The Wandering Coffin

Hamidreza Shahabadi is known for writing compelling novels for young adults that blend fantasy and horror with historical settings and literary depth. His books are not only thrilling and imaginative but also rich in cultural, social, and psychological value.

In The Wandering Coffin, published by Ofoq Publications, Shahabadi once again demonstrates his storytelling prowess. Building on the success of his previous works—The Gate of the Dead trilogy, Lullaby for a Dead Girl, and Laughing Nightmares—this novel masterfully combines suspense, fear, and historical intrigue to create a haunting, unforgettable experience.

A Journey of Fear and Mystery

At the heart of The Wandering Coffin lies a chilling, mysterious journey. Set in the Qajar era, the novel follows Samad, a student at Dar ul-Funun School in Tehran who studies medicine and has a secret passion for poetry. Haunted by childhood fears and inner turmoil, Samad must transport a strange, sealed chest from Tehran to Tabriz—its contents unknown. Is it a body? A forbidden book? Or something else entirely?

As the journey unfolds, readers are drawn into a suspenseful and nightmarish world, where historical reality blurs with the supernatural. Shahabadi’s vivid characterizations and unforgettable dialogues keep readers on edge, eager to accompany Samad through every twist and turn of his psychological and physical voyage.

Fear as a Double-Edged Tool

In this novel, fear plays a dual role: it fuels the narrative suspense and also leads readers to confront deeper philosophical questions—especially about death, destiny, and the fear of the unknown. Shahabadi taps into his young audience’s inner anxieties and shows that while fear is powerful, it can be faced—and overcome.

A Vivid Time Travel to the Qajar Era

One of Shahabadi’s trademarks is his ability to bring Iran’s past vividly to life. In The Wandering Coffin, he returns to the Qajar period, seamlessly blending real historical elements—like the early days of Iranian medicine, the significance of Dar ul-Funun, and the poetic figure of Iraj Mirza—with fantastical elements inspired by local myths about jinns and demons. This approach makes the story not only thrilling but also educational, encouraging young readers to explore their own cultural history.

Psychological and Social Depth

At its core, The Wandering Coffin explores the nature of identity: Can a person’s true nature be changed? Can love, nurture, or circumstance transform who we are? These existential questions enrich the novel’s social and psychological layers, adding meaning to its suspenseful plot.

Shahabadi’s talent for writing YA fiction that appeals to both general readers and literary critics has earned him wide acclaim. His ability to engage young minds with rich narratives rooted in Iranian heritage makes The Wandering Coffin a standout in contemporary Persian literature for teens.

The Wandering Coffin
By Hamidreza Shahabadi | YA Fiction | Horror, Fantasy, Historical

In The Wandering Coffin, acclaimed Iranian author Hamidreza Shahabadi blends horror, fantasy, and history into a gripping young adult novel. Set in the Qajar era, the story follows Samad, a medical student and poet, as he carries a mysterious chest from Tehran to Tabriz—its eerie contents unknown.

Shahabadi masterfully intertwines psychological depth with supernatural suspense, exploring themes of fear, identity, and the unknown. The novel offers not just thrills, but also a powerful reflection on personal growth and confronting inner demons.

Rich in cultural references, historical detail, and rooted in Iranian folklore, The Wandering Coffin is a chilling, thought-provoking read that appeals to teens and literary critics alike.