Short Stories, United States, Contemporary 

In this remarkable collection of short stories, Ari Siletz gives us a fresh view of Iran. Based on the author's own experience, the stories focus on the family, friends and acquaintances of a child growing up in Iran, later living in England and finally migrating to America. Memorable characters are caught in the clash of tradition and modern times and struggle with the impact of Western culture and technology on their lives.Siletz's mastery of the short story form and his power of language help to bring images and characters alive with vivid colors and originality. Through The Mullah with No Legs, Siletz seeks to tell the other stories of Iran, those that do not paint the country in dust and blood, but instead emphasize growing up, loving our children, catching cold, buying bread, fearing death, and growing old. The Mullah with No Legs is an important addition to the growing body of cross-cultural fiction being written today.A beautiful and inspiring collection. At a time of heightened tensions and widespread misunderstanding, The Mullah with No Legs opens a window into the soul of Iran.-Reza Aslan, author of No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam The stories are not only skillfully composed and enjoyable to read, but also valuable for the information they convey on Iranian culture and modes of thought.-Hamid Algar, Persian and Islamic Studies, University of California, Berkley Ari Siletz is a master of the gentle grace of understatement. With a gifted sensitivity for English and droll insights, he tells more than he says. He glides from one culture to another without regret or hubris.-Geraldine Kennedy, Editor, From the Center of the Earth: Stories out of the Peace Corps - from Amzon