ādamhā-ye zendegī-ye qablī Persiska (Farsi) 2025

People from a Former Life, a novel by Fariba Vafi, was published in 2025 (1404) by Cheshmeh Publishing. In this work, which offers a fresh perspective on the author’s earlier narrative concerns, Vafi portrays the story of a woman who, after years of living in Iran and navigating complex familial and social relationships, decides to migrate in search of identity and freedom, ultimately relocating to Germany.

The novel centers on Sara, a woman seated in Berlin’s Alexanderplatz. Amid the bustling crowds, she revisits her past and the choices that have shaped her life, turning her journey into an attempt to reclaim a lost sense of self. Sara seeks to reconnect with people from her past, hoping these renewed ties might help her construct a new life.

Employing nonlinear and introspective narrative techniques, the author renders Sara’s thoughts and emotions with striking clarity and sincerity. This structure allows readers to penetrate the inner world of the characters and form an empathetic connection with them.

The core themes of the novel—emerging through Sara’s journey to Berlin—explore identity formation and human relations, while illuminating various dimensions of both individual and social life:

Search for Identity: Amid the dislocation of migration, Sara strives to forge a new identity that remains in dialogue with her past. As she confronts the challenges of adapting to a new cultural environment, she attempts to construct a conception of self that reflects her roots and earlier experiences.

Freedom and Isolation: Although Sara appears to have gained freedom in the West, she continues to struggle internally with feelings of isolation and loneliness. The tension between outward freedom and inward desolation becomes a central motif, as she seeks equilibrium in a society where she feels both unmoored and estranged.

Recollection of the Past: Sara’s journey to Berlin provides an opportunity for her to revisit figures from her earlier life. In attempting to reconstruct lost connections, she endeavors to retrieve aspects of her past that are no longer readily accessible.

Human Relationships: The novel also foregrounds the intricacies of human relationships—friendships, romantic attachments, betrayals. Through these ties, Sara comes to understand how such bonds shape her personal identity and either support or complicate her pursuit of meaning and self-definition.

Together, these themes present a rich portrayal of the inner and outer struggles an individual faces when confronting life changes and undertaking the reconstruction of identity.

In this novel, Fariba Vafi examines universal human concerns through a clear and fluid prose style that nonetheless carries philosophical depth. Her careful attention to detail brings the characters’ emotions and thoughts vividly to life, drawing readers into their interior worlds. This stylistic approach results in a contemplative and resonant work—one that invites reflection.

People from a Former Life is a novel that engages anew with questions of identity, freedom, and human connection. By crafting a complex and multifaceted protagonist, Vafi presents a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that encourages readers to reflect on their own lives, pasts, and futures. The work stands as a distinguished example of contemporary Iranian fiction, offering insight into the inner landscapes of individuals and the intricate nature of human relationships.