What do you think?
Rate this book
Parsnips in Love
From award-winning Iranian author Porochista Khakpour comes a tender fable about the shapes love takes, a discovery of ineffable beauty, and the desire to make it last.
An ailing farmer in rural Iran unearths an extraordinary find: two parsnips, grown together and looking for all the world like entwined lovers. For now, the sublime treasure is his secret. Wrapping it in a silk handkerchief, he nestles it away in a dresser drawer. Day after day, he gazes at their unmistakable rapture, reminded of the long-gone youthful passions he once shared with his wife. So, too, he mourns the inevitable—the eventual decay of the parsnips in love. When he decides to share his discovery with the world, his life and the lives of those around him connect and change in the most unexpected ways.
An ailing farmer in rural Iran unearths an extraordinary find: two parsnips, grown together and looking for all the world like entwined lovers. For now, the sublime treasure is his secret. Wrapping it in a silk handkerchief, he nestles it away in a dresser drawer. Day after day, he gazes at their unmistakable rapture, reminded of the long-gone youthful passions he once shared with his wife. So, too, he mourns the inevitable—the eventual decay of the parsnips in love. When he decides to share his discovery with the world, his life and the lives of those around him connect and change in the most unexpected ways.
33 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2019
111 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Porochista Khakpour
21 books508 followersPorochista Khakpour is the author of the memoir Sick (Harper Perennial, June 2018)—a “Most Anticipated Book of 2018,” according to HuffPost, Bustle, Bitch, Nylon, Volume1 Brooklyn, The Rumpus, and more. She also authored the novels The Last Illusion (Bloomsbury, 2014)—a 2014 "Best Book of the Year" according to NPR, Kirkus, Buzzfeed, Popmatters, Electric Literature, and more — and Sons and Other Flammable Objects (Grove, 2007)—the 2007 California Book Award winner in “First Fiction,” a Chicago Tribune’s “Fall’s Best,” and a New York Times “Editor’s Choice.” Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, Al Jazeera America, Bookforum, Slate, Salon, Spin, CNN, The Daily Beast, Elle, and many other publications around the world. She’s had fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the University of Leipzig (Picador Guest Professorship), Yaddo, Ucross, and Northwestern University’s Academy for Alternative Journalism, among others. She has taught creative writing and literature at Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, Bard College, Sarah Lawrence College, Wesleyan University, Bucknell University, and many other schools across the country. Currently, she is guest faculty at VCFA and Stonecoast's MFA programs as well as Contributing Editor at The Evergreen Review and The Offing. Born in Tehran and raised in the Los Angeles area, she lives in New York City’s Harlem.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 30, 2020
In a sense, brilliant.
In another sense - pretentious.
I'm somewhere in the middle but I am glad I read this.
In another sense - pretentious.
I'm somewhere in the middle but I am glad I read this.
November 9, 2019
Parsnips in Love: A Short Story was a very interesting short story, overall. Though somewhat odd in nature, it was also a very sweet, thought-provoking read. It was a very unique story, that poses many questions about life, love, sex, relationships and death.
"From award-winning Iranian author Porochista Khakpour comes a tender fable about the shapes love takes, a discovery of ineffable beauty, and the desire to make it last.
An ailing farmer in rural Iran unearths an extraordinary find: two parsnips, grown together and looking for all the world like entwined lovers. For now, the sublime treasure is his secret. Wrapping it in a silk handkerchief, he nestles it away in a dresser drawer. Day after day, he gazes at their unmistakable rapture, reminded of the long-gone youthful passions he once shared with his wife. So, too, he mourns the inevitable—the eventual decay of the parsnips in love. When he decides to share his discovery with the world, his life and the lives of those around him connect and change in the most unexpected ways." -Book Blurb
I have never read anything like this story. Parsnips in Love: A Short Story was a very meaningful short story, with a very unique plot and many surprising twists. While it consisted of very mature themes (i.e sexual intercourse and intimacy, relationships, pornography, etc.) it was all handled very tastefully. It was a memorable story, although the ending was odd. I’m still trying to interpret the deeper meaning, besides the more obvious one.
[OFFICIAL RATING: 4 STARS]
"From award-winning Iranian author Porochista Khakpour comes a tender fable about the shapes love takes, a discovery of ineffable beauty, and the desire to make it last.
