Everything Sad Is Untrue

In a middle school in Oklahoma, Khosrou, known as Daniel, shares his captivating and poignant stories of his family's escape from Iran, striving to be heard and understood amidst skepticism.

In Everything Sad Is Untrue, we are introduced to Khosrou, a middle school student in Oklahoma, who prefers to go by the name Daniel. As he stands in front of his classmates attempting to share his story, he faces skepticism and ridicule. To his peers, he is merely a boy with dark skin and an unusual lunch, dismissed as someone who fabricates tales and has an obsession with bodily functions. Despite the disbelief surrounding him, Daniel's narrative is rich and profound, filled with memories that span generations.

Daniel's journey begins with his family's harrowing escape from Iran, fleeing under the threat of the secret police. His recollections take readers through various landscapes—from the stark refugee camps in Italy to the vibrant fields by the river Aras, where nature's beauty is vividly depicted. Along the way, he introduces us to his ancestors, whose lives were marked by both joy and sorrow, weaving a tapestry of experiences that highlight the resilience of his heritage. The contrast between his mundane school life and the extraordinary tales of his lineage serves to emphasize the depth of his identity.

Through storytelling, Daniel seeks not only to assert his truth but also to connect with his classmates. Much like Scheherazade, who spun tales to survive, Daniel's narrative becomes a means of self-preservation. His story is not just a collection of events; it is a testament to his existence, a declaration of his reality. In the end, Everything Sad Is Untrue is a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and the power of storytelling to bridge gaps between cultures and experiences.