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Roseheart
A story about family, set in the 1990s, and told through the sardonic voice of Valerie Kjos. She's a young Midwestern Gen X'er whose life is just barely coming together with her boyfriend when his Iranian mother, Goli, comes for a visit that seems to never end.
Valerie will have to decide what's more important--doing everything her own way, or her beloved Naveed and his live-in mother, who might not approve if she knew everything about her. But as she's about to learn, Goli has secrets of her own.
Roseheart has been compared t Bridget Jones’s Diary, by Helen Fielding; Funny in Farsi, by Firoozeh Dumas; or Welcome to My Planet: Where English is Sometimes Spoken, by Shannon Olson. The culinary imagery in Roseheart has also drawn connections to The Language of Baklava by Diana Abu-Jaber.
Valerie will have to decide what's more important--doing everything her own way, or her beloved Naveed and his live-in mother, who might not approve if she knew everything about her. But as she's about to learn, Goli has secrets of her own.
Roseheart has been compared t Bridget Jones’s Diary, by Helen Fielding; Funny in Farsi, by Firoozeh Dumas; or Welcome to My Planet: Where English is Sometimes Spoken, by Shannon Olson. The culinary imagery in Roseheart has also drawn connections to The Language of Baklava by Diana Abu-Jaber.
- GenresFiction
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2015
2 people are currently reading
690 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Dehdashti
3 books21 followersCatherine Dehdashti's essay in the Minneapolis Star Tribune told what Dayton's meant to those who worked there, including herself. The author of Daisy Sale Forever (2024) and Roseheart (2015), Dehdashti holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Minnesota, where she works as a writer and editor. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, their two sometimes-home young adult kids, and a dog. She hasn't worn high heels in nearly two decades.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 10, 2015
Valerie is a girl in perpetual motion with strong Minnesota ties and a desire to express herself. With life heading in one direction, a chance encounter, albeit unexpected, gives her a new lease on life with a man she said she'd never date because he was a customer. How Val and Naveed deal with a bit of neurosis, hilarious situations and their life with Goli (Naveed's Iranian mother) is an illustration that family is what you make it. There are some laugh out loud moments mixed with very emotional personal experiences throughout this story. Filled with the mixes of both Midwestern US and Iranian culture, "Roseheart" is heartwarming and charming in a way that makes you enjoy the journey - not feel like you are being lead along the path the author wants you to be. A brilliant debut novel by a very accomplished writer.
August 16, 2015
See full review at Shellyback books
A quirky fun and relaxing read. If life is a journey this is Valerie’s journey. The diary like chic-lit writing style gives it a certain Bridget Jones diary feel.
Whilst I am not really a fan of chic lit, preferring fiction with more substance I did enjoy this novel. In true chic lit style it is written in the first person, and Valerie the main character is likeable, amusing and being far from perfect easy to relate to. The identity of Roseheart pictured on the cover surprisingly is not Valerie, as I’d initially assumed. It is only later into the story that we learn the connection and who it is.
I particularly enjoyed the multicultural element, the fly on the wall look at American Persian culture., The first chapter did a really good job of pulling me in. but later into the book it was her relationship with her mother-in-law, which kept me interested. Two thirds of the way through the book and still enjoying it I started to wonder where it was going.
Whilst admittedly light fiction there is more than enough going on in Valerie’s life as well as some surprises to keep a reader interested. At times I found the writing a bit flat and it jumped about a bit but that is probably intentional or simply chic-lit style. The last chapter pulls it together, with the ending being unexpected.
A well written debut novel, recommended as a light and relaxing read and for chic lit fans. A definite thumbs up.
(Review copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
A quirky fun and relaxing read. If life is a journey this is Valerie’s journey. The diary like chic-lit writing style gives it a certain Bridget Jones diary feel.
