Veils: Short Stories

The writing in these stories is not bad - its merely satisfactory, publishable writing like many others. The character development in these stories is not bad, nor is the plot; but there is nothing about character or plot that would make you read these stories rather than any of the other satisfactory short story collections published recently. However, Ms. Rachlin is very successful at one aspect that makes these stories well worth your time - the portrayal of the internal cultural dilemmas that motivates Iranians to go abroad, stay abroad, return home and/or stay home. "Fanatics" contrasts a scholarship student who 'escapes' abroad to a richer friend who stays in Iran and becomes politically active. "Fatemeh" explores a woman who stays in Iran but feels oppressed - her son subject to draft and her daughter lost to divorce. "Rahbar" explores an Iranian in the West recalling her aunt's marriage to a possible criminal. "The Calling" explores two sisters - one, a widow, who has joined her adult children in the US; one who has remained very tradition-bound in Iran. The Iranian's visit to her US sister reminds her of what she has given up and question what she has gained. In each story the characters' inner conflict has a ring of truth which often forces introspection on the part of the reader.

Nahid Rachlin's five star Veils is collection of masterpieces. Each short story in the collection is perfectly and precisely crafted in beautiful and moving prose. The characters and the relationships among them are fascinating as they are cleverly "unveiled" in each story. Nahid Rachlin is a brilliant writer. I plan to read everything she publishes and so should you.