The Many Assassinations of Samir, The Seller of Dreams, by Daniel Nayeri
36/60 | Started 05.31.24 • Finished 06.06.24 | 4 stars
Author Daniel Nayeri's latest book was a delight to read. While not as profound as Everything Sad is Untrue, it still had a depth woven into what was really a comical story. Set in the 11th century along what is now known as the Silk Road, the reader encounters a young "monk" and a traveling salesman named Samir. The young man, heretofore known as Monkey, finds himself protecting his master from a number of assassination attempts.
The lesson is that prayer is not for the moon to stop for us. It is for us to stop and consider the work of heaven.
Nayeri has a way of giving his narrator a particular kind of conversational voice that brings him into the room with the reader. You'll find yourself pulling for Monkey mostly, but then by introducing themes of love, family, and loyalty, you'll pull for Samir too. A lovely little novel in my opinion, with the right mix of humor and meaning.
But let this be a lesson: Life is only disappointing if there is nothing after it. Otherwise, life is our time in a craftsman’s hands—the way a piece of wood is carved into a spoon by a carpenter or reeds are woven by a basket weaver. We grow into whatever we allow to be made of us, and we’re sold—like the spoon or the basket. Our afterlife isn’t the market or the workshop. It’s in the home of our master, whatever master we have spent our lives serving.
Comments