Whilst I am not really a fan of chic lit, preferring fiction with more substance I did enjoy this novel. In true chic lit style it is written in the first person, and Valerie the main character is likeable, amusing and being far from perfect easy to relate to. The identity of Roseheart pictured on the cover surprisingly is not Valerie, as I’d initially assumed. It is only later into the story that we learn the connection and who it is.
I particularly enjoyed the multicultural element, the fly on the wall look at American Persian culture., The first chapter did a really good job of pulling me in. but later into the book it was her relationship with her mother-in-law, which kept me interested. Two thirds of the way through the book and still enjoying it I started to wonder where it was going.
Whilst admittedly light fiction there is more than enough going on in Valerie’s life as well as some surprises to keep a reader interested. At times I found the writing a bit flat and it jumped about a bit but that is probably intentional or simply chic-lit style. The last chapter pulls it together, with the ending being unexpected.
A well written debut novel, recommended as a light and relaxing read and for chic lit fans. A definite thumbs up.
(Review copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
July 9, 2015
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
A good weekend read, great for bookclub.
You can usually tell if you're going to like a book from the first page. A pretty cover is all good and well, and a thought-provoking poem might tilt you one way or the other, but that opening page is where you shake hands with a book and decide if you're going to stick around for a drink or make up some kind of excuse and leave (that is, unless you're reading Ayn Rand or E.L James, in which case you must immediately run screaming from the room).
The book sidles up to you and gives you a winning smile, and it's best come-on line. Sometimes it eases gently into it, with a little bit of scene-setting, but somewhere on that first page you will see it. The twinkle in its eye, the dimple in its cheek. The line that makes you stick around and read.
For me, it was the rhythm, alliteration, imagery and the sense that the author enjoyed writing as much as I am enjoying reading this sentence:
"...but even at a crawl, I lose and regain control over and over, rejoicing every time I narrowly escape hitting a punk-rock pedestrian as I skate my way through Uptown.
I received this for review via NetGalley, and before reading it, I was excited to learn more about modern Persian culture.
The novel is set in the 90s, in Dinkytown, a small Minnesotan town in the middle of nowhere, where the protagonist works in a kebab shop. It tracks her blossoming relationship with Naveed, which is thrown into conflict upon the arrival of his Iranian mother. At first, I thought she was awful to him, picking out his every flaw and criticizing each thing he did on their dates. However, I think I prefer that to the usual chick lit in which the woman fawns over the man's perfect butt, smile, whatever. I like that Dehdashti's main character is imperfect, as is her love interest. Character flaws give depth, making the good things that much better, and the characters that much more real.
I absolutely love Goli Joon, and the descriptions of her reactions to everyday, American life. In fact, I may have loved her too much. Maybe she wasn't evil enough to justify Valerie wanting her to leave. But then again, when you've just moved in with your boyfriend, having Mummy Dearest around could be enough of a problem.
The novel explores Valerie's encounters with taarof (the Persian customs surrounding greetings, serving and invitations) as well as describing the food in mouthwatering detail. As a foodie book, I'd shelve it beside such books as Like Water for Chocolate. It feels like a diary, or a chat with a friend. It's overwhelmingly pleasant to read, with just enough conflict to keep you turning the pages, while allowing you to linger over the dishes. It's light and funny, without dumbing itself down, and it tackles some tough issues without the narrator becoming unrelatable.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and recommend it as a light summer read, great for holidays, weekends, travel and some me-time.
A good weekend read, great for bookclub.
You can usually tell if you're going to like a book from the first page. A pretty cover is all good and well, and a thought-provoking poem might tilt you one way or the other, but that opening page is where you shake hands with a book and decide if you're going to stick around for a drink or make up some kind of excuse and leave (that is, unless you're reading Ayn Rand or E.L James, in which case you must immediately run screaming from the room).
The book sidles up to you and gives you a winning smile, and it's best come-on line. Sometimes it eases gently into it, with a little bit of scene-setting, but somewhere on that first page you will see it. The twinkle in its eye, the dimple in its cheek. The line that makes you stick around and read.
