Stories from fifteen Tajik authors, translated into English. Includes stories
by Sadriddin Aini, probably the best known Tajik writer of the 20th century.
The book is illustrated and includes brief biographies of the authors.
Stories from the Shoh-noma
The Shoh-noma, or Book of Kings, is the epic of Persian classical literature. Everyone in Tajikistan is familiar with the stories and many people name their children "Rustam" after the hero even today.
The story of Layla, the desert beauty, and Majnun, the madman, is skillfully told by Nizami in this 12th century classical Persian poem. Layla and Majnun predates Romeo and Juliet by almost 500 years, and one wonders whether Shakespeare was influenced by Nizami: two lovers are separated against their will, and struggle with their fate until the story's tragic ending.
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