Half a Cup of Sand and Sky is, ultimately, a story about someone who is not particularly extraordinary in any way, and this makes the book all the more powerful. Amineh is likable in part because of how relatable she is. The most remarkable thing about her is her husband, Farzad, who works to change the government in various fashions. This works in the story's favor, as the audience feels deeply connected to Amineh despite the backdrop of the story being in wartime. She struggles through everyday issues, from feeling neglected in her marriage to a rocky relationship with her sister to her teenage daughter's unplanned pregnancy. And yet, the story also depicts the harsh reality of war and years of its afternath.
Telling a political story from the perspective of an (almost) everyday citizen can be incredibly impactful and I believe this story did it well. Due to the politics, it was a bit of a slow read for me, but I found that my slow pace added to my enjoyment of the story. It is a book that I believe is well worth a reread.
Telling a political story from the perspective of an (almost) everyday citizen can be incredibly impactful and I believe this story did it well. Due to the politics, it was a bit of a slow read for me, but I found that my slow pace added to my enjoyment of the story. It is a book that I believe is well worth a reread.