‘Bamdad-e Khomar’ and Recounting the Sociological Importance of Popular Novels

In a commentary, Farshid Avari discusses the sociological value of popular novels, often dismissed by literary critics. He argues that the widespread success of books like “Bamdad-e Khomar” by Fattaneh Haj Seyed Javadi and “Ahu Khanum’s Husband” by Ali Mohammad Afghani points to their deep connection with the collective unconscious of society.

Avari suggests that while these novels may not be considered “high literature” by intellectual circles, their popularity reveals the underlying desires, dreams, and concerns of the general populace. He posits that a society’s true character is often better reflected in the stories it consumes en masse than in critically acclaimed but less-read works.

The author criticizes the tendency of elites to look down upon popular fiction, arguing that doing so means ignoring a valuable source of social and cultural insight. According to Avari, the narratives and character archetypes in these novels resonate with a large audience because they tap into shared experiences and sentiments. Therefore, studying them is essential for a deeper understanding of the society’s dynamics.