Famous Iranian Authors
These famous Iranian authors have shaped Persian literature and contributed to global literary discussions. From poetry and fiction to philosophical writings, their works continue to inspire readers around the world.
Marjane Satrapi
Most famous book: Persepolis
Age: Born November 22, 1969
Known for: Her autobiographical graphic novel detailing her childhood during the Iranian Revolution
Jalal al-e Ahmad
Most famous book: The School Principal
Age: Born December 2, 1923 – Died September 9, 1969
Known for: His critique of Westernization in Iran and his influence on modern Iranian thought
Parvin Etesami
Most famous book: The Parvin Etesami Divan (poetry collection)
Age: Born March 17, 1907 – Died April 5, 1941
Known for: Her socially conscious poetry, reflecting on themes of justice, ethics, and human suffering
Nader Ebrahimi
Most famous book: Three Looks at a Cat
Age: Born April 3, 1936 – Died June 5, 2008
Known for: His novels, screenwriting, and children's books, as well as his contribution to modern Persian literature
Mahmood Dowlatabadi
Most famous book: The Colonel
Age: Born August 1, 1940
Known for: His novel The Colonel, which deals with political upheaval in Iran, and his strong storytelling rooted in rural life
Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian
Most famous book: A Mirror Garden (memoir)
Age: Born December 16, 1922 – Died April 20, 2019
Known for: Her memoir, reflecting on her life as an artist and her experiences between Iran and the West
Azar Nafisi
Most famous book: Reading Lolita in Tehran
Age: Born December 1, 1948
Known for: Her memoir about the power of literature in the repressive environment of post-revolutionary Iran
Bozorg Alavi
Most famous book: Her Eyes
Age: Born February 2, 1904 – Died February 18, 1997
Known for: His contribution to Iranian political literature and his role in the development of modern Persian fiction
Sadegh Hedayat
Most famous book: The Blind Owl
Age: Born February 17, 1903 – Died April 9, 1951
Known for: His modernist existential novel The Blind Owl, which is considered one of the most important works in Persian literature
Dina Nayeri
Most famous book: Refuge
Age: Born 1979
Known for: Her novels and essays on the refugee experience and migration
Iraj Pezeshkzad
Most famous book: My Uncle Napoleon
Age: Born July 24, 1920 – Died January 12, 2017
Known for: His satirical novel My Uncle Napoleon, a favorite among Iranian readers for its humor and critique of society
Shams Tabrizi
Most famous book: Rumi’s Teachings (attributed as a major inspiration for Rumi’s poetry)
Age: Born 1185 – Died 1248
Known for: His influence on Rumi’s poetry and his spiritual teachings
Saadi Shirazi
Most famous book: Bustan
Age: Born 1210 – Died 1292
Known for: His major poetic works that blend moral lessons with a deep understanding of human nature
Sara Saedi
Most famous book: Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card
Age: Born April 27, 1980
Known for: Her memoir that chronicles her experiences growing up as an undocumented immigrant in the United States
Abdi Nazemian
Most famous book: Like a Love Story
Age: Born November 15, 1976
Known for: His novels centered around LGBTQ+ themes and Iranian identity, as well as screenwriting
Ali Abdolrezaei
Most famous book: In Riskdom Where I Lived
Age: Born April 10, 1969
Known for: His avant-garde poetry and political activism, which led to his exile from Iran
