Daniel Nayeri

Daniel Nayeri is the main character and first person narrator of the novel. Although Daniel’s given name is Khosrou, at the start of the novel, he tells the reader, “You can call me Daniel if you want. The other name? Don’t bother with it. Khosrou. You wouldn’t like it” (12). Ever since leaving Iran, Daniel has learned that his identity, his language, culture, and heritage, are repellent to others. Indeed, his mother starts calling him Daniel shortly after fleeing Isfahan, because she understands that they must assimilate to their altered circumstances.

Daniel, however, internalizes these changes. He is losing parts of himself each day. After his mother converts from Islam to Christianity, the entirety of his reality begins to dissolve. He not only has to leave his hometown, but must part with his best friend, his stuffed animal Mr. Sheep Sheep, and his father. Then...