On 'Anjoman– e –Alafha' (Community of Grass)

It's half a century since the emergence of women writers in regard to writing novels and stories. Some of their works are also among long-lasting works of fiction and in terms of theme, techniques, eloquence, etc. they can be compared with the prominent works of male writers. Moreover, through some research into various works of art (poetry, short story and novel, film, etc.), one finds some similarities among the mentioned works; that is, common concerns and sufferings of human beings. Of manifestations of this idea, especially in the works of women writers, is the examination of women's issues in different angels (gender discrimination, efforts to prove their human identity and expressing themselves in the patriarchal society, depicting emotional and personal crises and so on). This article has examined some points related to the novel Anjoman-e- Alfha written by Shahnaz Farivar. These points include the strengths and weaknesses of this novel. Its strengths are: though having a repetitious theme, it is an interesting story, involves the reader emotionally with the main character of the story and makes him/her empathize and sympathize with her, deals with emotions very well with a strong pictorial function through words, shows some problems and sufferings of the people in the war-torn regions in the south of Iran and the people's resistance against life's hardships. Indeterminacy of the reason for the main character's challenges and unbelievability of some of her actions and behaviors in some places and conditions of the story are regarded as the weaknesses of this work.

Keywords:

fiction , women writers , Anjoman – e – Alafha , Shahnaz Farivar