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rieviolet's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It was a quick read because the chapters are short and the writing style is quite readable.
However, it is really not a light read, there are a lot of difficult topics, such as the main character's cancer but especially the domestic violence against women, that was the hardest part for me to digest.
I do think that Nahid's perspective is interesting, exploring her personal situation and how it is connected to Iran's history, but goodness gracious, she is such an unlikeable character that so many times I wanted to scream "get a grip, stop tormenting your child!".
I understand that there is generational trauma and that abuse can generate more abuse, but it comes to a point when you only have your own horrendous behaviour to blame and your own desire to cause pain to others as a twisted compensation for your past and present sufferings.
However, it is really not a light read, there are a lot of difficult topics, such as the main character's cancer but especially the domestic violence against women, that was the hardest part for me to digest.
I do think that Nahid's perspective is interesting, exploring her personal situation and how it is connected to Iran's history, but goodness gracious, she is such an unlikeable character that so many times I wanted to scream "get a grip, stop tormenting your child!".
I understand that there is generational trauma and that abuse can generate more abuse, but it comes to a point when you only have your own horrendous behaviour to blame and your own desire to cause pain to others as a twisted compensation for your past and present sufferings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexism, Medical content, and Grief
Moderate: Violence, Police brutality, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Chronic illness, Racism, Rape, Suicide, Torture, Blood, Murder, and War