For me, it was the rhythm, alliteration, imagery and the sense that the author enjoyed writing as much as I am enjoying reading this sentence:
"...but even at a crawl, I lose and regain control over and over, rejoicing every time I narrowly escape hitting a punk-rock pedestrian as I skate my way through Uptown.
I received this for review via NetGalley, and before reading it, I was excited to learn more about modern Persian culture.
The novel is set in the 90s, in Dinkytown, a small Minnesotan town in the middle of nowhere, where the protagonist works in a kebab shop. It tracks her blossoming relationship with Naveed, which is thrown into conflict upon the arrival of his Iranian mother. At first, I thought she was awful to him, picking out his every flaw and criticizing each thing he did on their dates. However, I think I prefer that to the usual chick lit in which the woman fawns over the man's perfect butt, smile, whatever. I like that Dehdashti's main character is imperfect, as is her love interest. Character flaws give depth, making the good things that much better, and the characters that much more real.
I absolutely love Goli Joon, and the descriptions of her reactions to everyday, American life. In fact, I may have loved her too much. Maybe she wasn't evil enough to justify Valerie wanting her to leave. But then again, when you've just moved in with your boyfriend, having Mummy Dearest around could be enough of a problem.
The novel explores Valerie's encounters with taarof (the Persian customs surrounding greetings, serving and invitations) as well as describing the food in mouthwatering detail. As a foodie book, I'd shelve it beside such books as Like Water for Chocolate. It feels like a diary, or a chat with a friend. It's overwhelmingly pleasant to read, with just enough conflict to keep you turning the pages, while allowing you to linger over the dishes. It's light and funny, without dumbing itself down, and it tackles some tough issues without the narrator becoming unrelatable.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and recommend it as a light summer read, great for holidays, weekends, travel and some me-time.
October 14, 2015
[3.5/5]
My favourite element of this book was the infusion of multiple cultures, as being a Muslim in a Western country it was something I could understand firsthand. It's difficult to find a book like this that is so open to diversity and exploring different cultures. Also the focus on family was realistic and made me remember how valuable and important family is and how sometimes we can take it for granted. Valerie reminded me that although at times I feel suffocated by my family, they are our rocks and should be cherished no matter what. In that sense, I enjoyed reading this book. However, I felt like I couldn't exactly relate to Valerie that well as a protagonist. For instance, we don't hear her name until 10 pages in and for a while I had no information as to what she looked like, so it was hard to imagine her. Despite being written almost like a diary entry her voice seemed distant and as if she had gotten swept up with the large amount of time that passes through in this book. With that being said, the format made this book a very easy and quick read. Thank you to the author for sending me a copy it was well worth the read!
Disclaimer: I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads
My favourite element of this book was the infusion of multiple cultures, as being a Muslim in a Western country it was something I could understand firsthand. It's difficult to find a book like this that is so open to diversity and exploring different cultures. Also the focus on family was realistic and made me remember how valuable and important family is and how sometimes we can take it for granted. Valerie reminded me that although at times I feel suffocated by my family, they are our rocks and should be cherished no matter what. In that sense, I enjoyed reading this book. However, I felt like I couldn't exactly relate to Valerie that well as a protagonist. For instance, we don't hear her name until 10 pages in and for a while I had no information as to what she looked like, so it was hard to imagine her. Despite being written almost like a diary entry her voice seemed distant and as if she had gotten swept up with the large amount of time that passes through in this book. With that being said, the format made this book a very easy and quick read. Thank you to the author for sending me a copy it was well worth the read!
Disclaimer: I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads
July 17, 2015
Roseheart, Catherine Dehdashti
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Women's Fiction, Literature/Fiction (Adult)
I’m a bit on the fence with this read. I didn’t really feel drawn in to the book, feel the characters and situations were real.
