What do you think?
Rate this book
Take What You Can Carry
An aspiring photographer follows her dreams and faces her fears in a poignant novel about finding beauty, promise, and love amid the chaos of war-torn Kurdistan.
It’s 1979. Olivia Murray, a secretary at a Los Angeles newspaper, is determined to become a photojournalist and make a difference with her work. When opportunity arrives, she seizes it, accompanying her Kurdish boyfriend, Delan, to northern Iraq for a family wedding, hoping to capture an image that lands her a job in the photo department. More important, though, the trip is a chance to understand Delan’s childhood and bridge the differences of their pasts. Yet when the return home proves less safe than Delan believed, Olivia is confronted with a reality she had not expected, and is awakened to the dangers of a town patrolled by Iraqi military under curfew and constant threat.
But in this world torn apart by war, there are intoxicating sights and scents, Delan’s loving family, innocence not yet compromised, and small acts of kindness that flourish unexpectedly. All of it will be tested when Olivia captures a shattering, tragic moment on film, one that upends all their lives and proves that true bravery begins with an open heart.
It’s 1979. Olivia Murray, a secretary at a Los Angeles newspaper, is determined to become a photojournalist and make a difference with her work. When opportunity arrives, she seizes it, accompanying her Kurdish boyfriend, Delan, to northern Iraq for a family wedding, hoping to capture an image that lands her a job in the photo department. More important, though, the trip is a chance to understand Delan’s childhood and bridge the differences of their pasts. Yet when the return home proves less safe than Delan believed, Olivia is confronted with a reality she had not expected, and is awakened to the dangers of a town patrolled by Iraqi military under curfew and constant threat.
But in this world torn apart by war, there are intoxicating sights and scents, Delan’s loving family, innocence not yet compromised, and small acts of kindness that flourish unexpectedly. All of it will be tested when Olivia captures a shattering, tragic moment on film, one that upends all their lives and proves that true bravery begins with an open heart.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2021
5419 people are currently reading
13616 people want to read
About the author
Gian Sardar
8 books237 followersI'm the author of the upcoming novel LAND OF DREAMS, as well as the novels WHEN THE WORLD GOES QUIET, TAKE WHAT YOU CAN CARRY and YOU WERE HERE. In addition, I co-authored the book PSYCHIC JUNKIE.
Currently I live in Los Angeles, but have also lived in Colorado and Minnesota, two states that are big in my heart. I'm obsessed with reading, gardening, football, baking, and any form of procrastination.
If you have any questions, I'd love to answer them. :)
Currently I live in Los Angeles, but have also lived in Colorado and Minnesota, two states that are big in my heart. I'm obsessed with reading, gardening, football, baking, and any form of procrastination.
If you have any questions, I'd love to answer them. :)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,014 reviews
April 9, 2021
I can't recall the last time I read a book this engaging or beautifully written. The story is gripping; I was involved with the characters from the beginning, my heart pounded with them. The writing itself is exquisite- my review won't do it justice- just read the book.
April 8, 2021
I really wanted to love this book. The premise attracted me. I enjoyed learning about a culture I knew nothing about. I can't even begin to imagine the heartbreak and pain from living in a war torn area. I loved the characters. I did not enjoy the tedious and endless descriptions of every last scene. It felt like the author took a creative writing class and tried to fit every creative writing technique she learned into each chapter. Sometimes just saying a thing is fine. There were scenes that I read and left wondering what just happened. I re-read a few and still didn't figure it out. I'm not attracted to that style. Just say what happened.
April 9, 2021
I just finished Take What You Can Carry by Gian Sadar. What an amazing book....love for one’s family during the most horrific times, an unrelenting spirit of hope and optimism when there is much tragedy and sadness in the lives of the people who live in a country where they experience endless fear and terror, yet exhibit generosity and kindness to strangers as well as family, friends and neighbors. So powerful and beautifully written.
April 22, 2021
Truly a beautiful story
This was one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. I will carry the story with me for a long time, and will recommend it to others forever. Until this book, I had listened to countless NPR segments about war, unrest, and injustices against the Kurds but never really registered what any of that meant on a personal, human level. This book helped me to understand the lives of the Kurdish people, and to deeply think about my privilege as an American.
While the story focuses on aspiring photojournalist Olivia and how her own privilege frames decisions she makes when she chooses to accompany her Kurdish immigrant boyfriend home for a family wedding, there so much more to be absorbed from this book.
The themes of the hopelessness and hopefulness of the Kurdish people are palpable, and despite the acute oppression and loss, hopefulness prevails.
This was one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. I will carry the story with me for a long time, and will recommend it to others forever. Until this book, I had listened to countless NPR segments about war, unrest, and injustices against the Kurds but never really registered what any of that meant on a personal, human level. This book helped me to understand the lives of the Kurdish people, and to deeply think about my privilege as an American.
While the story focuses on aspiring photojournalist Olivia and how her own privilege frames decisions she makes when she chooses to accompany her Kurdish immigrant boyfriend home for a family wedding, there so much more to be absorbed from this book.