An ailing farmer in rural Iran unearths an extraordinary find: two parsnips, grown together and looking for all the world like entwined lovers. For now, the sublime treasure is his secret. Wrapping it in a silk handkerchief, he nestles it away in a dresser drawer. Day after day, he gazes at their unmistakable rapture, reminded of the long-gone youthful passions he once shared with his wife. So, too, he mourns the inevitable—the eventual decay of the parsnips in love. When he decides to share his discovery with the world, his life and the lives of those around him connect and change in the most unexpected ways." -Book Blurb
I have never read anything like this story. Parsnips in Love: A Short Story was a very meaningful short story, with a very unique plot and many surprising twists. While it consisted of very mature themes (i.e sexual intercourse and intimacy, relationships, pornography, etc.) it was all handled very tastefully. It was a memorable story, although the ending was odd. I’m still trying to interpret the deeper meaning, besides the more obvious one.
[OFFICIAL RATING: 4 STARS]
January 19, 2021
A compelling and endearing look at rural life in Iran through the simple eyes of an ageing farmer and his wife.
Love in their life has ebbed and flowed but now the tide seems always out and a great distance from the beach.
Suddenly, and fans of Esther Rantzen and her TV shows like That’s Life will quickly catch on, the farmer falls in love with one of his vegetables. This isn’t just the world’s largest cantaloupe or my carrot looks like Donald Trump.
No, he finds a parsnip, or is it two who have grown together and formed a sexual bond as though in the throes of passion, parsnip on parsnip. Yet there is nothing crude or pornographic in regarding the vegetable as it looks like a wonderfully sculptured piece of fine art. No graphic nudity just the generous sexual female form in perfect union with her partner.
It moves the farmer to tears. Having grown old he feels unable to share this wonder with his wife.
His friend, a little more savvy with the modern world, is equally in awe of this/these parsnip(s).
The farmer worries that the parsnip will rot and the joy it momentarily brought him; reminding him of his own relationship with his wife, will be lost forever.
His friend suggests taking photographs and bringing it to a wider audience through the internet.
Life then becomes so much more exciting and unpredictable and the story how they manage their acquired fame is beautifully told in this heart warming story.
This is such a simple story as it reflects on the changes and the cycle of life. That a humble root crop can lift human emotions like a piece of art or fine music is both credible and incredible to contemplate. It owes something to the village life led but it also resonates in our shared humanity and basic needs.
As stated it is a pure story of love and passion rather than basic lust and sexual gratification. It is about the past, adapting to the present and preparing for the end of life with dignity.
This book shows the power of literature and through a short story has introduced me to a new author as well as renewed my appreciation for roasted parsnips.
Love in their life has ebbed and flowed but now the tide seems always out and a great distance from the beach.
Suddenly, and fans of Esther Rantzen and her TV shows like That’s Life will quickly catch on, the farmer falls in love with one of his vegetables. This isn’t just the world’s largest cantaloupe or my carrot looks like Donald Trump.
No, he finds a parsnip, or is it two who have grown together and formed a sexual bond as though in the throes of passion, parsnip on parsnip. Yet there is nothing crude or pornographic in regarding the vegetable as it looks like a wonderfully sculptured piece of fine art. No graphic nudity just the generous sexual female form in perfect union with her partner.
It moves the farmer to tears. Having grown old he feels unable to share this wonder with his wife.
His friend, a little more savvy with the modern world, is equally in awe of this/these parsnip(s).
The farmer worries that the parsnip will rot and the joy it momentarily brought him; reminding him of his own relationship with his wife, will be lost forever.
His friend suggests taking photographs and bringing it to a wider audience through the internet.
Life then becomes so much more exciting and unpredictable and the story how they manage their acquired fame is beautifully told in this heart warming story.
This is such a simple story as it reflects on the changes and the cycle of life. That a humble root crop can lift human emotions like a piece of art or fine music is both credible and incredible to contemplate. It owes something to the village life led but it also resonates in our shared humanity and basic needs.
As stated it is a pure story of love and passion rather than basic lust and sexual gratification. It is about the past, adapting to the present and preparing for the end of life with dignity.
This book shows the power of literature and through a short story has introduced me to a new author as well as renewed my appreciation for roasted parsnips.
January 19, 2021
I am concerned
November 30, 2019
““We are all beautiful when we are young,” his wife said, and for a moment he remembered her body in butter. “But it passes.””
Very strange but thought provoking!
