Reviews

Many passages here were 5 star quality however, I have given this book 4 stars due to some passages being lost in translation—particularly the more politically-focused sections and those that diverted away from the novel’s central family. It also could have used a few more revisions to knock out issues with syntax and unintentional repetitive passages.
The novel is deeply rooted in political trauma that has destroyed a beautifully interconnected Iranian family. It showcases how external conflicts (war, revolution, national disaster) can have internal consequences to the family unit. I found the sections about Roza’s disappearance and Beeta’s transformation to be particularly profound. I found it overall to be reminiscent of Ana Castillo’s /So Far from God/; as well as the obvious connection to /One Hundred Years of Solitude/.

*Some of the most exquisite magical realism I have ever experienced*

audreypalz's review against another edition

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challenging dark sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

An interesting, sad, and layered book. There were parts I loved where the writing really shone and the author's emotional intelligence and grief were immediately apparent, but other times where I got a little lost. I'd recommend it, especially to anyone interested in the history of Iran, but it is, at many points, a tough read.

ang_2's review against another edition

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challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

reggiethebird's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

p_scale's review against another edition

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3.5

This was a strange read. I wasn't sure I was going to finish it untill about chapter 10, I'm not sure what changed or if I just started to grasp the writing style but it really was quite a change in that chapter.

There were still alot of things I didn't really connect with and broke the world of the story for me somewhat but this could be due to cultural differences as well.

By the end I felt really connected to the characters though, I liked how the story flowed from different perspectives everyones wants and needs felt very unique to them and their character.

I wouldn't say this is a necessary read but if you end up reading it I would give it a chance, definitely something unique and indefinable about this book.

sarahelanany's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

5.0

wereallinthegutter's review against another edition

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hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

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