‘This powerful work cements Asgari as a vital voice in Australian literature’—Books + Publishing

‘You are a writer, aren’t you? I have a story for you.’

‘I’m working on my own story, and—’

‘It’s a true story, not one of those made-up, pointless whatever it is that you people write.’

‘It’s called fiction, and though I appreciate that you want to—’

‘Appreciate?’ He smirks. You don’t have to appreciate anything or talk as if you’re being interviewed by CNN. I’ll tell you my story, then it’s up to you whether to write it or not.’

This is the story of Amin as he falls in and out of love and the choices he makes in the shadow of his brother’s death, lost in the tragic downing of Flight 655.

Amid the chaos of 1980s Iran, he witnesses the senselessness of violence and the enduring power of sorrow. As he grapples with the trauma, Amin discovers a profound truth: stories can both heal and deceive. Through the lens of literature and the harsh realities of politics, he questions the blurred lines between truth and lies. 

A tale of disillusionment and the human spirit, Desolation explores the enduring power of storytelling in the face of tragedy.

PRAISE FOR ONLY SOUND REMAINS:

‘Only Sound Remains is a formidably intelligent novel ... Radiating warmth and wisdom, it is at once playful and erudite. Hossein Asgari is a truly remarkable new voice.’—Dominique Hecq

‘Written with great clarity, quietude, and compassion, yet epic in scope, Only Sound Remains is compelling, moving, and revelatory.’—Arnold Zable
 

 

Details

ISBN13: 9781761154133
Format: Paperback / softback
Number of Pages: 272
Edition:
Publication Date: 26 Aug 2025
Publisher: Ultimo Press
Publication City, Country: Australia
Dimensions (cm): 23.4(H)x15.3(L)362
Weight (gm): 362

Author Biography

Hossein Asgari studied physics and creative writing. His debut novel, Only Sound Remains, was shortlisted for both the Miles Franklin Literary Award and the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards. He works as a postdoctoral researcher at UniSA Creative.

Reviews

'Desolation is a short, searing novel that refuses to flinch from the telling of difficult histories. It weaves biography, history, fiction and academia into a bold metafictional narrative grounded in the lives of ordinary people yet resonating on a global scale. This powerful work cements Asgari as a vital voice in Australian literature and will appeal to readers of Behrouz Boochani, Hisham Matar and Ocean Vuong.' * Books + Publishing *