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mandycrodrigues 's review for:
Darius the Great Is Not Okay
by Adib Khorram
I could give a dozen different reasons why this book is such a wonderful read, but I’ll try to stick to the most important ones. First, the cultural aspects. Darius’ journey to understand his origins and connect to his Persian side is relatable to every immigrant. Torn between not being American enough and not being Persian enough, Darius feels like an outsider everywhere he goes, and this feeling of inadequacy is only made worse by his depression and his sour relationship with his father, making his character arc an incredibly deep one. Also, you can learn a great deal about Persian culture along with Darius, as he unravels the social cues in his mother’s hometown.
Second, the mental health approach. Darius’ depression is dealt with great care and woven beautifully throughout the novel in every relationship and every internal monologue he has. Which curiously makes him an unreliable narrator. When you understand his depression influences every thought he has, you wonder if what he’s narrating is actually true or if it’s his cognitive distortions getting in the way. Especially when it comes to his relationship with his father, one of the best aspects of this novel and key to Darius’ character development. Khorram deals with depression himself, which explains why the rep in this novel is so poignant. One of the best I’ve ever read, in fact, which only made it so relatable to me.
Third, Darius’ relationship with Sohrab. The queer rep in this book is incredibly subtle, and though Darius’ sexuality is never mentioned, you can imply he’s attracted to other males. However, when it comes to Sohrab, the thing goes beyond attraction into true friendship.
All their interactions are so on point, and I dare say their conversations will bring warmth to your heart. In Sohrab, Darius can find understanding and a sense of belonging he never felt before. And though I’d like to see their relationship growing into something further, I love how it was dealt with in the book as well, since Darius barely scratched the surface of who he is.
This is one outstanding coming of age story about finding your origins and coming to terms with who you are, and I’d recommend it to every living soul.
Second, the mental health approach. Darius’ depression is dealt with great care and woven beautifully throughout the novel in every relationship and every internal monologue he has. Which curiously makes him an unreliable narrator. When you understand his depression influences every thought he has, you wonder if what he’s narrating is actually true or if it’s his cognitive distortions getting in the way. Especially when it comes to his relationship with his father, one of the best aspects of this novel and key to Darius’ character development. Khorram deals with depression himself, which explains why the rep in this novel is so poignant. One of the best I’ve ever read, in fact, which only made it so relatable to me.
Third, Darius’ relationship with Sohrab. The queer rep in this book is incredibly subtle, and though Darius’ sexuality is never mentioned, you can imply he’s attracted to other males. However, when it comes to Sohrab, the thing goes beyond attraction into true friendship.
All their interactions are so on point, and I dare say their conversations will bring warmth to your heart. In Sohrab, Darius can find understanding and a sense of belonging he never felt before. And though I’d like to see their relationship growing into something further, I love how it was dealt with in the book as well, since Darius barely scratched the surface of who he is.
This is one outstanding coming of age story about finding your origins and coming to terms with who you are, and I’d recommend it to every living soul.