With Iran and Israel in the news, the book I review today is particularly timely.
Two years ago I reviewed another book by Daniel Nayeri. Like The Many Assassinations of Samir, Seller of Dreams, this book is also historical fiction and shares an unfamiliar setting. And like the prior title, there are moments of life hanging in the balance, and moments of patience and kindness. The role of mentors and family is another thread in both stories.
My schooling didn't include a lot of the specifics about World War II. Even though my father, and father-in-law were World War II veterans, no one talked about the war. I felt that the topic was off limits--too painful to recall. So I never asked, or researched the time period. Just recently I watched the film Number 24 (watch it if you haven't!) and learned about Norway's occupation and resistance movement. I was similarly unfamiliar with Iran's occupation and role in the conflict.
I recommend that you read this book twice. The opening is a heart-breaking moment for the two siblings who are the main characters, but perhaps because of my lack of knowledge about the area and time period, I didn't immediately connect with the characters even though I too lost a parent at a young age. The political discussion in Chapter Three felt a bit like backstory that while important to the overall arc, wasn't organically important to the character at that moment and I struggled to absorb it all. The plot really picked up for me in Chapter Four. I'm glad I stayed with it, and in the re-read, knowing what I now did, I was able to enjoy Nayeri's beautiful prose and linger with the characters emotions more.
I particularly enjoyed the "worth" of a child discussion in Chapter 8, the introduction to the Farsi alphabet in Chapter 9, and the contemplation of a teacher's and parent's role in Chapter 20. Being brought up in the United States with a western storytelling sensibility, sometimes the deep philosophical thoughts seem to come out of nowhere from a child's point of view but meshed well on the second read. The back cover description describes the book's plot. The beauty of the prose and the overall feelings of stability, instability and humanity were the standouts for me.
I don't want to spoil the plot for readers, but the kindness exhibited by the main characters is a lesson for contemporary residents in Iran and Israel.
I hope you'll get a copy and read it for yourself! The book releases August 26, 2025 from the acclaimed publisher Levine Querido. My review is based on an uncorrected advance proof copy supplied by the publisher. #MiddlegradeMonday
