Legacy of an exceptional Teacher, Writer and Translator
Born in 1936, Pari Mansouri-Kianush was a distinguished Iranian educator, author and notable translator.
She captivated readers of all ages with her exceptional talent for exploring the intricate emotional worlds of her characters, nurturing a strong connection of empathy and comprehension.
In the “Story and Translation Portfolio”, we showcase some of her stories in English and Persian.
BIOGRAPHY
A Passionate Educator and Literary Figure
Pari Mansouri was an impassioned educator, accomplished novelist, adept short story writer, and prolific translator. She possessed a distinct ability to engage her readers through her profound comprehension of the rich tapestry of life and human emotions.
She graduated from the University of Tehran with a BA in English Literature and an MA in Social Sciences. However, she started teaching even earlier, and dedicated over twenty years to this profession. In 1976 she emigrated to the UK with her husband and two children.
Throughout her life, she pursued her love for language and literature, translating into Persian notable works by authors such as André Maurois, Jules Verne, and Manlio Argueta, and penning her own novels and short stories.
Pari’s talent for storytelling captured the complexities of life with empathy and understanding, earning her recognition within the literary community, including awards for her translations.
Despite battling chronic health issues in her later years, she remained resilient until her passing from Covid-19 complications in April 2020. Pari’s legacy lives on through her literary contributions, her promotion of cross-cultural understanding, and her enduring spirit that continues to inspire others.
Inspiring Educator and Masterful Writer
This heartfelt interview, conducted in Persian on the 2010 anniversary of International Women’s Day, offers a deeply personal and engaging glimpse into Pari Mansouri’s life journey. She warmly recounts her childhood, shaped by an older brother who instilled in her a sense of courage, a fascination with Joan of Arc, and an early love for literature nurtured by her poet aunt and encouraging teachers. Her school days are fondly remembered, alongside her academic success, particularly in the sciences.
Though she was initially hesitant to become a teacher, she eventually embraced the role, finding great fulfillment in it. Her relationship with Mahmud Kianush blossomed through their shared love of literature, leading to a meaningful marriage. She speaks with pride about her translation work, which not only earned her recognition but also boosted her confidence. Her creative writing emerged later in life, deeply influenced by her personal experiences and the unwavering support of her family, especially her daughter.
The interview also touches on her battle with illness, a challenge that spurred further literary creativity. Notable works like “Above and Beyond Love” and “Entertainment in Exile” are highlighted, both of which have been well-received and have solidified her reputation in the literary world.
in the press
Hooshang Mahmud, – Kayhan International Newspaper, 30th April 1998
“…Pari Mansouri writes with great eloquence and that is the reason why her stories are so gratifying. It is certain that it is not an easy task to write with such fluency. The portrayal of the different moments of life, and the ability to communicate this with the reader in the simplest way, with the aid of uncomplicated yet precise language, is much easier said than done. In this day and age, when it is fashionable to write in an obscure and complex way it is rare to find such narration and hence, her stories become even more pleasant…
…In every paragraph of each story within Entertainment In Exile, there is a delicate sadness mixed with pure emotion and feminine feelings, and this sorrow feeds on the everyday life in exile, being far from the land to which we all long to return…”
Mahmud Goudarzi – The Par Monthly Journal, 1993
“… The novel Smoke by Turgenev is a success in translation and shows the translator’s knowledgeable attention to detail … The fluent and clear style of translation of Pari Mansouri is highly admirable …”
Mohammad Ali Jamalzadeh – Persian Book Review Quarterly, Autumn 1991
“… I read the book Above and Beyond Love with delight and enthusiasm, and the more I read it the more I love it … I personally believe that if this book is translated and published in English, it will be well received and very popular …“
Personal life
An Enduring Love Story
The renowned writer, poet and literary critic Mahmud Kianush, was the cherished husband of Pari and a devoted father to their two children, Kaveh and Katayoon. His love for his family and his writing was the cornerstone of his life, and he shared a deep, unbreakable bond with his wife that transcended the ordinary.
He met Pari at Tehran University, while studying English literature. Their shared passion for words and stories quickly grew into a profound connection, culminating in their marriage in 1959.
Their love story, rooted in a shared intellectual curiosity and a deep emotional connection, was one that endured through the years, remaining as strong and vibrant as the day they first met.