THE TEACHER OF NOMAD LAND A World War II Story

Daniel Nayeri narrates his novel, which transports listeners to Iran in 1941. He balances passages describing a neutral country overrun by the Anglo-Soviet invasion with the experiences of the main characters, recently orphaned Babak, age 13, and his sister, Sana, age 8. To prevent their separation, Babak steps into the role of their father, a teacher of nomads. Nayeri captures Babak's projection of confidence he doesn't feel as he leads the cheerful Sana into the treacherous Zagros Mountains, where they seek work and a home with nomads. Amid the confusion of war, Nayeri portrays Babak's growth through his conflicts with Vulf, a ruthless Nazi spy, and Ben, a Jewish boy who is Vulf's prey. Nayeri's pacing smoothly varies from dramatic tension to quieter emotional and philosophical moments. S.W. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2025]