This book review was written by Eugene Kernes
Genre = Novel
Overview:
Choices need to be made. But some choices are hard, and have consequences long past when they are made. Within each of the stories in this book, the protagonists have to make choices. Choices that pit dearly held values against each other. Sacrificing some values, to uphold others. Choosing between sibling, friend, parent, spouse, child, honor, faith, and politics. Loyalty to different values has consequences, as it becomes ever more difficult to choose which to uphold. Values that seem compatible, can cause a rift between people. What the protagonists choose, and the reasons why, are deeply felt. Each protagonist has to own their choice, their voice, and take responsibility for their lives. Some of the stories take place in Iran, others in Canada, while utilizing Iranian history and cultural values. The protagonists are all Iranian women with different backgrounds, experiences, and problems. An underlying theme of women’s rights.
Caveats?
The book is well written but some of the values that come from faith and culture might not be readily evident. Although the difficult choices are understood for the difficulty they represent, some nuances are only understood when some knowledge of the faith and culture are known.
