Baptism

Babak lives in constant fear of deportation. An Iranian student unmoored in 1980s Boston, he is working illegally to survive and put himself through college. When a manager decides his name is too difficult and gives him an American one, identity becomes the cost of survival and chasing a dream.

Set far from politics but with an eye on history, this 2300-word short story explores the intersection of name, identity, personhood, and survival.

This story will appeal to readers of Jhumpa Lahiri and Hisham Matar.

Includes Story Guide, Author's Notes, and Discussion Topics.