Samad Behrangi was a teacher, writer, and social critic whose influence reached far beyond the classroom. Born in a modest family in the northwest of his country, he dedicated his short life to educating poor children and challenging injustice through storytelling. His most famous tale, The Little Black Fish, follows a small fish that dares to leave its narrow stream in search of the wider sea. Beneath its simple language lies a powerful call for curiosity, courage, and resistance against oppression.
During the turbulent decades of the twentieth century, many readers interpreted the story as an allegory of political awakening. Young activists saw in the adventurous fish a reflection of their own desire to break free from conformity and authoritarian rule. Some observers even argued that the book inspired recruitment into revolutionary organizations and radical movements.
After his mysterious death in 1968, Behrangi’s reputation only grew. He became a cultural icon among leftist thinkers, students, and writers, who regarded him as a martyr of social justice. His works continued to circulate widely, nurturing critical thought and a spirit of dissent. Decades later, The Little Black Fish remains a symbol of hope, defiance, and the transformative power of literature worldwide today.
