by Nadine Bjursten
“Time is measured in different ways for different people at various times in their lives” (p.220).
As soon as I began reading this book, I sensed that there were numerous upheavals and life changing events waiting to pounce upon a seemingly calm university scene. The action centers around Amineh , a female student at Tehran University in May 1977. The setting alone was extremely interesting to me because the names of many ancient Persian leaders, their famous battles, and cultural influences are often familiar to people without them understanding that they are talking about modern day Iran. I liked the fact that this book has historical references woven through into the decades of Amineh’s life. However, this is book’s focus is the character of Amineh, and how much people change from their late teen years into the decades of adulthood.
For people who are not open to learning about different cultures or thinking about world events from a different point of view may not like having their set of beliefs described with an unflattering political labelThis is like the different names for some wars, depending on what part of the world one represents or supports. So, I would encourage everyone to go into this book with an open mind, just like some magical realism stories require a different attitude, a suspension of belief. For people who say they like to travel, but they do not like anything that is too different from home- be it food, language,weather, or the types of toilets- then they might not see this book as literary fiction that exposes one to other cultures. In fact, another appealing is the changing geographical locations: Iran, Egypt, Sweden.
As in any war or revolution, there are deaths of innocent people, and this novel includes sad events such as this. Since the story is told through the eyes of Amineh, there are times when Amineh’s presence or viewpoints are blamed as the catalyst for others’ sorrows. And sadly, there is the growing and evolving elimination of women’s rights and freedoms.
In many ways I find this book difficult to summarize. I am so glad that I read it! It was a 4.5 for me which I am rounding up to 5 because of the quality of the writing and my appreciation for an interesting glimpse into the history of this area of the world. I’m certain that anyone who reads this book will nod in agreement with the category of Socially Engaged Fiction for which this book was a Pen Bellweather Prize finalist. I am grateful to the author and publisher, Alder House Books, for making copies available on BookishFirst. This is my honest opinion in an unsolicited review.
“Time is measured in different ways for different people at various times in their lives” (p.220).
As soon as I began reading this book, I sensed that there were numerous upheavals and life changing events waiting to pounce upon a seemingly calm university scene. The action centers around Amineh , a female student at Tehran University in May 1977. The setting alone was extremely interesting to me because the names of many ancient Persian leaders, their famous battles, and cultural influences are often familiar to people without them understanding that they are talking about modern day Iran. I liked the fact that this book has historical references woven through into the decades of Amineh’s life. However, this is book’s focus is the character of Amineh, and how much people change from their late teen years into the decades of adulthood.
For people who are not open to learning about different cultures or thinking about world events from a different point of view may not like having their set of beliefs described with an unflattering political labelThis is like the different names for some wars, depending on what part of the world one represents or supports. So, I would encourage everyone to go into this book with an open mind, just like some magical realism stories require a different attitude, a suspension of belief. For people who say they like to travel, but they do not like anything that is too different from home- be it food, language,weather, or the types of toilets- then they might not see this book as literary fiction that exposes one to other cultures. In fact, another appealing is the changing geographical locations: Iran, Egypt, Sweden.
As in any war or revolution, there are deaths of innocent people, and this novel includes sad events such as this. Since the story is told through the eyes of Amineh, there are times when Amineh’s presence or viewpoints are blamed as the catalyst for others’ sorrows. And sadly, there is the growing and evolving elimination of women’s rights and freedoms.
In many ways I find this book difficult to summarize. I am so glad that I read it! It was a 4.5 for me which I am rounding up to 5 because of the quality of the writing and my appreciation for an interesting glimpse into the history of this area of the world. I’m certain that anyone who reads this book will nod in agreement with the category of Socially Engaged Fiction for which this book was a Pen Bellweather Prize finalist. I am grateful to the author and publisher, Alder House Books, for making copies available on BookishFirst. This is my honest opinion in an unsolicited review.