A review by marleywrites
Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian

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

3.5

I loved that while reading this book, not only did I laugh and cry, but I also learned so much about Iranian culture and family dynamics. Three generations of the same family, connected not only by blood but by circumstance. The way the truth tumbled out and how they were so intentional about sharing the truth after years of either avoidance or cover ups was especially beautiful to me. It’s not often we see vulnerable, emotional men in media so I appreciated this loving depiction of this family despite the tenseness as well. 

I really enjoyed the women of this book as well. They were all strong and I loved how they knew what they needed. 

This book was really fantastic and I enjoyed almost everything about it. I was rooting for Moud and Bobby so much, and I was so relieved to see their respective personal relationships develop. Saeed, I had a bit of trouble connecting with due to the homophobia, however I appreciated his character arc and I’m proud of his development. Every queer person knows a young Saeed (circa before accepting his family), and it was both frustrating and interesting to read his thoughts. 

My only question at the end of the book is, did Bobby/Baba make up his illness’s severity? Because he did not seem sick in the book. He used a wheelchair but it did not seem like he was at the end of his life at all. He was still very active and cognizant and he was never taking medications or seeing doctors. I was expecting that to be another focus of the story. 

Overall I was very pleased with this book and devoured it in two days! Looking forward to more from this author. Thank you to Balzar + Bray and NetGalley for this e-arc.
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