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chelanna22's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.0
jpeterson95687's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Grief, and Sexual violence
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
newlybookish24's review
4.0
“In the Time of Our History" delves deep into the complexities of family dynamics and the lingering impact of loss. Set against the backdrop of an Iranian-American heritage, the narrative follows Mitra Jahani's return home after her sister's tragic death. Parin skillfully navigates through the perspectives of multiple characters, offering readers a vast range of emotions and motivations.
The Jahani family's struggles with identity, tradition, and personal autonomy are portrayed with depth and authenticity. Mitra's rebellion against her father's expectations and the strained relationships within the family create a palpable tension that drives the story forward. Parin's writing is both evocative and poignant, capturing the nuances of cultural heritage and familial bonds with sensitivity. Through intricate storytelling, she invites readers to ponder the complexities of love, loss, and forgiveness. "In the Time of Our History" is a captivating exploration of the human experience, leaving a lasting impression on those who venture into its pages.
The Jahani family's struggles with identity, tradition, and personal autonomy are portrayed with depth and authenticity. Mitra's rebellion against her father's expectations and the strained relationships within the family create a palpable tension that drives the story forward. Parin's writing is both evocative and poignant, capturing the nuances of cultural heritage and familial bonds with sensitivity. Through intricate storytelling, she invites readers to ponder the complexities of love, loss, and forgiveness. "In the Time of Our History" is a captivating exploration of the human experience, leaving a lasting impression on those who venture into its pages.
carroll79's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
cadiemc's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bdwerner's review
3.0
I've noticed a theme over the past few years of generational trauma, and while this wasn't the best iteration of that theme, it was still very well written and I'm glad a read it.
jomich97's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.75
traveldreams's review
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0