TEHRAN – A book by composer Loris Tjeknavorian containing short comic stories on donkeys has recently been published.

Entitled “Kharestan” (The Land of Donkeys), the book was introduced during a ceremony at the Iranian Artists Forum on Monday.

In his brief remarks, Christian Iranian maestro Tjeknavorian said that he has long desired to write a book but was afraid. “However, Yarta Yaran, a prominent writer and painter, encouraged me to write stories about the donkeys and this is the final product.

“This book contains a series of jokes that only aim to bring smiles to the faces of people and nothing more,” he added.

He also said, “I have created a land of donkeys in this book and I myself am the Prime Minister of this land.”

He also noted that he is planning to do a second edition of the book if it sells well.

The 79-year-old composer also talked about his future plans and, surprisingly enough, he said that he wants to become an actor and also make films. “There is no day in which I have not laughed, because life is too short and does not deserve to be taken seriously. If I am supposed to have a long life, I prefer to remain a child forever,” he remarked.

The audio version of the book, which has been published by the Seday-e Moaser Publications, is soon to be released by a team of famous narrators next year.

Photo: Composer Loris Tjeknavorian holds a copy of “Kharestan” during a ceremony held by the Iranian Artists Forum in Tehran on March 5, 2017 to introduce the book of short comic stories on donkeys. (IRNA/Marzieh Soleimani)

RM/YAW