A review by dzsossz
The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree by Shokoofeh Azar

4.0

3.5 As I started this book I mentioned it to an Iranian colleague. He mentioned that much Iranian writing coming out of the diaspora is focused on the pain and suffering under the current regime rather than being representative of Iranian literature. This was the case and rather made me frustrated with the book at the start, though did open my eyes to things that were unknown to me. After the first third it became more mystical and reminded me of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and I rather liked the Persian connection to folk tales, including stories of djinns. I also enjoyed the non-linear story telling and the following of each member of the family. It was a bit disjointed in places but I’d recommend it all the same.