On not writing about Savushun

Back when I was planning this year’s blog posts, today’s was supposed to be about Savushun, Simin Daneshvar’s groundbreaking novel set in Iran during World War II. It tells the story of a tragic conflict between occupying British troops, landowners, and tribal leaders from the perspective of a happily married woman, Zari. I read it for the first time last winter and couldn’t stop thinking about it, not least because it’s a blistering, modern take on the death of Siyavash, the legendary hero whose unjust death made him the embodiment of innocence betrayed by tyranny. I still think it’s a great book, and highly recommend it to all, but right now other, far more urgent Matters (specifically, Black Lives) are occupying my brain. So instead this post is dedicated to a photo essay featuring Greensboro’s downtown storefronts, upon which have bloomed the minds of our talented local artists. Enjoy!