Very strange but thought provoking!
January 18, 2023
One day an Iranian farmer harvests two parsnips that have grown together in a unique shape. On closer examination, he sees that it resembles a couple deep in the throes of lovemaking. This moves him greatly, causing deep emotions. After initially hiding the parsnips in love from all, he finally shares and for a time, through the miracle of a viral post on the internet, these rare parsnips in love move many to tears and deeper feelings.
...for a moment their world was overwhelmed with the beauty of existence, the very possibility of love.
This is a touching very short story (40 pages) about the wonderful impact of true love, though as with life, fleeting.
...for a moment their world was overwhelmed with the beauty of existence, the very possibility of love.
This is a touching very short story (40 pages) about the wonderful impact of true love, though as with life, fleeting.
November 29, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
November 7, 2019
I loved this book it was quirky and weird and made me smile.
October 16, 2020
This has been the most unusual short stories in the Prime Reading collection.
In Parsnips in Love, our protagonist, a farmer in Iran, finds a parsnip while out farming one day. To be precise, it is two parsnips that look like they are making love. This captivates our protagonist and he wants to hide and protect his treasure. In fact, he becomes somewhat obsessed with maintaining it in its current form. He also thinks about the position of the parsnips and how intense their lovemaking seems to be. Eventually, he shows the parsnip(s) to his apprentice, a younger man. This apprentice suggests they share the parsnip online - hoping for internet fame and wealth. While our protagonist is reluctant, he eventually accepts. The international fame that follows is almost too much. The sight of the parsnips making love so passionately brings people across the world to tears. Opportunities for TV and feature films come in, as well as a purchase offer from a wealthy investor. Our protagonist becomes obsessed with preserving the parsnip. Meanwhile, his wife has discovered the parsnips and is also fascinated by it. She begins to think about her sexual relationship with her husband: to hope that they will become sexual again, and to wonder if it might be as beautiful as the parsnips making love.
On first appearance, this is a strange fable about a parsnip. However, on closer inspection Parsnips in Love speaks to the preservation and worth placed on youthfulness, the loss which is associated with getting older, women's sexuality and the human need for connection: emotional, physical and (here) sexual.
I'm not sure if I enjoyed this story but I was certainly moved by it and I particularly appreciated Porochista Khakpour's commentary around the natural inevitability of getting older, and how she played with the idea of sexuality among older characters. This is rare in literature, at least that which I have read, and I appreciated what Khakpour was doing here. I'd be curious to read more from this author!
CWs: weaponry, knife and gun violence, housebreaking, murder.
In Parsnips in Love, our protagonist, a farmer in Iran, finds a parsnip while out farming one day. To be precise, it is two parsnips that look like they are making love. This captivates our protagonist and he wants to hide and protect his treasure. In fact, he becomes somewhat obsessed with maintaining it in its current form. He also thinks about the position of the parsnips and how intense their lovemaking seems to be. Eventually, he shows the parsnip(s) to his apprentice, a younger man. This apprentice suggests they share the parsnip online - hoping for internet fame and wealth. While our protagonist is reluctant, he eventually accepts. The international fame that follows is almost too much. The sight of the parsnips making love so passionately brings people across the world to tears. Opportunities for TV and feature films come in, as well as a purchase offer from a wealthy investor. Our protagonist becomes obsessed with preserving the parsnip. Meanwhile, his wife has discovered the parsnips and is also fascinated by it. She begins to think about her sexual relationship with her husband: to hope that they will become sexual again, and to wonder if it might be as beautiful as the parsnips making love.
On first appearance, this is a strange fable about a parsnip. However, on closer inspection Parsnips in Love speaks to the preservation and worth placed on youthfulness, the loss which is associated with getting older, women's sexuality and the human need for connection: emotional, physical and (here) sexual.
I'm not sure if I enjoyed this story but I was certainly moved by it and I particularly appreciated Porochista Khakpour's commentary around the natural inevitability of getting older, and how she played with the idea of sexuality among older characters. This is rare in literature, at least that which I have read, and I appreciated what Khakpour was doing here. I'd be curious to read more from this author!
CWs: weaponry, knife and gun violence, housebreaking, murder.
