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vidyareads's review against another edition
challenging
medium-paced
3.0
A very challenging book with lots of jumping of story lines. I didn’t really like it while I was reading it but giving it 3 stars for the completely surprising cry I had at the end
clarkeyhk's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
cardigans's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
andrepinza's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Non sono solita leggere questo genere di romanzi ma il mondo costruito dalla scrittrice iraniana ha un qualcosa di poetico, magico, ma ricco di significati profondi da cercare tra le righe. La letteratura è al centro di tutto, come in ogni Rivoluzione può essere la salvezza, perché rifugio da un mondo reale troppo deprimente. Credo sia un romanzo che si presta a più riletture per coglierne sempre più sfumature e interpretazioni.
dreameuse's review against another edition
3.0
The magical realism is absolutely amazing in this book. Reality and folklore are interwined with great talent. I loved seeing all the creatures and tales have a normal impact on the people and the story. However, I feel like I learned more about the folkloric aspect of the culture than the actual events of the revolution in Iran, which I am a bit sad about.
Now on to the writing, I can not fully grasp what exactly is missing, but I had quite of a hard time getting through the book. Maybe it is linked to the absence of motivation from the characters, like they just go along with what live throws at them and that's it.
Now on to the writing, I can not fully grasp what exactly is missing, but I had quite of a hard time getting through the book. Maybe it is linked to the absence of motivation from the characters, like they just go along with what live throws at them and that's it.
diadorim's review against another edition
3.0
A bittersweet read, because all the ingredients of a great novel are present - complex and multifaceted characters, a background of intense political and cultural turmoil, vivid elements of magic realism, a narrative spread over decades - but unfortunately it does not quite get there, and these pieces often feel simply juxtaposed rather than truly connecting to each other. A good novel that offers glimpses of excellence that left me wanting more.
dukegregory's review against another edition
4.0
I don't think the ending really sticks the landing, but this novel is so fantastic, both in form and content, and so informative without being didactic. So much tragedy in the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution. History lingers, culture elaborates, and family struggles in the face of contemporary trials. Azar amazes me as to how much she can discuss so incredibly within so few pages.
This year's panel for the Booker Internation Prize seems to enjoy contemporary echoes of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I'm not mad!
This year's panel for the Booker Internation Prize seems to enjoy contemporary echoes of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I'm not mad!
unruhlysarah's review against another edition
5.0
Sorrowful and mesmerizing stories. A heartbreaking magical realism journey of a family during the Iranian revolution. Beautiful imagery juxtaposed with ugly human cruelty - a completely absorbing read.