My Uncle Napoleon

My Uncle Napoleon, written by Iraj Pezeshkzad in 1973, is a beloved classic of Iranian literature. It’s often called the “Iranian Don Quixote” for its humorous, satirical take on family dynamics, politics, and social norms. Set in a large family home in 1940s Tehran, the novel centers around a boy (the unnamed narrator) and his family members, particularly his eccentric uncle, referred to as “Dear Uncle” or “Uncle Napoleon.” Uncle Napoleon is convinced that the British are responsible for every misfortune and conspiracy he encounters, creating a paranoid worldview that is both absurd and deeply comedic.

Description

The narrator is a young boy coming of age in a complex household filled with quirky relatives, lovers, servants, and a host of colorful characters. He is secretly in love with his cousin Layli, who lives in the same house. The story unfolds as Uncle Napoleon’s paranoia escalates, fueled by misunderstandings, mishaps, and hilarious incidents that draw the entire family into his outlandish world of British conspiracies. Uncle Napoleon’s obsession with British influence becomes a source of tension, leading to a series of wildly entertaining events that shed light on social and political commentary, especially on how people’s perception of power can be skewed by personal bias.

Review

My Uncle Napoleon is a masterpiece of satire and social commentary that has remained a favorite in Iran for generations. Iraj Pezeshkzad’s storytelling brilliantly captures the humor in everyday interactions, and his characters feel both exaggerated and incredibly authentic. Through Uncle Napoleon, Pezeshkzad pokes fun at the Iranian propensity to blame external forces (especially the British) for personal and political issues, a reflection of Iranian societal attitudes at the time.

The novel’s strength lies in its richly drawn characters and their interactions, where every personality is vividly painted and every conversation is laced with humor, irony, and insight. The plot is tightly woven, yet it unfolds with a playful energy, inviting readers to laugh at the absurdities of family loyalty, love, jealousy, and the quirks that make us human.

One of the most remarkable aspects of My Uncle Napoleon is how it bridges the gap between light-hearted comedy and profound critique. While it can be read as a purely entertaining story, there is a deeper layer of political and social observation, giving readers insight into Iran’s cultural and political climate in the early 20th century. For Iranians, My Uncle Napoleon offers a nostalgic look at a past era; for international readers, it’s an accessible and enlightening glimpse into Iranian humor, values, and society.

This novel has retained its popularity because of its timeless humor and the universality of its themes. Pezeshkzad’s writing is both sharp and compassionate, making readers laugh at his characters' flaws while still feeling a genuine affection for them. My Uncle Napoleon is a must-read for anyone interested in Iranian culture, family sagas, or satirical literature. It’s a book that combines laughter with reflection, inviting readers to see the world a little more humorously—even in the face of paranoia and absurdity.