Core Viewpoint - Hemayoun Eshadi, an Iranian actor, transitioned from a career in architecture to acting, gaining international recognition after starring in Abbas Kiarostami's film "Taste of Cherry" which won the Palme d'Or at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival [1][3][5]. Group 1: Early Life and Career Transition - Hemayoun Eshadi was born on April 25, 1947, in Isfahan, Iran, and initially studied architecture in Italy before returning to Iran to work in the construction industry [1]. - After the 1979 revolution, he moved to Canada and returned to Iran in 1991, where he initially ran a furniture store with his family [1]. Group 2: Breakthrough in Film - Eshadi was discovered by director Abbas Kiarostami for the lead role in "Taste of Cherry," which tells the story of a man seeking help to end his life [1][3]. - Kiarostami's unique approach involved not rehearsing lines but allowing Eshadi to absorb the character's essence through recorded footage, which contributed to the film's emotional depth [3]. Group 3: Recognition and Subsequent Roles - "Taste of Cherry" won the Palme d'Or at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival, with Eshadi's performance receiving critical acclaim [3][5]. - Following his debut, Eshadi starred in "The Pear Tree," which won a silver award at the Chicago International Film Festival, further establishing his reputation as a talented actor despite having no formal training [5][6]. Group 4: International Career - Eshadi's role in "The Kite Runner" marked his entry into international cinema, where he played the father of the protagonist, earning praise from critics [6]. - He continued to work in Hollywood and European films, often portraying characters that represented foreign threats in post-9/11 cinema [7]. Group 5: Later Life and Passing - In his later years, Eshadi faced health challenges due to cancer, leading to a gradual withdrawal from acting [7]. - He passed away on November 11, 2023, after battling the illness [7].

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of books as silent companions that convey thoughts and emotions through words, unfolding quietly when needed [1] - It highlights the significance of World Book Day on April 23, showcasing a selection of ten impactful books that reflect various stages of life, from youth to old age [3] Group 2 - Khaled Hosseini's novel depicts the friendship and betrayal between two boys, Amir and Hassan, against the backdrop of a war-torn Afghanistan, ultimately leading to Amir's journey of redemption [4] - Hermann Hesse's "Demian" explores the protagonist Sinclair's quest for self-discovery, guided by a mysterious figure named Demian [7][8] - Yang Mo's "Song of Youth" portrays the struggles of young intellectuals during a historical period in China, emphasizing their fight against oppression and their patriotic ideals [9] - Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" narrates the adventures of the protagonist and his friends, reflecting the exploration and search for meaning behind the rebellious lifestyle of the "Beat Generation" [11] - John Williams' novel follows the life of William Stoner, a university professor, exploring themes of existence and the human condition amidst historical neglect [13] - Qian Zhongshu's work critiques the spiritual dilemmas and weaknesses of intellectuals in 20th-century China, using the character Fang Hongjian's life as a lens [16] - Karl Ove Knausgård's autobiographical series "My Struggle" delves into the author's life experiences, capturing the essence of ordinary life with emotional depth [18] - The narrative of a terminally ill patient reflecting on life and humanity, emphasizing the courage to live deeply even in the face of death [19] - Gabriel García Márquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude" is a landmark of magical realism, chronicling the rise and fall of the Buendía family and the town of Macondo, intertwining myth and history [21] - Stefan Zweig's "Moments of Humanity" presents historical vignettes that highlight pivotal moments and figures in history, illustrating the interplay of individual actions and historical events [24][25]