H
I just finished a multigenerational book, and I happened to pick this one out next. Must be a common theme lately. I’ve read this author's debut novel and didn’t love it, but this one has good reviews so I decided to listen to the audiobook from hoopla.
There are three main character: son, father, and grandfather. Each of them has their own narrator, which helped distinguish the POVs. Narration was excellent overall. The story itself was intriguing: family drama, relationships, sexuality, politics. However, it didn’t feel real to me. Shane was an insufferable, try too hard character that annoyed me with every appearance. Some of the other side characters were cool, like cousin Ava and Zip Lamb.
What I didn’t like was the demonization of the ayatollah and the Islamic republic. Sure, the author is Iranian and is clearly sharing his personal views in this book, but I don’t appreciate the propaganda. Especially with current world events and the rampant Islamophobia that prevails in society. Okay, every ruler has their faults and no one is perfect, but I didn’t like this angle and it really turned me off. Probably won’t read more from this author.
I just finished a multigenerational book, and I happened to pick this one out next. Must be a common theme lately. I’ve read this author's debut novel and didn’t love it, but this one has good reviews so I decided to listen to the audiobook from hoopla.
There are three main character: son, father, and grandfather. Each of them has their own narrator, which helped distinguish the POVs. Narration was excellent overall. The story itself was intriguing: family drama, relationships, sexuality, politics. However, it didn’t feel real to me. Shane was an insufferable, try too hard character that annoyed me with every appearance. Some of the other side characters were cool, like cousin Ava and Zip Lamb.
What I didn’t like was the demonization of the ayatollah and the Islamic republic. Sure, the author is Iranian and is clearly sharing his personal views in this book, but I don’t appreciate the propaganda. Especially with current world events and the rampant Islamophobia that prevails in society. Okay, every ruler has their faults and no one is perfect, but I didn’t like this angle and it really turned me off. Probably won’t read more from this author.