It’s amazing how women can be so different but also so much alike regardless of where they’re from or how they’re raised. ‘When the Apricots Bloom” depicts women who are being coerced by a government who has no respect for women’s rights. In order to protect their children they will do whatever is necessary even if it includes betrayal. However, no matter where women are from, if their children or their families are at risk, they often will do whatever it takes to protect them. This novel is very well written and certainly captures the readers interest from the very beginning. This little excerpt was well worth reading. on a personal note I found some of the words difficult to pronounce which slowed the reading process a little bit but if you can get through the language and the references to a culture very different from the American culture, I think this book is worth reading.