The themes of the hopelessness and hopefulness of the Kurdish people are palpable, and despite the acute oppression and loss, hopefulness prevails.
May 17, 2021
This is the first ever fictional story I've read that talks of Kurdish struggles. I had requested the ARC simply by virtue of the plot summary and to a certain extent, this book delivers.
Plot summary:
Olivia, an American and an aspiring photojournalist, decides to accompany her Kurdish boyfriend Delan to his village in northern Iraq for a family wedding. While they both are aware of the dangers there, nothing can prepare them for the actual state of affairs and the visit upturns their lives forever.
Where the book clicked with me:
1. The story is set in 1979 and though fictional, relies on some family memories of the author's Kurdish relatives. As such, there is a sense of authenticity to the narrative and you can't help but wonder how terrifying it must be to live your routine life without knowing whether it is your last day on earth. In terms of revealing the harrowing truth of the daily struggles, and in creating an awareness of the problems faced by the largest ethnicity in the world not to have its own nation, "Take What You Can Carry" fulfills its role adequately.
2. One question that the book raises time and again is about the ethical dilemma faced by photojournalists. Where can they draw the line between art and invasion of privacy? That factor is handled extremely well in the book.
3. The ending is also a redeeming factor and provides hope and closure to the reader.
Where the book could have been better:
1. Unnecessarily complicating the writing style:
Remember all those old riddles about a snail who climbs up three feet during the day and falls back one foot at night? I felt like that snail for the first half of this book. The writing is so heavily embellished with descriptions and thoughts and allusions that you simply can't read it smoothly. The point of the content vanishes under layers of verbal padding. The writing is in third person from Olivia's point of view, and her narrative moves from present to past to present to past to present.... The frequent jumps in the timeline create even more hurdles to the reading flow. The second half is much better in comparison, especially as the focus stays more on action than intellection.
2. Providing a meagre background about the conflict.
Two things made me complete this book: I wanted to know more about the Kurds, and I didn't want to DNF an ARC. At the end of the book though, I am left with more questions than answers as this book doesn't give much background about the struggle but jumps into it headlong. For instance, the "peshmerga" are mentioned multiple times along with what they do but I had to Google the meaning to find out who they actually are. Incomplete tidbits of facts don't help an outsider in comprehending the gravity of the problem.
I am not aware of many other fictional books based on the Kurdish struggles except for Daughters of Smoke and Fire by Ava Homa and I Stared at the Night of the City by Bakhtiyar Ali. I want to give a try to these books and see if they handle the topic better.
3. Focusing so much on the writing that it loses the plot.
In literary fiction, using descriptive phrases, fanciful writing, random time leaps, et all are justified and necessary because they add to the "literary" beauty of the book. But when you have a book that seeks to educate through fiction, that aims to create an awareness about the past, that means to shock you at the extent of human heinousness, then all such literary devices take away from the impact of the narrative. The writing distracts you from the key content and reduces its emotional force, which is a sad waste for such a stunner of a story.
There are shades of The Kite Runner in this book, but Khaled Hosseini kept his narrative so straightforward that one could concentrate on the plot without being distracted by its writing. This book would have made a much greater impact if it had followed a similar style.
One more thing is that the book is marked as Women's Fiction on NetGalley. It would have worked better if categorised as Historical Fiction. Women’s Fiction conjures up quite different expectations in the mind of the reader.
Overall, I do not regret reading this book as it did benefit me in my awareness about the Kurds. But I hoped to have a better reading experience. If you aren't as fussy as me about the brain-numbing writing style (and I'm sure most of you aren't; I’m really very stringent at times…), do give this book a try for the intent behind the content.
For the content: 4.25 stars
For the writing style: 2 stars
Final rating: 3 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Plot summary:
Olivia, an American and an aspiring photojournalist, decides to accompany her Kurdish boyfriend Delan to his village in northern Iraq for a family wedding. While they both are aware of the dangers there, nothing can prepare them for the actual state of affairs and the visit upturns their lives forever.
Where the book clicked with me:
1. The story is set in 1979 and though fictional, relies on some family memories of the author's Kurdish relatives. As such, there is a sense of authenticity to the narrative and you can't help but wonder how terrifying it must be to live your routine life without knowing whether it is your last day on earth. In terms of revealing the harrowing truth of the daily struggles, and in creating an awareness of the problems faced by the largest ethnicity in the world not to have its own nation, "Take What You Can Carry" fulfills its role adequately.
2. One question that the book raises time and again is about the ethical dilemma faced by photojournalists. Where can they draw the line between art and invasion of privacy? That factor is handled extremely well in the book.
3. The ending is also a redeeming factor and provides hope and closure to the reader.
Where the book could have been better:
1. Unnecessarily complicating the writing style:
Remember all those old riddles about a snail who climbs up three feet during the day and falls back one foot at night? I felt like that snail for the first half of this book. The writing is so heavily embellished with descriptions and thoughts and allusions that you simply can't read it smoothly. The point of the content vanishes under layers of verbal padding. The writing is in third person from Olivia's point of view, and her narrative moves from present to past to present to past to present.... The frequent jumps in the timeline create even more hurdles to the reading flow. The second half is much better in comparison, especially as the focus stays more on action than intellection.
