“The Displacements” appears at Iranian bookstores

January 23, 2026 - 19:38

TEHRAN- “The Displacements” by American writer Bruce Holsinger has been published in Persian.

Amut is the publisher of the book translated by Artemis Masoudi.

In "The Displacements," the Larsen-Hall family appears to lead an idyllic life in Miami, enjoying the fruits of their hard work: healthy children, a stable marriage, and a successful career for Brantley, allowing Daphne to fully immerse herself in her artistic pursuits. Just as they settle into their luxurious new lifestyle, the unprecedented arrival of Luna—the world’s first category six hurricane—shatters their sense of security and normalcy.

As Luna makes landfall, the storm wreaks havoc not only on their home but also on the very foundation of their lives. With their house destroyed, two family members missing, and their financial stability abruptly severed, the Larsens find themselves grappling with an uncertain future. The once-familiar comforts of their privileged existence are stripped away, leaving them vulnerable and disoriented.

In the chaos that ensues, the family is swept up in a mass evacuation alongside countless others from the American South. They are relocated to a FEMA mega shelter, where they must navigate a new reality filled with unexpected challenges and diverse individuals. 

Among their new community are an insurance-agent-turned-drug dealer, a group of vulnerable children who have lost everything, and a dedicated relief worker striving to maintain order amidst the turmoil. The shelter becomes a microcosm of society, reflecting both the fragility of human connection and the resilience required to endure in the face of disaster.

"The Displacements" is an exploration of loss, survival, and the complexities of human relationships when faced with adversity. It delves into themes of privilege and vulnerability, questioning what happens when the safety nets we take for granted are suddenly removed. As the Larsens confront their new reality, they must redefine what "normal" means in a world that has irrevocably changed. 

This suspenseful narrative weaves together personal stories against a backdrop of national crisis, illustrating how resilience can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances. Through the Larsens' journey, readers are invited to reflect on the nature of stability and the strength found in community during times of upheaval.

Bruce W. Holsinger is an American author, novelist, and academic, currently serving as a professor of English at the University of Virginia. 

Holsinger's literary career began with his first novel, “A Burnable Book” (2014), set in fourteenth-century England, featuring poet John Gower on a quest inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer. His works often intertwine academic interests with fiction. In February 2018, he became the editor of “New Literary History”, and he has contributed to notable publications like “The New York Review of Books”. His fifth novel, “Culpability”, was named an Oprah's Book Club pick in July 2025.

SAB/


 

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