Reviews with content warning for Child death - In the Time of our History

I love that this was set in the 90’s and through the eyes of an Iranian family. This felt a little formulaic with the secrets that the dead had and the living were keeping but a good contemporary novel for those that want to focus on something different from dramas.

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gcarlson94's review

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challenging emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

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

4.75

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mmrohbock's review against another edition

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emotional sad medium-paced

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

5⭐ on 🎧

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.

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bookmaddie's review

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challenging emotional reflective sad 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? Yes

4.25

This book snuck up on me. I didn't love the writing style at first, but as I read, I slowly found myself more wrapped up in the story and soon enough, I'd look up and I'd somehow read 60 pages in what felt like a flash. Pari has crafted a layered family story that feels undeniably real. Grief is at the heart of this story, and Pari examines its ebbs and flows with grace, and shows how memories can come upon you like a summer storm. Grief begets transformation, and in this story expectations are upended and hard truths are unearthed to create a previously unimaginable future.

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 transformation—both 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!

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