Attendees heard Author
Before each chapter was read,
In addition, after Keech read each book passage,
“A Hundred Veils” is a love story set in Iran during the 1960’s and includes the cultural and political happenings of the time.
Keech’s first reading was from the “Pajama Party” chapter and includes Marco, the hero, meeting Farhad. The two become best friends, not unlike Keech and Rahbar’s friendship. The chapter also introduces much of the culture and customs of Iran.
Keech’s second reading was “The Coronation of the King of Kings, Light of the Aryans.” It is based on the Shah’s coronation that Keech witnessed while in Iran. The Shah had delayed coronation for years until he felt totally assured of his absolute power..
“The [second] reading introduced the theme of submerged resentment against the Shah,” said Keech. Keech heard many different concealed opinions from his 140 students while in private discussions with them and associating with them outside the classroom.
“There were members of the religious party, nationalists and communists but it was all very suppressed,” said Keech. “The novel tries to show hints that trouble was growing, but it was very peaceful then. Just undercurrents of unrest.”
It was Keech’s third reading from the chapter “Snow” that cemented the novel as a love story. Marco and the girl he loves, Mastaneh, are finally alone during a snowstorm and are able to fully share their love and affection for one another.
Keech’s 50 year-old memories are so clear he credits it to the joy he felt living in Iran. “Living in Tehran for those two years were some of the best years of my life,” Keech said. “Mostafa says the same thing.”
“I was 22 years-old and had never been out of the United States. The culture was very different. However, I felt like I could have been dropped in the middle of any Iranian village and people would beg me to stay in their homes for as long as I wanted.”
Keech credits his successful immersion into Iranian culture from his friends.
“I couldn’t have lasted those two years without all my Iranian friends helping me,” Keech said. “I would not have understood culturally what was going on. Iranians believe it is a tragedy to be alone. They come visit you. [My] friends helped me understand the friendliness and inclusiveness of Iranian culture.
“Friendship and companionship got me through.”
The Iranian people are not our enemy,Keech said.
“Iranian people still love Americans,” he said. “The Iranian people are not the Iranian government.”
After leaving Iran, Keech taught in Japan and Greece before returning to the United States and receiving his PhD in Comparative Literature.
From 1978 to 2013, Keech taught English at Anne Arundel Community College.
“Once I retired I got back to writing,” said Keech. “I had a lot of notes and my mother told me ‘you should write those stories down.’”
It only Keech a year and a half to write “A Hundred Veils.”
“A Hundred Veils” was recently awarded Best Literary/Mainstream Novel of 2017 by the Maryland Writers Association. It is available on Amazon.com in hardcover, paperback and Ebook versions.
Trash & Treasure Sale
Come find a treasure at Community United Methodist Church’s annual indoor yard sale Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon. All proceeds go to support local missions. CUMC is located at 1690 Riedel Road in Crofton.
PREVIOUS ARTICLE
