Khorram’s debut novel is filled with insight into the lives of teens, weaving together the reality of living with mental illness while also dealing with identity and immigration politics. For the first time in a long time, Darius learns to love himself no matter what external forces attempt to squash his confidence. Sohrab teaches Darius what friendship is really about: loyalty, honesty, and someone who has your back in a football (soccer) match. But all that changes when Darius meets Sohrab, a Bahá’í boy, in Yazd. When he arrives in Iran, learning to play the Persian card game Rook, socializing, and celebrating Nowruz with a family he had never properly met before is all overwhelming and leaves Darius wondering if he’ll ever truly belong anywhere. He’s mocked for his name and nerdy interests at Chapel Hill High School in Portland, Oregon, and doesn’t speak enough Farsi to communicate with his Iranian relatives either. Iranian on his mother’s side and white American on his father’s side, Darius never quite fits in. When Darius’ grandfather becomes terminally ill, Darius, along with his parents and younger sister, travels to Iran for the first time in his life. Steeped in tradition but infused with feminism and political concerns, a Robin Hood for a new audience.ĭarius Kellner suffers from depression, bullying by high school jocks, and a father who seems to always be disappointed in him. Spooner ( Hunted, 2017, etc.) grounds Marian’s adventures with rich historical details and offers a flawed, fervent heroine whose revolutionary desires and short-term schemes encounter brutal medieval realities like war, death, taxes, and the inherent chauvinism of chivalry. Secondary character Guy of Gisborne-black-clad, scarred, seemingly sinister and servile-surpasses his traditional toady role and evolves to become a suitable foil to feisty Marian. The requisite (albeit not-so-) Merry Men, daring heists, and archery contest follow, all retold with feminist and egalitarian undercurrents. Haunted/guided by Robin-or an idealized version of him-Marian uses her noble station, tall stature, and unparalleled archery skills to become Robin Hood.

But when Robin falls to stock-character Saracens in the Crusades, Marian is nevertheless devastated and wonders how to protect Robin’s people, Locksley villagers and outlaws alike.

Long betrothed to Robin of Locksley, Marian relishes freedom more than future romance, prizing horseback riding, archery, and Sherwood Forest over feminine, domestic pursuits. Young Lady Marian of Edwinstowe is not a typical damsel in distress. A new hero dons the iconic green cloak in this retelling of Robin Hood’s tale.

Sherwood spooner