I felt Valerie and Naveed were together as much for convenience that for love. I just didn’t feel that pull between them, that tension and edginess that sparks in a new relationship, and somehow they just seemed to drift into living together. I did like the descriptions of recipes and Iranian culture, and they way that East and West mix, with some unintentional difficulties caused by lack of cultural understanding. When Naveed’s mother comes on an open-ended stay that was interesting, seeing how Valerie tries to make her welcome but at the same time wonders when she’s going. then gradually Goli becomes part of the family, in that she just becomes part of their everyday life and not the visitor she first was.
Overall though it was a story I could pick up and put down easily, one I enjoyed but wouldn’t re read.
Stars: Three, a one off read for me
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Women's Fiction, Literature/Fiction (Adult)
I’m a bit on the fence with this read. I didn’t really feel drawn in to the book, feel the characters and situations were real.
I felt Valerie and Naveed were together as much for convenience that for love. I just didn’t feel that pull between them, that tension and edginess that sparks in a new relationship, and somehow they just seemed to drift into living together. I did like the descriptions of recipes and Iranian culture, and they way that East and West mix, with some unintentional difficulties caused by lack of cultural understanding. When Naveed’s mother comes on an open-ended stay that was interesting, seeing how Valerie tries to make her welcome but at the same time wonders when she’s going. then gradually Goli becomes part of the family, in that she just becomes part of their everyday life and not the visitor she first was.
Overall though it was a story I could pick up and put down easily, one I enjoyed but wouldn’t re read.
Stars: Three, a one off read for me
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
June 1, 2015
Disclosure: I was asked to read this book by the author.
Reading Roseheart was like pulling on that old comfortable sweatshirt that you never quite want to toss out. Maybe it was the familiarity of the 80's and 90's era in which the book was set, or the Minneapolis, Minnesota setting, but I felt as if I were reading about an alternate path my life could have taken.
I think I'll read it a second time, though, this time with an eye towards identifying the motivation of the main character Valerie, because that was the one thing I missed the first time through. Like a teacher who critiqued Valerie's novel, Hogwash, '...it’s “entertaining,” but that she isn’t sure what my main character’s motivation is.'
Reading Roseheart was like pulling on that old comfortable sweatshirt that you never quite want to toss out. Maybe it was the familiarity of the 80's and 90's era in which the book was set, or the Minneapolis, Minnesota setting, but I felt as if I were reading about an alternate path my life could have taken.
I think I'll read it a second time, though, this time with an eye towards identifying the motivation of the main character Valerie, because that was the one thing I missed the first time through. Like a teacher who critiqued Valerie's novel, Hogwash, '...it’s “entertaining,” but that she isn’t sure what my main character’s motivation is.'
April 28, 2015
"This is Minnesota and I'm a stereotypical reticent Minnesotan. This home is also Iran, where elders must be revered and respected. I must stay within the boundaries of both of these cultures, but this soap game is a pressure valve." So says main character Valerie Kjos Shushtari in Catherine Dehdashti's wonderful debut novel. Valerie acutely feels the push and pull of two very different cultures, and struggles to find a comfortable place in between. Deshdati explores the ups and downs of such an existence with humor and compassion, and powerfully explores the complexities of blended families. I'm eagerly awaiting her next novel!
June 2, 2015
Just finished this debut novel and loved it. A free spirited, young woman (Valerie) falls in love with a Persian man (Naveed) who is handsome and kind and also very good to his mother. Her life soon changes as she learns the joys and complexities of living with her new husband and an extended visit from her
mother in law Goli. Funny and tender it was a joy to read. I enjoyed the familiar Minnesota metro setting and the window into Iranian culture and cuisine. Well written and strong characters. I look forward to reading more books by Catherine Dehdashti.
mother in law Goli. Funny and tender it was a joy to read. I enjoyed the familiar Minnesota metro setting and the window into Iranian culture and cuisine. Well written and strong characters. I look forward to reading more books by Catherine Dehdashti.
April 20, 2015
*** Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review ***
This book was quirky, fun and well thought out, but it fell short for me. It's about family, and life and just getting on, but I found it all a bit meh. That said, it was REALLY well written and im sure im not the target audience so maybe some one else might find this a five star read, but it just wasnt for me.
