Sheila Banani – September 21, 2019

“This gripping novel which spans the years from 1955 until 2011 takes place in modern Iran with its main focus on the period leading up to the Islamic Revolution (1979) and its aftermath.  The book’s title reveals its themes of blood and sacrifice, of suffering, resilience and survival…

The author beguiles the reader initially with homey descriptions of warm and friendly Persian culture on both societal and family levels before she exposes what can lie beneath the surface, from the evils of gossiping, bullying, domestic abuse, cruelty to animals, the roots of religious prejudice and hatred, shunning, and adults leading empty lives in unhappy marriages. 

Family dynamics are played out through differences in the generations of each portrayed family.  

The emotional “heart” of the novel is the response of the victims of cruelty and injustice to their plight…

The author has very helpfully included both a Glossary of Persian phrases which appear in the novel as well as References for examining the documentation of facts.  It is not possible to read to the end of this novel, close the book, and think, “it is just a story.”  We are living in a day of globally shared experiences and the heart of this novel is not fiction.”

Paul Öjermark, MSc, Managing Director, Publishing; Director and Senior International Consultant in Education and Sustainable Development.

“An eye-opening book, deeply meaningful for individuals and society alike.

While telling a thrilling story of historical fiction this novel includes examples of a unique approach in response to human rights violations. This, which has been termed constructive resilience, is not only non-violent but also non-adversarial. As the book illustrates, instead of pitting one individual or group against another this approach involves neither succumbing to resignation nor taking on the characteristics of the oppressor. Rather, based on an inclusive world view, the oppressed individual and community seize opportunities to engage in constructive social action, through service and educational initiatives.

The author displays an extraordinary writing ability in this elegantly constructed book. The story line is captivating and, at the same time, presents challenging moral issues and spiritual insights. Reading the book has been a deeply moving and inspiring experience. I warmly recommend it to others.”

Reviews

Dr. Nader Saiedi, Adjunct Professor & Researcher, Department of Near Eastern Languages & Cultures, UCLA; personal correspondence 23 September 2020

 “…I found the book to be truly amazing. It is all based on historical truth. But the way this history is depicted is so real, concrete, and lively, that I felt that I am present in the time and place of those events. Writing in such a lively and real way requires incredible skills of imagination and knowledge of the culture. Not being an Iranian yourself, this makes the wonder of this book even more impressive. Whoever reads it experiences emotional identification with the sufferings, fears, anxieties, and hopes of the people described. I hope your book is read and received widely as it is a great creative work, geared towards the aim of making the world a better place. I am glad it is being translated in Persian as well.”

Judith Lapadat, a former Associate VP (Students) and Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Education,  University of Lethbridge in Alberta; personal correspondence, 21 February 2019

“This is a powerful and well-written story.... I am impressed with the scope of the work; your tale spans decades and generations. This long view enables you to show how family perspectives and values are passed down from parents to children, and the impact they have on the choices an individual makes while living his/her life.

Another strength of the book is that it provides good insight into the Persian culture, and what life has been like in Iran over the last 50-60 years (particularly under the ayatollahs). When you describe the various cities and landscapes, I can picture them. When you show ordinary families getting together, having picnics, and living their lives, it makes a culture that is unfamiliar to me spring to life.

The representation of people’s ordinary lives is doubly important; it engages the reader to care about the characters, and by contrast it makes the persecution that so many of the characters endure more horrific. For, of course, the book is not just a depiction of the culture but rather an explication of how economic, political, gender-based, and religious power and belief systems have intertwined and reinforced each other...

I applaud your efforts to show how… [political and religious] power seduces individual men into becoming weapons for maintaining and enhancing their fascist and expansionistic jihad or mission.  …you describe how these men are not permitted to question their own actions and motives. In return for their silence and blind obedience, they are rewarded economically and with positions of authority. You show how religious doctrine and unquestioning obedience to it is used to motivate and excuse escalating genocidal violence. Your representation of nuances in the antagonist characters (e.g., Kamran, Reza) showing how they are shaped by circumstance and opportunity is a particular strength of the book…

 Your book tells a complex, layered story very well… Not only did you do a good job of telling the story, but the topic of your novel is important. People who read your book will learn about the persecution of the Baha’is and others in Iran under the ayatollahs. The more that people in the west understand about these profound human rights abuses, the more likely it is that political pressure will be brought to bear… your book holds the possibility of making a real difference for real people, and I commend you for writing such a powerful story.”