Through the friendship of two young Franco-Iranians, Exiles from Paradise delves deep into the great conflict between enlightened Islam and fanaticism.
Despite their academic achievements, Farhad and his circle of friends feel estranged from Paris, the city they grew up in, as they face prejudice from prospective employers and rejection for their Islamic culture.
Searching for his roots, Farhad travels to Iran where he discovers that his ancestors fought the Assassins, the first terrorists in history. Encouraged by this glorious past and in a quest to track down a long-lost heirloom, the rare Alamut stone, Farhad follows the trail to London. His closest friend Reza is also in London, working for an Islamic charity, but his behaviour is becoming increasingly withdrawn, prompting fears of radicalisation. Farhad’s courageous action to save his friend is a hymn to bravery and ancestral values.
First published in France to critical acclaim, Exiles from Paradise is a thought-provoking novel about discrimination, heritage and belonging. Brigitte Adès’ captivating novel is a celebration of Iranian culture, community and connection, as well as a powerful interrogation about the nature of nationality and identity in the 21st century.
