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There are currently 39 member reviews
for In the Time of Our History
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Cynthia V. (New York, NY)
A Joy to Read
I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to read this lovely book. The novelist has taken her time to develop her characters in an honest, multidimensional way. They show us how they feel, why they feel the way they do, why they may need to reassess their feelings and actions. This is universal in good fiction of course...engrossing story, well-developed characters, great writing. This novel also provides great settings and historical context. I enjoyed learning about the differences between those who fled Iran before the revolution as compared to those who left after. I look forward to spreading the word about this novel with my friends who share my love of beautifully written contemporary fiction.
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Mary G. (North Royalton, OH)
In the Time od Our History
I was intrigued by the short synopsis of In the Time of Our History on BookBrowse and definitely not disappointed in the reading of it. The clash of cultural and familial expectations with Mitra's assertions of independence eventually lead to secrets revealed, understanding and resolution, and a new way forward. This book will be hard to put down and will draw the reader into a more reflective consideration of cultural differences and family dynamics no matter your family origins. I highly recommend this book for a greater understanding of the world and possibly of oneself.
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Sonia F. (Freehold, NJ)
Middle East Meets West
"Steely eyes met. Two generations, five thousand miles of culture apart. Righteousness hard as stones on both sides".
This novel opens up in 1998 on America's east coast. Mitra is one two sisters born to an Iranian father and American mother. The story collides with Tehran and New Jersey. The 1979 Iranian revolution has seen the rise of an Iranian diaspora in the United States. The novel captures the complexity of dealing with a family steeped in cultural and traditions from the Middle East and trying to fit in to a western culture. Some of that tradition ls kept, but there is far more that drives a wedge between the Jahani family; Mitra is the renegade. A medical document stating that she has had a tubal ligation, is not fit to be married in accordance to their tradition has poisoned her relationship with her father. He has expelled her from his life. There is a second daughter who just wants to please and is the favorite. Then there is the submissive wife who wants to avoid feuds and just get along with everyone. It is tall climb for her; she has to put up with a domineering husband, disrespectful to her, sees her as an object while he continues with his philandering.
I like the writing style of this author: oftentimes the characters are recounting past events in the present which added a flavorful layer to the story. The secrets that threads its way throughout the characters is used as a means of survival, but once again Mitra calls it out. She calls out her father for his old-school dogged ways and his hypocrisy.
This novel comes alive on every page with such tension and joy just like
any other family and at the same time tells of a rich ancient and modern Persian culture and politics.
Susan Pari's In the Time Of Our History will linger with me for a long time .
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Janet H. (Long Beach, CA)
What it's like to go from Iran ... to the U.S.
What did I know about Iran, it's people and culture? Very little.
"In the Time of Our History" by Susanne Pari immerses the reader in the language, food, temperament styles, and recent history of Iran by telling the story of three generations of the Jahani family. Two brothers immigrate to the U.S. and the story takes off.
The author gives us a 1-2 page "introduction" to each chapter by telling a brief story that does not name names, then proceeds into the heart of the story. (I liked that new-to-me style).
I thoroughly enjoyed the book because of the characters who deal with their family's successes and failures in their new country via their unique personalities, shaped by the cultural values of Iran. I read the last third of the book in one sitting; I could not put it down. At that point the reader finds out WHY things happened the way they did, and how they were influenced not only by family history, but also by theocracy that Iran had become. This would be a great book for book clubs.
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Jean B. (Naples, FL)
Excellent Plot and Literary Value
A novel may just tell an interesting story or it may also have beautiful literary value. In the Time of our History a fascinating tale is told in elegant language, satisfying the reader who appreciates an excellent story and beautiful writing. Susanne Pari writes specifically about an Iranian American family but much of her story is universal. She writes about parent and child relationships and controversies and the differences inherent in living in two worlds. I strongly recommend this book.
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Susanna K. (Willow Street, PA)
Acceptance
This well written novel takes the reader through those attempting to discover who they are and what they are meant to do with their lives. Mainly Mitra but also those in her Iranian family and beyond come to the realization of what really makes them happy and how to go about reaching that discovery. Being an immigrant can be very difficult regardless of whether rich or poor. Acceptance is hard to come by. Susanne Pari's writing style made you feel that you were feeling all the love, anger, and for many the acceptance and finally peace.
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Rebecca G. (Pittsfield, ME)
Snapshots of a Family
We're quickly introduced to the push-pull engaging first generation adult children with their traditional,Iranian immigrant parents in this fast moving, intricate novel. The traditional family hierarchy of a supreme patriarchal father and submissive wife and daughters alters dramatically in this one generation. Each character was thoroughly realized, consistent and believable throughout – warts and all. The many plot twists worked well and kept me whole-heartedly engaged. There were snippets of political history and current events of the period as well which lent perspective to the lifelong trauma involved in immigration. While I did think there were one or two loose threads at the end, I counted them as my chance to imagine how some things may have turned out.
I happily recommend In the Time of Our History by Susanne Pari. And yes, this is definitely a good book group choice.
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