Simply beautiful in so many ways. The plot was rich enough, but the prose was breathtaking in sections. Indeed, I think the prose was maybe not helpedSimply beautiful in so many ways. The plot was rich enough, but the prose was breathtaking in sections. Indeed, I think the prose was maybe not helped by the plot.
A novel so very of the moment. The Middle Eastern migrant crisis forces a couple to flee and become refugees. A difficult thing to be in today's world, anywhere. But doors exist that you can go though into other areas. Whether you take the doors or not, your life will never be the same.
The migrant experience part of the story, however, is not as rich as the story of the romance. I won't spoil what happens to Saeed and Nadia, but Moshin Hamid tells the story, both its highs and lows, so very beautifully.
I find myself rarely highlighting literary fiction, but this was one in which I had to circle multiple passages in my girlfriend's copy because it was just expressed so beautifully. We both wound up reading this one much faster than intended, usually at lunch and on breaks, because we both wanted to come home at night and discuss our favorite sections.
I think this is one in which the esteem will only grow in coming years, even if it is so very "of the moment."...more
Story about the realities of modern-day Iran and the revolution within the revolution currently underway within Iran. Iran, a nation of great contrastStory about the realities of modern-day Iran and the revolution within the revolution currently underway within Iran. Iran, a nation of great contrasts, is vividly portrayed in this work....more
Great primer on the history of Iran, focusing on the rise of Ayatollah Khomeni. Wonderful chapters about the opulence of the previous shah's regime anGreat primer on the history of Iran, focusing on the rise of Ayatollah Khomeni. Wonderful chapters about the opulence of the previous shah's regime and the how inevitable Khomeni's rise to power indeed was. ...more
Story about the build-up and the actual events of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Much of the book was informative, but I espcially lovedStory about the build-up and the actual events of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Much of the book was informative, but I espcially loved the tension of the opening chapters describing the confusion and chaos of those first fateful hours on that horrific day....more
Higher-up in Saddam's Iraq describes Saddam's efforts to obtain weapons of mass destruction. Books like this were used to present the case for the IraHigher-up in Saddam's Iraq describes Saddam's efforts to obtain weapons of mass destruction. Books like this were used to present the case for the Iraq War. Even when reading this book well before the plans for the invasion were announced, I found a lot of the perceived "threat" to be pretty minimal. At one point the author describes how much of the Iraq nuclear program was developed after a group of Iraqi scientists spent a couple of days at the science library at some elite school in the East and made photocopies of things they thought were interesting. Good ol' American intelligence system, they are never wrong....more
In 1986, a Palestinian man shot the author's father. This book is about her search for the man who tried to kill her father. Larger theme about revengIn 1986, a Palestinian man shot the author's father. This book is about her search for the man who tried to kill her father. Larger theme about revenge and whether the Middle East can ever overcome the past. ...more
A detailed insider's look on the tensions of the Middle East which, while dated, is still very relevant today. Quite simply the most comprehensive, prA detailed insider's look on the tensions of the Middle East which, while dated, is still very relevant today. Quite simply the most comprehensive, provocative, and interesting read about the unique situation in Palestine, Israel, and Lebanon....more
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