Meet Sara Farizan, Author of If You Could Be Mine

Meet Sara Farizan, author of If You Could Be Mine.

Pulling back the curtain on one of the most hidden corners of a much-talked-about culture, If You Could Be Mine is the stunning debut novel by Iranian American writer Sara Farizan about hope and love in the face of danger.

Seventeen-year-old Sahar has been in love with her best friend,

Nasrin, since they were six. But being gay is a crime punishable by

death in Iran, so they carry on with furtive kisses and whispered

promises;until Nasrin's parents announce that they've arranged for her

marriage. Sahar begins to lose hope for a future with Nasrin, until she

finds what may be the perfect solution - in Iran homosexuality may be

illegal, but to be a man trapped in a woman's body is seen as nature's

mistake, and sex reassignment is legal and accessible. As a man, Sahar

could be the one to marry Nasrin, but she must decide if saving her love

is worth sacrificing her true self.

With echoes of The Miseducation of Cameron Post and Luna, If You Could Be Mine

is a finely crafted, sophisticated story about finding the courage to

discover and accept your own identity against overwhelming opposition

and an uncertain future.

"Accomplished and compassionate . . . A groundbreaking, powerful

depiction of gay and transsexual life in Iran . . . An intimate look at

life in modern-day Iran and its surprising Westernization, even though

much of this culture is clandestine." - Booklist, starred review

"A provocative coming-of-age story" - Publishers Weekly

"Refreshingly and believably diverse . . . A moving and elegant story." - Kirkus Reviews

This program is co-sponsored by the Somerville Public Library, Somerville Council on Aging's LGBT Advisory Group, and The LGBT Liaison to the City of Somerville of the Office of Somerville Commissions.