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rinnfoskey's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
4.0
I enjoy character driven books and so this worked for me, but an initial disclaimer if you are after something fast paced and plot driven this might not be for you.
An unfolding of relationships, reflection on the past, grief, migration and people's multi-faceted nature told through an Irani family in the 80s/90s.
Overall I found this book very compelling, if heavy.
<Spoiler> what I found more challenging was the revealing of Anahita's sexual abuse when she was younger was used as a device to prompt reflection and redemption in characters. I could understand Mitra telling her mum, and then Olga telling her the rest of the story but Mitra tells her father eventually from a place of revenge hoping it will hurt him. That he does seem to respond in a way of reflecting on his life and changing things seemed to easy. I would have thought the book more real, and less uncomfortable about anahita continuing to he used and manipulated to Mitra/her father's enda if this passage was left out. </Spoiler>
An unfolding of relationships, reflection on the past, grief, migration and people's multi-faceted nature told through an Irani family in the 80s/90s.
Overall I found this book very compelling, if heavy.
<Spoiler> what I found more challenging was the revealing of Anahita's sexual abuse when she was younger was used as a device to prompt reflection and redemption in characters. I could understand Mitra telling her mum, and then Olga telling her the rest of the story but Mitra tells her father eventually from a place of revenge hoping it will hurt him. That he does seem to respond in a way of reflecting on his life and changing things seemed to easy. I would have thought the book more real, and less uncomfortable about anahita continuing to he used and manipulated to Mitra/her father's enda if this passage was left out. </Spoiler>
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Abandonment, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Infidelity, and Infertility
jlearnwriter's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
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
bookmaddie's review
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!
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Car accident, Sexual assault, Child death, Death, Pregnancy, and Rape
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