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"The Many Assassinations of Samir, The Seller of Dreams"

Written by Daniel Nayeri                Illustrated by Daniel Miyares
       
Image Source: danielnayeri.com

        "The Assassinations of Samir, The Seller of Dreams" begins with twelve year old orphan Omar running away from monks that are trying to stone him. While running for his life, Omar and the monks come upon Samir who negotiates to purchase him as a servant for six bolts of silk. Samir quickly renames the boy "Monkey" and is tasked to help with trade. It does not take Monkey long to catch on to Samir's schemes and tricks. Samir is a liar and cheat who has wronged many people and in fact there are assassins after him, including the mythical figure Cid. Samir's constant joyful demeanor felt similar to that of Don Quixote.
        The language in this book is almost lyrical, giving the text a classical type of feel that may be difficult for younger readers to understand. It is however, face paced and filled with humor that keeps the plot moving. While the language was slight complex, Daniel Miyares illustrated beautiful full page paintings that brought the characters and Silk Road to life. Due to an unreliable narrator, readers will be surprised by the twist ending.
        In an interview Nayeri describes how he felt that the Silk Road was a magical place and he wanted to bring those merchants journey to life with a character that is endlessly happy, in honor of his own father's similar temperament.
    

Nayeri, Daniel. The Many Assassinations of Samir, The Seller of Dreams. Illustrated by Daniel Miyares. Arthur A. Levine, 2023. 198 pages. TR. $21.99, ISBN 978-1-64614-303-0.

Works Cited

Costa, Gabriella. “Daniel Nayeri of The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams.” Edelweiss, 1 Mar. 2023, www.abovethetreeline.com/edelvoice-daniel-nayeri-on-the-many-assassinations-of-samir-the-seller-of-dreams/. 

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