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mbejjani's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A compelling narrative across generations and countries, this book delves deep into family relationships while firmly rooting the story in the political and cultural context that is crucial to understanding those relationships. I learned a lot about Iranian culture and history, without feeling like I was getting a history lesson.
mjyoung's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.5
rmarcin's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to Kensington and the Between the Chapters Book Club for the beautiful book. This is a heart-wrenching story of an Iranian family who moved to the US after the revolution in 1979. However, the father is very traditional, and expects his two daughters to marry, oldest to youngest. His eldest has no intention of being married, so she rebels with a drastic act, but it allows her sister to get married and escape a terrible trauma of her own.
Now years later, and a year after her sister's death, Mitra must face the secrets of the past, and the mindset of the traditional patriarchy. When the secrets are finally revealed, there is hope for change.
This story provides a snapshot into the difficulties of moving to a foreign country, taking asylum, confronting traditional values and their danger to women. Although set in the 1970s (flashbacks) and 1990s, it is an interesting look at how culture can affect our lives. I was lucky enough to also listen to a book club discussion with the author, which was enlightening.
Now years later, and a year after her sister's death, Mitra must face the secrets of the past, and the mindset of the traditional patriarchy. When the secrets are finally revealed, there is hope for change.
This story provides a snapshot into the difficulties of moving to a foreign country, taking asylum, confronting traditional values and their danger to women. Although set in the 1970s (flashbacks) and 1990s, it is an interesting look at how culture can affect our lives. I was lucky enough to also listen to a book club discussion with the author, which was enlightening.
hollycoaster's review against another edition
3.0
I went back and forth on this one. I wanted to love it and I did love parts of it, but other parts felt lacking or awkwardly thrown in to the storyline. I definitely enjoyed the read but was hoping for a bit more.
kmw96's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
justinwelchsf's review against another edition
5.0
Do you ever finish a book and feel heartbroken that the characters are not going to be in your life anymore? In The Time Of Our History by Susanne Pari is one of those books! Set in San Francisco and New Jersey in the late 80s/early 90s, this book explores the family dynamics of an Iranian-American family coping with the tragic death of a daughter/sister and her two young children.
donasbooks's review against another edition
Thank you to Susanne Pari and NetGalley for a gifted advanced digital copy to read of IN THE TIME OF OUR HISTORY.
A year after her younger sister's death, Mitra returns home to her parents in observance of a traditional Iranian custom. What ensues is basically a lot of family drama, spiced with the depth and beauty of Iranian custom and Persian history.
I DNFed this book at 63%.
I found the style so difficult to read. My biggest frustration had to do with the treatment of time. It favors interspersing back story throughout the narrative, rather than alternating timelines or delivering big sections of back story all at once. This approach is typically my preference also, but it lingers too long in the past, whenever it takes the reader there. Then, in returning to the present moment in the narrative, the transitions are always quite rough.
I often felt disoriented in this story. As it was, I couldn't connect enough to have any interest in the characters or their outcomes.
Recommend? Yes, as I think it's a "me" thing.
A year after her younger sister's death, Mitra returns home to her parents in observance of a traditional Iranian custom. What ensues is basically a lot of family drama, spiced with the depth and beauty of Iranian custom and Persian history.
I DNFed this book at 63%.
I found the style so difficult to read. My biggest frustration had to do with the treatment of time. It favors interspersing back story throughout the narrative, rather than alternating timelines or delivering big sections of back story all at once. This approach is typically my preference also, but it lingers too long in the past, whenever it takes the reader there. Then, in returning to the present moment in the narrative, the transitions are always quite rough.
I often felt disoriented in this story. As it was, I couldn't connect enough to have any interest in the characters or their outcomes.
Recommend? Yes, as I think it's a "me" thing.
emberrolf's review against another edition
It just really wasn’t for me and I was trying to get through other things and avoiding it so I figured it was time.
lexicahill's review against another edition
4.0
I guess technically all Americans (unless you are a Native American descendant) are immigrants or children/grandchildren/etc. of immigrants. I am far removed from “new immigrant” status though so I didn’t think that I’d feel a personal connection to this story. I quickly learned though that no matter where you’re from the human experience proves that we can share similarities with anyone. I think I related most to Mitra (for better and worse) and enjoyed watching her character growth over the course of not only the year that passed in the book but also her entire life as told in remembrances throughout the story.
liznc's review against another edition
2.0
I really tried to like this more, but the politics didn't interest me and it seemed like there was an awful lot of it. The characters of Shireen and Mitra were highlights.