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This story spans the 1950s through the 70s and 80s to the present day and follows Elaheh "Ellie" Soltani and Homa Roozbeh - girls from completely different backgrounds who meet in Tehran as seven-year-olds who become fast friends but drift apart - a cycle that continues as their lives intersect time and time again and their fates intertwine against the volatile backdrop of the Iranian Revolution and the decades that follow. The narrative is presented predominantly from Ellie's perspective, though we do get a few segments from Homa's perspective. Both main characters are well fleshed out and their dynamic as it evolves over decades is realistically depicted. The author's portrayal of the changing socio-political landscape of Iran during the Iranian revolution and its aftermath with emphasis on women's rights will inspire reflection. We can't help but ponder over the fact that many of us have been afforded freedoms that others do not enjoy - freedoms that we often take for granted and rights that women all over the world have fought for in their own time and continue to do so today. This story dealt with friendship, grief, love, power, and freedom. I learned a great deal about the culture of Iran, but not in a textbook sort of way. I loved the friendship between the girls/women. So well done and relatable! I highly recommend reading this book as it's a memorable read that you will be thinking about long after you turn the last page.

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Very interactive

I loved this story of Ellie and Homa! They met in the 1950's as two seven year olds in elementary school and became fast friends. They were from two different social classes, Ellie's family of wealth and Homa from the slums. The years of their friendship were lived against the backdrop of Iran's political landscape.. brilliantly told of their personal lives and how they were changed by political shifts through the years. There is a betrayal in there of the friendship..and they lose each other for several years.. but are always in each other's thoughts, hopes, and dreams. This story is such a timely story and it follows the girls until 2022 .. A story of friendship, courage, and resilience ..and insights into Iranian culture. Short chapters, you will be taken in from the tirst pages.

Cute

Very interesting book. Lots of triggers and hard to understand the mom’s point of view at times.

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