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clarereadstheworld's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I've had this book on my shelf for an embarrassingly long time, and I'm so glad I finally picked it up, it was an absolutely beautiful read. It is with out a doubt my second 5* read of the year.
The story starts just after the Islamic revolution of 1979, a time which saw most Iranians, especially women, lose many of their formerly enjoyed freedoms as the country was placed under extreme Islamic rule. The freedom to chose their religion, the freedom to chose their clothes, the freedom to chose what music to listen to and what books to read to name just a few rights taken away from Iranians.
Most of the action of this story however takes place in 1990 and 1991. Although this is several years after the revolution, it's impact has not been reduced.
The main character Saba is from a well off Christian family who left the capital city in the early days of the revolution to try and live a quiet, peaceful life in a small fishing village where they had property. One day Saba sees her mother and sister get on a plane and leave for a new life in America. Heartbroken at being left behind to live a frustrating life filled with restrictions and arbitrary limitations, Saba dreams of the wonderful free life her sister and mother are surely living in America. She tells stories of their American adventures to entertain her friends, and reassure herself.
I absolutely loved everything about this book (except the horrible things that happen to Saba.) The narrative was lyrical and so so beautifully written. The sections written by Khanom Basir were a very interesting contrast to the story told by Saba. The symbolism of the teaspoons of earth and sea separating Saba and Mahtab was so wonderfully poetic. Even the epilogue which I was nervous about (I think they can make or ruin a great book) was satisfying without ruining the ending or the tone of the book. There is nothing I would change or citise about this book.
100% an author and a book I would recommend.
The story starts just after the Islamic revolution of 1979, a time which saw most Iranians, especially women, lose many of their formerly enjoyed freedoms as the country was placed under extreme Islamic rule. The freedom to chose their religion, the freedom to chose their clothes, the freedom to chose what music to listen to and what books to read to name just a few rights taken away from Iranians.
Most of the action of this story however takes place in 1990 and 1991. Although this is several years after the revolution, it's impact has not been reduced.
The main character Saba is from a well off Christian family who left the capital city in the early days of the revolution to try and live a quiet, peaceful life in a small fishing village where they had property. One day Saba sees her mother and sister get on a plane and leave for a new life in America. Heartbroken at being left behind to live a frustrating life filled with restrictions and arbitrary limitations, Saba dreams of the wonderful free life her sister and mother are surely living in America. She tells stories of their American adventures to entertain her friends, and reassure herself.
I absolutely loved everything about this book (except the horrible things that happen to Saba.) The narrative was lyrical and so so beautifully written. The sections written by Khanom Basir were a very interesting contrast to the story told by Saba. The symbolism of the teaspoons of earth and sea separating Saba and Mahtab was so wonderfully poetic. Even the epilogue which I was nervous about (I think they can make or ruin a great book) was satisfying without ruining the ending or the tone of the book. There is nothing I would change or citise about this book.
100% an author and a book I would recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infertility, Medical trauma, Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Religious bigotry
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