I did manage to read a few books while I was on vacation. I guess two 12-13 hour flights and a 16 hour train ride (not kidding) gave me some time. I have a TON of books I own that I haven't read but silly me grabbed three library books to take. That's what happens when I have an hour wait and there's a library nearby.I picked up The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer and I am so glad I did. It's one of those books that was familiar but I couldn't remember what it was about. And I thought I'd seen good reviews. And come on...the cover is just gorgeous.
The book is set in the early 1980's in Iran just after their revolution. It eerily reminded me of France after their revolution. Or I guess of what happens after some revolutions in general. The people revolt, king is killed or flees, and suspicion runs rampant. People are accused, imprisoned, and killed for a number of reasons. And not all accused are guilty.
Enter Isaac Amin, a Jew, and his family into this setting. Isaac is a jeweler and is arrested early on in the book. Before the arrest, the family sent the eldest son to New York for college and to ensure his saftey and survival. The mother and the young daughter are left in Iran without knowing why Isaac is arrested and whether his is alive or not. The son is set adrift in a new country knowing the likelyhood of seeing his family again is slim.
I loved this book. It was such a page turner and is beautifully written. It's written through the perspective of each member of the family and how they are coping, dealing, and trying to survive in the new Iran. It's truly horrifying that outcomes of revolutions like the one in Iran continue to mass exterminate segments of a population. It's happened in the past, it's continuing to happen in the world, and it will happen again.
Also Reviewed By:Trish's Reading Nook
She is Too Fond of Books
Booking Mama
Everyday I Write the Book Blog
The Novel World
Fizzy Thoughts
Great review! I read this for an online book club earlier this year and really enjoyed it too. Never got around to reviewing it though.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are home safe! I can't wait to see/hear about the trip - it must have been amazing.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of this book as well, and all good things too. You're right, the cover is lovely.
So glad you liked this one--I recently picked it up after reading some great reviews, but haven't gotten to it yet.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great trip to Egypt!
Yes, one of my favorite books of the year! The four main characters were so remarkably portrayed, heart-wrenchingly so.
ReplyDeleteI want to keep up with whatever Sofer writes next; a true talent.
I'm glad you liked this book too! I loved this book, mostly because I can relate to the characters since it all takes place where I was born.
ReplyDelete