This book was quirky, fun and well thought out, but it fell short for me. It's about family, and life and just getting on, but I found it all a bit meh. That said, it was REALLY well written and im sure im not the target audience so maybe some one else might find this a five star read, but it just wasnt for me.
June 26, 2015
I won this book through Goodreads First Reads
When I first opened the book and started reading it I thought for sure that I was not going to like this book, but I gave it a little bit of time and I ended up loving it! Could not put it down! I honestly laughed out loud.
When I first opened the book and started reading it I thought for sure that I was not going to like this book, but I gave it a little bit of time and I ended up loving it! Could not put it down! I honestly laughed out loud.
May 24, 2015
A very funny and quirky story! Loved that it took place in Minnesota!
February 8, 2018
Catherine Dehdashti weaves a wonderful tale of love, family, and the process of trying to learn to respect one's self. Valerie's journey throughout the novel feels real - she's far from perfect (and at times isn't even likeable), but that's what makes her so magnetic and so relateable. She has such a wonderful arc - it's lovely to get to know all of the characters in the novel and spend time with them. All in all, a heartwarming story.
*I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.
*I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.
October 21, 2024
A storyteller extraordinaire
I love this book - and not just because I know the author. It was fun book to read, written by an excellent storyteller who writes so well about the external and the internal self. Thanks Cat for creating this very cool, very important story of Life.
I love this book - and not just because I know the author. It was fun book to read, written by an excellent storyteller who writes so well about the external and the internal self. Thanks Cat for creating this very cool, very important story of Life.
August 23, 2015
Roseheart is a very apt title for Catherine Dehdashti's hilarious and heartfelt novel. I was immediately drawn in by the book's conversational style and verbiage. Catherine thinks, acts, and talks like many of my closest friends throughout my life. I felt like I knew her and was very interested to see how she would handle the challenge of blending two very different cultures into one happy family.
The book is written from the point of view of the main character Valerie, a Minnesota native in her early 20s who is a writer that waitresses to pay the bills. Valerie is a typical Midwestern girl of the 1990s - enjoying a life of little regret having been raised in a good family that provided her with a happy childhood and strong support system. She could break the rules, color outside the lines, speak her mind, and desire a life without the limitations that comes naturally when you have experienced a less idyllic or more strict upbringing Then Naveed entered her life. Naveed and his mother, Goli. Naveed is Iranian and has a totally different thought process about family, obligation, the significance of traditions, and straying from expectations. Soon after Valerie and Naveed embark upon their cross-culture romance they move in together - an event I believe may have precipitated more by Valerie's circumstances than her intention. Goli comes for a visit and we soon realize that she may never return to Iran. It is the mother-in -law of all issues - how to combine two very different cultural backgrounds, traditions, and beliefs that do not naturally go hand in hand to create a life together that is forged by respecting and upholding the value of each of the two without losing their individual identities - that drives the narrative of the book.
I especially enjoyed the development of the relationship between Goli ("Rosie" in Persian) and Valerie upon the theme of their attitudes and tenets regarding food preparation, service, and significance. Food is central to life and to the family unit in a way that no other commodity can compare.
Roseheart reflects well the myriad aspects that come together to form the life of a family that deeply loves, values, and believes in its innate power.
The book is written from the point of view of the main character Valerie, a Minnesota native in her early 20s who is a writer that waitresses to pay the bills. Valerie is a typical Midwestern girl of the 1990s - enjoying a life of little regret having been raised in a good family that provided her with a happy childhood and strong support system. She could break the rules, color outside the lines, speak her mind, and desire a life without the limitations that comes naturally when you have experienced a less idyllic or more strict upbringing Then Naveed entered her life. Naveed and his mother, Goli. Naveed is Iranian and has a totally different thought process about family, obligation, the significance of traditions, and straying from expectations. Soon after Valerie and Naveed embark upon their cross-culture romance they move in together - an event I believe may have precipitated more by Valerie's circumstances than her intention. Goli comes for a visit and we soon realize that she may never return to Iran. It is the mother-in -law of all issues - how to combine two very different cultural backgrounds, traditions, and beliefs that do not naturally go hand in hand to create a life together that is forged by respecting and upholding the value of each of the two without losing their individual identities - that drives the narrative of the book.
