood to her death, including new translations of Forough's renowned Iranian poetry. Throughout the narrative, Darznik uses Forough's narration to inform readers about the contentious political issues which plagued Iran during the 20th century, as well as illustrate Forough's courageous journey to becoming an independent woman in the midst of an oppressive patriarchal culture. Darznik insightfully explores the themes of the power of art, self-expression and freedom, oppression, social injustice, and the persistent power of hope.