May 19, 2021
Parsnips in Love by Porochista Khakpour is a modern fable with an ancient feel and a few twists. I was interested in this because it sounded romantic and mysterious and it was short. Between major reads, I am always in search of short ‘palate cleansing’ material. I was also hoping to learn something about the author’s culture. The story is magical, clever, and at times disturbing. Being a solid fan of magical realism, I should be a huge fan of this story. I am conflicted, though. I have thought long and hard about why I hesitate to recommend it. After weeks, I am still unsure. I think that is the reason. It’s like dating the wrong person. This is a very good story with all of the elements one could want presented in a rich, well written style. The narration by the amazing Neil Shah is outstanding. But like dating the wrong person, even though I had fun for most of the time that I spent reading this, it left me emptier and sadder than I had been before. For this reason, I hesitate to recommend it.
January 29, 2023
Sad and sweet at the same time.
December 13, 2019
If you have ten minutes this is the sweetest little story.
November 6, 2019
A short story and quick read. It's interesting how the characters were affected by the parsnips and how these enhanced their lives in both temporary and longer term ways. Also how the inanimate parsnips helped their communication to improve overall.
October 4, 2021
Yes, Yes, I know this has deeper meaning but I can't get over sexy vegetables. Blame Craig Ferguson's dirty vegetable pics from the Late Late Show. 🤣
December 18, 2024
An ailing farmer in Iran discovers two parsnips grown together in his harvest of the day. While looking at them he feels they look clearly like two entwine lovers and he becomes obsessed with the vegetables. At first, the curvy lady and her large partner are his treasured hidden secret. Then he confides in a neighbor who helps him post an image online and it grows into a worldwide sensation. The farmer is obsessed with the wrapped parcel in his freezer refusing to sell them even after a break in by thieves. However, the fever eventually dies down. Years after his death, his wife eats them
* * * * *------------* * * * * ------------* * * * *
I admit that this is a unique way to frame a character study. We see reflections of the characters regrets, passions, and observations as they have their “15-minutes of fame” and observe the cycle of life. Fears of aging and dreams of leaving a legacy are relatable. On the other hand this is a weird little story where not much happens and what does is off kilter. The personification and magical thinking of the farmer is a bit disturbing. The relationship of our three key players is awkward. It takes long digressions to discuss emotional crying, butter laced masturbation, the value of art, and digestion. It has merit as a work of literature but it is not really going to be for everyone—myself included.
* * * * *------------* * * * * ------------* * * * *
I admit that this is a unique way to frame a character study. We see reflections of the characters regrets, passions, and observations as they have their “15-minutes of fame” and observe the cycle of life. Fears of aging and dreams of leaving a legacy are relatable. On the other hand this is a weird little story where not much happens and what does is off kilter. The personification and magical thinking of the farmer is a bit disturbing. The relationship of our three key players is awkward. It takes long digressions to discuss emotional crying, butter laced masturbation, the value of art, and digestion. It has merit as a work of literature but it is not really going to be for everyone—myself included.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2020
This was an interesting little story about how a weird discovery of two entwined parsnips in the shape of a man and a woman in a sexual embrace changes and yet doesn't change the lives of the characters. They obsess about the discovery. Do they share it or keep it a secret? Do they eat it? Do they freeze it? And how does it change their relationships with each other and world around them? The answer to the last question is it changes them profoundly and yet hardly at all. It's a fun idea that is well thought through though the slightness of the idea limits the scope of the story and characters.
March 21, 2022
In Porochista Khakpour’s enjoyable short story, the lives of an Iranian farmer, his wife, and their farmhand are changed by the discovery of an unusually shaped parsnip (or parsnips). The story is told in a simple, comic fashion, in the manner of a traditional-style tale for a 21st century audience.
There are plenty of moments to consider what happens when we create or assign meaning, and what we do, or do not do, to identify, enjoy, and protect the most important things in life.
This audio version, about 1 hour in length, is read by Neil Shah, who does a good job of pacing and bringing character to the story.
There are plenty of moments to consider what happens when we create or assign meaning, and what we do, or do not do, to identify, enjoy, and protect the most important things in life.
This audio version, about 1 hour in length, is read by Neil Shah, who does a good job of pacing and bringing character to the story.
December 17, 2020
I’ve never experienced a short story like this. There was so much to take from these pages that you’d expect it to be a novel instead. Passion and love are intertwined with aging and longing - the inevitable cycle that many of us will endure - seen in a couple of parsnips. It’s an old, withering farmer that brings the couple to life and creates a spark around the world. A rekindling is met among many as they think about the fervor of longing that comes with close intimacy.
