Literature Reviews - 2025

Comprehensive Review of Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

Introduction

Adib Khorram’s Darius the Great Is Not Okay is a deeply personal and thought-provoking young adult novel that intertwines themes of identity, cultural heritage, mental health, and relationships. The book offers an intimate glimpse into the life of Darius Kellner, a half-Persian, half-American teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence, familial expectations, and a journey of self-discovery in Iran.

This review synthesizes insights from multiple perspectives, highlighting the novel's strengths, thematic depth, and areas of critique.

Plot Overview

Darius Kellner is an awkward, tea-loving, clinically depressed teenager who often feels like an outsider both in his American hometown and within his Persian heritage. Struggling with body image issues, bullying, and a strained relationship with his father, Darius embarks on a family trip to Iran to visit his ailing grandfather. There, he develops an intense friendship with Sohrab, a boy from the neighborhood, which allows him to explore his cultural identity, familial ties, and emotions in ways he never could before.

Themes and Analysis

1. Cultural Identity and Belonging

A major strength of the novel is how it portrays Darius’ struggle with his mixed heritage. He refers to himself as a “fractional Persian” and feels alienated both in America and in Iran. His experience echoes the struggles of many diaspora individuals, torn between two cultures and feeling like they never fully belong to either.

Khorram’s depiction of Persian culture is both educational and immersive. From the rich descriptions of Yazd's landscapes and Persian cuisine to cultural nuances like Taarof (a traditional form of polite refusal), the book paints a vivid picture of Iran beyond stereotypes. The novel also touches on the diversity within Iran, portraying Zoroastrianism and the Baha’i faith, which challenges the Western perception of Iran as a monolithic Islamic society.

2. Mental Health Representation

One of the book’s strongest aspects is its honest depiction of clinical depression. Both Darius and his father suffer from depression and take medication for it, a topic often stigmatized, especially in non-Western cultures. The novel captures the internal struggles of mental illness—self-doubt, the feeling of not being “enough,” and the burden of perceived expectations.

Darius' depression is not a simple plot device but a defining aspect of his character. It influences his worldview, relationships, and self-worth, making his journey of self-acceptance even more powerful.

3. Father-Son Relationship

Darius’ relationship with his father, Stephen Kellner, is complex and emotionally charged. Darius perceives his father as a “Teutonic Übermensch,” an almost unreachable ideal of masculinity. Their interactions are filled with tension, miscommunication, and unspoken emotions. However, the novel beautifully portrays how their shared experience with depression serves as a bridge toward understanding. Their nightly Star Trek sessions, though minimal in dialogue, serve as a quiet but significant form of bonding.

4. Friendship and Emotional Intimacy

Darius' friendship with Sohrab is at the heart of the novel. Their connection is one of deep emotional intimacy, something rarely depicted between two male characters in young adult fiction. The novel avoids turning their relationship into an overt romance but leaves space for an exploration of Darius' identity, including hints of questioning his sexuality.

Sohrab represents a kind of unconditional support that Darius has never experienced before. The novel challenges Western notions of masculinity by allowing male characters to express affection and vulnerability.

5. Grief and Family Bonds

Darius’ grandfather’s illness serves as another emotional layer to the story. It highlights the bittersweet nature of reconnecting with family only to face the inevitability of loss. The depiction of grief is nuanced, showing how one can mourn someone even before they pass. The novel captures how relationships—especially those newly formed—can be overshadowed by the awareness of their impending end.

Writing Style and Structure

Khorram’s writing is deeply engaging, marked by witty humor, Star Trek references, and an authentic teenage voice. The novel’s humor provides balance to its heavier themes, making Darius a relatable and lovable protagonist despite his self-deprecating tendencies.

However, some reviewers noted issues with repetitive phrasing. Words like "squinted" and phrases like "Soulless Minions of Orthodoxy" appear excessively, making parts of the dialogue feel forced. Additionally, some readers found the overuse of teenage filler words like “um” slightly distracting.

Despite these minor flaws, the novel’s emotional depth and engaging storytelling outweigh its stylistic shortcomings.

Criticism and Areas for Improvement

While Darius the Great Is Not Okay is widely praised, a few areas have drawn criticism:

• Repetitive Language: As mentioned, some words and phrases are overused, which can disrupt the flow of the narrative.
• Slow Start: The novel takes some time to build momentum. The initial chapters focus heavily on Darius’ self-deprecating inner monologue, which may be off-putting to some readers.
• Underdeveloped Side Characters: While Darius, Sohrab, and his father receive depth, some secondary characters, such as Darius’ mother and sister, could have been given more focus.

Final Verdict

Darius the Great Is Not Okay is a heartfelt and emotionally rich coming-of-age novel that excels in its portrayal of cultural identity, mental health, and male friendship. Adib Khorram crafts a narrative that resonates with readers of diverse backgrounds, especially those who have felt like outsiders in their own cultures or families.