Saddlebag: A Fable for Doubters and Seekers

While this book has received many great reviews (e.g. London Times), how it has not received more literary acclaim or popular attention is beyond me. I read a lot. A lot of books from a lot of authors from a lot of eras from a lot of traditions in a lot of genres, and this is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read - perhaps the most beautiful. While more crassly put that I might have stated it, an earlier reviewer has it right, this is a gem in a sea of otherwise unremarkable literature. An heir to the best of Ondaatje, Rushdie, McCarthy. I fear this sounds like unmerited hyperbole - read the book if you think so. This is what great literature should be like. Simply astonishing.

This book is a marvelous tale of a journey of a stolen saddlebag which changes everyone who comes into contact with its mysterious and mystical contents. Nakhjavani does an exquisite job of showing different perspectives and sharing the lives of the diverse peoples who inhabited the Middle East 150 years ago. The Saddlebag is not for the faint of heart. It is an artistic accomplishment which should be savored. I have given away over five copies of this book to friends, relatives and colleagues. When given the proper introduction, this book is quite well received and appreciated.

The book is excellent: fantastically well written, with an interesting story from different characters' perspectives. The story stands alone very nicely and is even better, like an onion, has many layers for the person who has a well-rounded knowledge of world religions.

Nakhjavani's story is simple enough to be a short story or a fable, as the title suggests. The characters are, at first glance, simple, too. But, as the title suggests, each is a seeker, a doubter, or both. And each brings a diversity and depth to the story that is hard to find in other books. The main event in the fable is told over and over again, each time from a different perspective, each time from the point of view of a different seeker or doubter. With each telling, the event moves forward and becomes deeper and more complex. The writing style was a off putting for me at first. It felt dry, like a poor translation, but like the desert after a rain, the text blooms and compels. This book is worth owning and rereading!

Nakhjavani has created an excellent example for all those who strive to enrich the English language. Furthermore, she introduces us to a series of events and perspectives that mirror every angle of human emotions that surround the unfurling of one's bliss. "The Saddlebag" is a beautiful work that inspires the soul to draw upon faith and reason, passion and intuition to face the Unknown.