This book is published by http://www.turquoisebooks.org/ in trade paperback and was sent to me by the author for review (thank you). For more information about the author, visit her website: http://www.zoeghahremani.com/ .
I have limited knowledge about civilian life in Iran, so this historical look back at two girls who were coming of age at the same time I was in the US was an interesting contrast.
The girls have such different lifestyles, it's unusual that they have become friends. Roya comes from a prominent family who lives comfortable and has enough to meet all their wants. Shireen is from a common family and has more religious beliefs - and is out-spoken about them.
Iran wasn't a bad place for Roya to live, but Shireen eventually comes to the attention of the secret police. Soon both girls have different opinions about the lives they are living.
Ms. Ghahremani does a very good job of showing the internal conflict in the girls and showing you a piece of the cultural history of Iran.
This book makes you think. I've read more about the Nazi's, but the secret police in Iran are very similar. Perhaps it's having a dictatorship that breeds such horrors.
I found the book enlightening and well worth reading. Check with your local bookstore to see if they have a copy or buy it directly online from the publisher. Take a walk through life in Iran...
