Tehran – “Boyfriend” by American author Freida McFadden was recently published in Persian.
Translated by Reza Eskandari Azar, the book was published by Amout Publications of Tehran.
The “boyfriend” story alternates between childhood memories and current events, gradually revealing an intertwined web of relationships, lies and fatal intentions.
At a young age, Tom and Slug are inseparable friends from childhood, sharing a bond with Daisy and her best friend Allison. Tom has a crush on Daisy, but Allison spies Tom and recognizes him as “off,” but she blinds the true nature of her best friend Daisy. Slug, tall, awkward, the Pim Prepride child secretly carries feelings for Allison, but he has no chance and Tom remains his only ally. Despite Tom’s popularity and good looks, he remains true to the slug that is often seen on the sidelines.
Fast forward to adulthood: Sydney, a woman in her mid-30s, suffers from a string of bad dates and recent heartbreak, especially after breaking up with former police officer Jake. She spends time with her friends Bonnie and Gretchen, who live in her building, and they share a yoga and coffee routine. Sydney attempts an online date, but her worst date still comes with Kevin, a rude, boring guy who pays half the bill and becomes physically aggressive when she tries to leave. The hero intervenes and saves her from Kevin’s attack. She is hooked, but he saves her and leaves suddenly, wanting to see him again.
Kevin’s obsession with Sydney escalates to the stalker, but she dismisses or downplays the danger. They are either involved in the authorities or taking precautions. This surveillance has tragic consequences. She discovers Bonnie Dead after a suspicious visit from Bonnie’s boyfriend, Randy and a handyman. As the investigation unfolds, Sidney meets her ex-polis boyfriend Jake and begins to suspect Kevin’s involvement. Then, during the seemingly perfect date, Sidney suffers from a serious nosebleed caused by her condition, and the handsome doctor who turns out to be her mysterious “hot man” suffers from Tom.
As their relationship develops, Sydney uncovers an unsettling truth. Tom lies about his last name, uses multiple phones and avoids about his life. The flashback reveals Tom’s mental instability and his childhood complicated by his presumed dead but actually living Daisy. Eventually, it is revealed that Daisy (now “Gretchen” is a crazy murderer, responsible for multiple murders, including Bonnie and Alison, and is obsessed with Tom. She has stalked him for years, killing women out of jealousy and obsessions, including Randy and Bonnie.
Tone and heartbreaking, Tom is ultimately forced into a tragic choice. He tries to protect Sydney by sacrificing his safety and mitigating Daisy, who is unaware of his murderous pursuit. The story ends with Daisy trying to kill Randy and Sydney. Tom intervened in the last tragic act. Meanwhile, Sidney reunites with her ex, Jake, and receives an anonymous letter from Tom, suggesting that Kevin has been eliminated. The novel ends with a calm note, and readers question the true scope of Tom’s darkness and the prolonged existence of Daisy’s sinister influence.
sab/