A review by elaichipod
The Moon Daughter by Zohreh K. Ghahremani

emotional reflective sad slow-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

4.25

Rana and Yalda's stories are completely filled with despair, but more so Rana. I just couldn't believe everything she had to go through. I really hoped that her and Moradi would find some middle ground, because it was so clear that Rana genuinely loved him but that was never going to happen. Losing Marjan physically and then Vida emotionally must have been so difficult for her. I almost believe this was a true story because the pain, regrets, and decisions are so raw and human. Obviously Moradi is the larger antagonist in the book, but I honestly thought there would be some sort of reprieve. It's horrible how by the end of the book, the entire family is largely apart and they will never be together again. But also, I think that fact was sealed the moment Moradi neglected Rana after her 3 childbirths and began his affair with Parisa. 

I would have preferred Rana's perspective in the 2nd half of the book as well, but by the end, I did enjoy reading about the familial and cultural disconnect Yalda experiences. Moradi and Yalda's interactions were so heartbreaking, especially their cafe chat and the airport scene where they hug and cry. This book was truly a painful emotional ride and every single chapter brought on a new wave of angst, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The first 10ish chapters are a bit slow, but I think it's necessary. Once a major event occurs, the story and pain snowballs.