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moniipeters's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Grief, Child death, Rape, Adult/minor relationship, Classism, Alcohol, Child abuse, Forced institutionalization, Incest, Pedophilia, Car accident, Death, Deportation, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence
jlearnwriter's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Child death, Child abuse, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Xenophobia, Incest, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Religious bigotry, Child abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Bullying, Car accident, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Infertility, Pregnancy, Racial slurs, Alcohol, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, and Pedophilia
mmrohbock's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I've heard nothing about this book but got it on a whim the library after seeing it at Target... And it was amazing?! If you enjoyed Olga Dies Dreaming and want to learn more about Iranian American culture, this needs to be on your TBR and this book needs to be on everyone's radar!!
This book starts with bringing together a large Iranian American family in 1998 to celebrate the one year of life since the passing of the youngest daughter, which causes a clash of both grief and family estrangements. The eldest daughter Mitra goes in search of sister's secrets and it causes her to completely change how she thinks about her life, while the mother Shireen finally realized her own strength in the presence of her overbearing husband.
Seeing how these women claim their own power while respecting their culture and figuring out what it truly means to be Iranian American was empowering and beautiful but also made me so mad when they experienced overt sexism and just some truly awful men and challenging cultural norms. I loved these characters so much and I will be thinking about for a long time. Truly a gorgeous novel rich with culture and strong female characters, this a must read as we watch Iranians protest their government and continue to see these strong people unite.
Content warnings for drugged rape, unexpected pregnancy, assault sexism, slut shaming, cheating and car accident.
Graphic: Sexism, Child death, Car accident, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, and Death
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Deportation and War
bookmaddie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I must admit that Mitra, the main character, annoyed me throughout a lot of this book, and even now, I'm not sure if I really like her? Even so, I yearned for her to heal and learn, and it was immensely satisfying to see her as she stumbles, then strides into her new, altered, everyday. I absolutely adored Mitra's mother, Shireen, and her transformationâboth as a character, and how we gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of her as the narrative goes on.
A story about loss, mothers and daughters, healing, and forgiveness. A smashing and unexpected read!
Graphic: Infertility, Car accident, Sexual assault, Child death, Death, Pregnancy, and Rape