I especially enjoyed the development of the relationship between Goli ("Rosie" in Persian) and Valerie upon the theme of their attitudes and tenets regarding food preparation, service, and significance. Food is central to life and to the family unit in a way that no other commodity can compare.
Roseheart reflects well the myriad aspects that come together to form the life of a family that deeply loves, values, and believes in its innate power.
September 21, 2016
I enjoyed this story of a young 20-something living in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota during the 1990s. Valerie meets Naveed through her waitressing job in Dinkytown, a neighborhood business area near the University of Minnesota. Eventually she decides to move in with Naveed in part due to the circumstance of losing her roommate and needing a new apartment. But, the challenge comes when Naveed's mother, Goli Joon, comes to live with them. Naveed is Iranian and in that culture, one always welcomes visiting parents and does not ask how long they will be staying. Cultures, language barriers, personal backgrounds and simple lifestyle choices all get in the way. Somehow it does work; maybe not all of the time, but it does work.
Valerie is from a generation different than my own and different from that of my daughters. She has faced a number of things that I have not including a suburban upbringing, divorced parents and substance abuse. Naveed has problems with some of Valerie's choices, but as a couple, they seem to overcome that. Valerie comes to appreciate Goli Joon, who by the way, is a wonderful character which I could picture with no problem. In the end, Valerie comes into her own getting past her insecurities including tolerating the so-called best friend who is not a healthy presence in her life.
I learned a lot about the Iranian culture. One has to think, if this story was taking place today, how would it differ and how would it be the same?
Valerie is from a generation different than my own and different from that of my daughters. She has faced a number of things that I have not including a suburban upbringing, divorced parents and substance abuse. Naveed has problems with some of Valerie's choices, but as a couple, they seem to overcome that. Valerie comes to appreciate Goli Joon, who by the way, is a wonderful character which I could picture with no problem. In the end, Valerie comes into her own getting past her insecurities including tolerating the so-called best friend who is not a healthy presence in her life.
I learned a lot about the Iranian culture. One has to think, if this story was taking place today, how would it differ and how would it be the same?
August 15, 2015
This novel contains a very smooth and light writing style and is filled with wonderful and interesting detail about day to day life and family relationships for a woman living with an Iranian man living in the United States. I enjoyed it because, after having been stationed in Iraq for five years, it brought back many memories of living in the Middle East and of the people there, their mannerisms, habits, food, customs and so many things which make people from that region enjoyable to be around. This book does an excellent descriptive job.
February 28, 2015
A story about family, love, and friendship, Roseheart is filled with quirky, memorable characters and fantastic details on Persian culture and cuisine. Dehdashti's writing voice is mesmerizing and her ability to unravel a story while providing fun character history makes the novel difficult to put down. I truly enjoyed this author's debut and look forward to reading more of her work.
February 1, 2016
A taste of Persia which promised so much but in my opinion failed to deliver. Snippets of life of the family of Valerie Kjos aspiring writer and the Persian family she becomes part of. Sections were slightly humorous however it just felt like it was trying too hard to be funny.
Advance copy received from publisher
Advance copy received from publisher
June 14, 2016
Someone describes this as the Bridge Jones of the Midwest. I think that works pretty well.
Well written and interesting insights into the Minnesota Iranian culture.
Well written and interesting insights into the Minnesota Iranian culture.
Read
February 9, 2016Such a delight to read this novel by a local author in a setting familiar to me. I enjoyed getting a closer look at Iranian culture and how it translates to Minnesota.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews