2018 A to Z Challenge - P
Another book that languished on my shelves despite how curious I was to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed this immigrant tale of Iranian sisters living in Ireland. The story told in the midst of a brand new cafe, describing the traditional Iranian dishes had my mouth watering. While we do not have a specific Iranian restaurant in Pittsburgh, we do have a variety of Middle Eastern eateries and I will definitely be stopping in to partake in a lunch of falafel, tabbouleh and a piece of baklava to go!
Mehran writes beautifully, lyrically; the reading was bittersweet knowing that she died in 2014 at the young age of 36.
While the book did not make an overt political statement, it is hard not to read it under the current (2018) ugly battle of immigration policies in the US. This book (as others with an immigration theme) showed how those seeking refuge do not hate their country of birth, far from it - they love the beauty, customs, history and foods of their homelands, but are often forced to leave due to unspeakable violence and complete lack of civil rights. Their adopted homeland can benefit from the sharing of new foods and differing views, making the citizens and the land richer.
Quote: "The Cat spent a good three hours on the rectory's roof, lamenting lost loves and wailing into an unmarked bottle of misery,..."
#2018AtoZChallenge
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