As an immigrant I loved this book. Not for the same reasons as others would but for my own reasons which I will share now.
The story is written by the English daughter of an immigrant woman to England. At the beginning, she described how the arrival of the Mother’s nephew brought on sadness and longing in the woman which leads her to go back to Iran to visit.
Hardship and heartache are all she finds but also kindness and lost friendships. It is well written and charming. Many parts left me sad but without understanding.
I am an immigrant and I am afraid do not share any of these longings with my fellow immigrants. I came to the States to find a new home not to drag my old one like a battered wagon behind me. I found her longing childish and selfish. Her new life with her husband of over 20 years was not enough. Her grown pregnant daughter was not enough. Her life and her garden, all not enough. She needed to go back.
In the end it left me disliking her and hoping her husband would find another wife and discard her for good. It made me annoyed for her lack of appreciation of what she made of her life.
I liked the book but disliked the character. She must be a very good writer to leave me so annoyed by the side kick in the novel. I found Yasmin Crother’s writing delightful and easy to read.
***** Yes, loved it. I own it.