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A review by emdreading
The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree by Shokoofeh Azar
5.0
Stunning.
It was entirely unexpected for me to adore this so much. I often struggle with magical realism, but this book has made me re-think my tendency to avoid it. Told essentially as many short stories all blended together, it manages to cover a vast scope of important history relating to civilian suffering caused by the Islamic revolution.
At first I had to adjust a little to the myths and magic infused into the narrative, but it didn’t take long to simply let myself be swept up by it. The transitions are so seamless that it felt rather dream like at times. This style of storytelling is perhaps a way to tell the harder truths by taking a step back from reality.
Overall this novel was utterly heart breaking, and I’m so very glad I read it. It will stick with me for a long time I’m sure.
It was entirely unexpected for me to adore this so much. I often struggle with magical realism, but this book has made me re-think my tendency to avoid it. Told essentially as many short stories all blended together, it manages to cover a vast scope of important history relating to civilian suffering caused by the Islamic revolution.
At first I had to adjust a little to the myths and magic infused into the narrative, but it didn’t take long to simply let myself be swept up by it. The transitions are so seamless that it felt rather dream like at times. This style of storytelling is perhaps a way to tell the harder truths by taking a step back from reality.
Overall this novel was utterly heart breaking, and I’m so very glad I read it. It will stick with me for a long time I’m sure.