When the Apricots Bloom depicts the challenges of living in Iraq during Saddam Hussein's reign, where there are no easy choices when trying to survive. Told through the POV of three women, an embassy secretary, an artist, and a diplomat's wife, the story explores the decisions and lies of each women as they try to protect themselves and their families.
The author lived in Iraq during Hussein's regime, and it's evident in the way she brings the story to life. It was difficult to read about the harsh reality of the secret police and the abuses of power, especially concerning the women's children. But there were plenty of scenes to balance out the grimness, from the descriptions of the beautiful gardens to the ways that the women support each other and continue to try do what's right despite the impossible circumstances.
Although all three women felt fully fleshed out, Huda (an embassy secretary and mother to a teenage boy who is forced to become an informant) was my favorite. I loved her backbone and the way she was willing to do anything for her children. The way she used her voice and wit to get out of tough situations was inspiring.
Thank you to Kensington for a copy of this book!
The author lived in Iraq during Hussein's regime, and it's evident in the way she brings the story to life. It was difficult to read about the harsh reality of the secret police and the abuses of power, especially concerning the women's children. But there were plenty of scenes to balance out the grimness, from the descriptions of the beautiful gardens to the ways that the women support each other and continue to try do what's right despite the impossible circumstances.
Although all three women felt fully fleshed out, Huda (an embassy secretary and mother to a teenage boy who is forced to become an informant) was my favorite. I loved her backbone and the way she was willing to do anything for her children. The way she used her voice and wit to get out of tough situations was inspiring.
Thank you to Kensington for a copy of this book!