By A.J. Griffiths-Jones

It is the nineteenth century, and the kingdom of Persia is at a turning point. The world is a place of invention, revolution and forward-thinking, with the race to connect cities, countries and governments gathering pace at an incredible speed. Told almost in fairytale fashion, The King is a powerful and unforgettable work, with the author having created scenes that show a vivid window to the past.

A.J. Griffiths-Jones

When a young King, Shah Naser, takes to the throne he inherits a medieval, enchanted world of harems and eunuchs, and a palace full of secret doors and hidden treasures. As a child Naser grew up watching his father preside over a realm where respect was utmost and faithful servitude rewarded, a system where the ruler was accustomed to having the final word and laws decreed without a whisper of retaliation. For Shah Naser, his new role begins as one without challenge, the old ways continue and his days slide into weeks.

Now, however, beyond the court where walls have ears and plots abound, the greater forces of colonisation and industrialisation close in. Communication across the land is key but the most essential elements of modernisation have previously been non-existent in old Persia, with trade and messages being done by long days of horseback riding. Ever since Alexander the Great set fire to the ships of the Persian Empire, the country had lacked the incentive to build a great fleet, and therefore did not grasp the importance of the Gulf that opened up their country to some of the greatest shipping lines. Change sees the construction of telegraph poles, sewerage pipes and electricity cables, inventions that cause the public to gaze in wonder as trade and commerce are finally introduced to a new world of endless possibilities.

To the ever-encroaching power of Russia and the British Empire, the Shah’s grand vizier sees only one solution, to allow Persia access to the outside and bring them into the modern world. The only other person with so much influence is the Shah’s mother, Mahdolia, who fiercely opposes reform and plots to poison her son’s mind against his advisor. In fact, so determined is she to burrow into the negotiations between the various powers, that Mahdolia arranges a trip to Moscow, inserting herself into the presence of one of Europe’s most influential families. The constant battle of wills within his inner circle takes its toll on Naser. He is unsure which of his closest allies has his, and Persia’s, best interests at heart. Both are strong-willed, devious and determined to succeed in their plans.

Another key character in the plot is Khwajeh Bashi, the harem’s overseer, who proved himself a faithful servant of the deceased king and can access otherwise forbidden areas of the palace, enabling him to listen in at doors and gather information, the latter part of which he shares at will. The women both fear and revere Bashi, as their future lies within his hands, as this rather distasteful member of court is their only way to gain favour with the King and increase the opportunity of bearing an heir for him.

As outside armies force their way towards the capital of Tehran, Shah Naser is obliged to prove his worth to his own forces and tries to convince the young men under his rule to become martyrs to the greater cause. These men have little or no experience of defending their country and guidance is needed every step of the way, despite their wavering belief in the King. As momentum gathers, the Ayatollah, Persia’s religious leader, declares a fatwa, causing merchants to set fire to their stock in support, which further the rumours of the King’s lack of control and vulnerability.

There are lighter moments in this beautifully written story, with the King’s affections being sidetracked by a young orphan and later a captivating girl whom he finds can provide both stimulating and honest conversation. Shah Naser’s greatest love, however, is his daughter, a child who grows into an extremely strong woman and adores her father unconditionally.

This is a book that you would be tempted to read more than once, as each chapter is so full of detail and vividly described scenarios, a superbly rich novel that stands out in its genre. With bloody battles, intrigue and extraordinarily colourful characters, Kader Abdolah brings to life a poignant time in Persia’s history and confirms his role as one of the world’s most engaging storytellers.