The Parrot and the Merchant
by Ali Seidabadi and illustrated by Marjan Vafaeian
“The Parrot and the Merchant” by Ali Seidabadi and illustrated by Marjan Vafaeian. Translated from the Persian by Azita Rassi. Published by Penguin. This beautiful story about love and freedom is based on a fable by Rumi.
Mah Jahan was a rich merchant who lived in Persia long ago. She travelled far and wide for buying and selling things. She loved birds and collected beautiful ones during her journeys. She kept them in cages or chained them so that they couldn’t fly away leaving her.
Her favourite bird was a beautiful and bright parrot that she had brought all the way from India. She loved it the most as it had learned to talk. When she was about to leave for India again, she asked the parrot what it wanted to be happy? The parrot put his head on one side and told her to meet his other parrot friends. He wanted her to tell them that he missed them and it made him sad. Did they have any advice for him?
Now, Mah Jahan did go to India and meet a parrot in the jungle. What happened when she conveyed her parrot’s message to the one she met? What did she do next? What does her parrot do? Is her parrot really happy being with her? Or all the other birds who live in cages or chains? Is love more valuable than freedom? What does Mah Jahan learn from this experience? It is very hard to let go of someone you love and give them freedom. Something to ponder about. This is the essence of this beautiful story. The illustrations are just gorgeous.
My seven year old son has loved this book since he was 5. Have lots of memories associated with this book. We used to admire Mah Jahan’s dresses and the stuff she takes with her during the trip to India. My son began pointing out that birds shouldn’t be kept in cages after reading the book. He no longer admires pet birds when he sees any. The message is quite strong you see! The book is apt for children aged 5+.
Where to buy from?
The publishers Penguin books here.
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