Summary

In Chapter 7, the ghosts of the executed prisoners begin harassing Khomeini. The ghosts of revolutionary soldiers group up with the war prisoners and tell Khomeini that either he dies, or he builds them “a palace of mirrors” (79). In response, Khomeini oversees the building of the palace with directions from the ghosts. The palace becomes a chaotic labyrinth of mirrors.

When the laborers begin to see ghosts within the palace, some are terrified and others are happy to see their deceased loved ones. People also begin to get lost in the palace. Eventually, Khomeini finds himself working alone.

Khomeini explores the labyrinth until he finds himself in utter darkness. He begins to recall moments from his childhood, though his memories are fuzzy. Khomeini suddenly cries out his own name, and the voice of a child responds. The child asks him “why?” again and again...