As Americans we have been conditioned to hate Iran. There are certainly many valid reasons for that. We tend to forget that the leaders of Iran are not the people, people just trying to live their lives during difficult times. It was a struggle in the 70s to decide who was the greater evil, the Shah or Khomeini. This is the constant struggle for our heroine, Amineh and her family and friends. Amineh tries to find normalcy, balance and love during her life while battling the loses of loved ones and the tyranny of leaders. She also carries much grief for those people she has lost. I enjoyed reading her story and I endured her pain. My only trouble with this book is that sometimes it drags with Aminehs laments and musings. But it’s a well written important book that also highlights the difficulties of life in Iran through the years. It’s also a good book club book that will prompt many discussions.