January 26, 2020
An interesting little book - very short for a novel, a little longer than a typical short story. This fable involves a farmer who finds a pair of parsnips grown together in way that suggests entwined lovers. At first he's afraid to let anyone see it/them, but then shares his find with a young man who suggests they share it on Facebook. The parsnips' beauty affects everyone who sees them.
August 16, 2020
This short story tells the tale of a farmer finding a parsnip, possibly two, that has grown like a sculpture of a man and a woman making love. He is moved by it and wants to keep it for posterity.
It is an interesting take on obsession, love, sex, relationships and ultimately, the end of everything; be it for a vegetable or a person. 4 stars
It is an interesting take on obsession, love, sex, relationships and ultimately, the end of everything; be it for a vegetable or a person. 4 stars
March 15, 2021
Just amazing
When I put this book on my kindle I must have had a reason. I must have read something that made it sound like I would like the book.
This book/story was a complete surprise, a feel good story about love. Live like no other. Just amazing someone had this story and wrote it for me to marvel about.
When I put this book on my kindle I must have had a reason. I must have read something that made it sound like I would like the book.
This book/story was a complete surprise, a feel good story about love. Live like no other. Just amazing someone had this story and wrote it for me to marvel about.
February 13, 2024
Decidi ler este livrinho por ser de uma autora que até então me era desconhecida, e de um país que dificilmente visitarei. Gostei muito, foi uma leitura realmente diferente. Muito surpreendente como encontrar um vegetal em formato diferente pode mudar a vida das pessoas de forma totalmente inesperada. É um texto para refletir sobre o poder do amor, eu acho.
January 1, 2025
Parsnips in Love - Khakpour
Audio performance by Neil Shah
4 stars
Published as an Amazon original, this was an amusing short story. It made me smile. I developed a fondness for the Iranian farmer and his unusual parsnip. Everyone is entitled to a little love and passion in their life. It’s a 1.5 hour audio, a 35 page kindle short. Well worth the time.
Audio performance by Neil Shah
4 stars
Published as an Amazon original, this was an amusing short story. It made me smile. I developed a fondness for the Iranian farmer and his unusual parsnip. Everyone is entitled to a little love and passion in their life. It’s a 1.5 hour audio, a 35 page kindle short. Well worth the time.
May 27, 2020
A nice short read. The story has got a certain charm to itself. Many events in the story is really exaggerated, increasing the disconnect with reality. However, overall it had something interesting to say about life. :)
September 28, 2021
What an odd story...but interesting and thought-provoking. A sad examination of an older couple’s relationship, but done in an extremely unique way. I’m sure I will never forget how this made me chuckle a little at first, and then I felt such compassion. A sad and oddly beautiful story.
December 16, 2021
A tender portrayal of love through the ages in all its forms. You'll never look at 'Wonky veg' without recally this short story in the fable style. How Art's expression of the beauty of form, of shape , of the work of the sculpturer Nature brings out the emotions, the love in all of us.
January 30, 2023
What a bizarre little audiobook.
I honestly can't even really describe how I feel by this. Mostly confused, I think? I sort of feel like I just want to say... ok...? about it?
Some of the prose was nice, so that's... a thing?
Can't say I would recommend this one.
I honestly can't even really describe how I feel by this. Mostly confused, I think? I sort of feel like I just want to say... ok...? about it?
Some of the prose was nice, so that's... a thing?
Can't say I would recommend this one.
July 13, 2023
An unusual reading experience. I think some folks would set this aside as soft porn but I wanted to complete the story to see how things ended, not for the parsnips but for the farmer, his wife and their neighbor. I doubt I will forget this one but I doubt I will recommend it.
July 13, 2024
Okay, so it sounds like someone gave the author a dare to write a love story in which a parsnip featured prominently. 🤣 However the author came up with the idea, it's a gentle story about love and connection. I also may have to try to grow parsnips again in my next garden.
December 6, 2024
Pros - I love the person who recommended this book, and it is very unique.
Cons - I think it might have just tipped the oddness scale for me. Sensual root vegetables and buttered thighs did not bring me (unlike everyone else in this book?) to tears.
Cons - I think it might have just tipped the oddness scale for me. Sensual root vegetables and buttered thighs did not bring me (unlike everyone else in this book?) to tears.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews