Shahriar Mandanipour is an Iranian author and novelist, known for his contributions to contemporary Persian literature. Born in 1957 in Shiraz, Iran, he has written several acclaimed works that explore themes of identity, exile, and the complexities of life in Iran. His writing often reflects the socio-political landscape of the country. Mandanipour's notable works include Censoring an Iranian Love Story and Killing the Black Dog. He has received various awards for his literature and has been a prominent voice in advocating for freedom of expression. Currently, he teaches creative writing at California State University, Fresno.