2. Providing a meagre background about the conflict.
Two things made me complete this book: I wanted to know more about the Kurds, and I didn't want to DNF an ARC. At the end of the book though, I am left with more questions than answers as this book doesn't give much background about the struggle but jumps into it headlong. For instance, the "peshmerga" are mentioned multiple times along with what they do but I had to Google the meaning to find out who they actually are. Incomplete tidbits of facts don't help an outsider in comprehending the gravity of the problem.
I am not aware of many other fictional books based on the Kurdish struggles except for Daughters of Smoke and Fire by Ava Homa and I Stared at the Night of the City by Bakhtiyar Ali. I want to give a try to these books and see if they handle the topic better.
3. Focusing so much on the writing that it loses the plot.
In literary fiction, using descriptive phrases, fanciful writing, random time leaps, et all are justified and necessary because they add to the "literary" beauty of the book. But when you have a book that seeks to educate through fiction, that aims to create an awareness about the past, that means to shock you at the extent of human heinousness, then all such literary devices take away from the impact of the narrative. The writing distracts you from the key content and reduces its emotional force, which is a sad waste for such a stunner of a story.
There are shades of The Kite Runner in this book, but Khaled Hosseini kept his narrative so straightforward that one could concentrate on the plot without being distracted by its writing. This book would have made a much greater impact if it had followed a similar style.
One more thing is that the book is marked as Women's Fiction on NetGalley. It would have worked better if categorised as Historical Fiction. Women’s Fiction conjures up quite different expectations in the mind of the reader.
Overall, I do not regret reading this book as it did benefit me in my awareness about the Kurds. But I hoped to have a better reading experience. If you aren't as fussy as me about the brain-numbing writing style (and I'm sure most of you aren't; I’m really very stringent at times…), do give this book a try for the intent behind the content.
For the content: 4.25 stars
For the writing style: 2 stars
Final rating: 3 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
April 7, 2021
Wow. This book is why I love reading. While absorbed in a fiery, passionate love story I also learned the gripping political situations of the often overlooked Kurds of Iraq. Both worlds - Kurdistan and Los Angeles - were equally captivating because of the characters, even the minor ones. Set in 1979, Sardar convincingly takes the reader back to the music & styles (fun reading!) to the misogyny, prejudice and ignorance that also existed at that time in society. The characters will break your heart but also lift your spirits and give you hope for the future. Beautifully written and a fabulous read. Highly recommend.
February 26, 2024
My God, this book. I almost don't even know what to say, as nothing I say is going to do this book any amount of justice.
Some of the most beautiful writing I've experienced; the imagery painted of all the characters and all the places is exquisite. A gripping story of love in all its forms and meanings.
10 out of 5 stars.
Some of the most beautiful writing I've experienced; the imagery painted of all the characters and all the places is exquisite. A gripping story of love in all its forms and meanings.
10 out of 5 stars.
April 7, 2021
The near history of war torn 1979 Kurdistan is the setting for this story of family bonds. loss and betrayal as seen through the eyes of an American woman travelling with her boyfriend to his homeland. Sardar's lush descriptions of the landscapes & gardens, the beauty of the birds & flowers AND the sharp clarity of the destruction war brings SO adds to the telling. The main characters were fully developed making the reader become fully invested in their fates. Gives us an insight in to that world , Iraq.
May 2, 2021
There are some books that you read, you know are not true, but you want with all your heart for them to be true. Then there are books like "Take What You Can Carry". Books that you think might be true but you hope with every piece of your heart are fiction.
"Take What You Can Carry" follows the destined paths of Oliva and Delan as they traveled from California back to Delan's homeland. Oliva photographs the beauties of Kurdistan regions and it's people. She also experiences some of the differences in life between growing up in the Pacific NorthWest and Iraq.
This book made me realize I am very blessed to live in a place and time where an airplane is only ever an airplane. Blessed to live in a place with so much life and promise. This book changed my perspective on my life and the lives of people around me. I now want to capture moments as memories and stories and photos, even more so than ever. Most of all, I want this story to be shared. It has to be shared. And even though we can't change every injustice that goes on in the world around us. We might be able to make changes in the way we treat others closer to home. And that's a start.
The question I ask myself is, would I read this book again? The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, I am going to buy it on audible, because I want to hear proper pronunciations of the parts, not in English. And I want to hear how the stories are told.
"Take What You Can Carry" follows the destined paths of Oliva and Delan as they traveled from California back to Delan's homeland. Oliva photographs the beauties of Kurdistan regions and it's people. She also experiences some of the differences in life between growing up in the Pacific NorthWest and Iraq.
This book made me realize I am very blessed to live in a place and time where an airplane is only ever an airplane. Blessed to live in a place with so much life and promise. This book changed my perspective on my life and the lives of people around me. I now want to capture moments as memories and stories and photos, even more so than ever. Most of all, I want this story to be shared. It has to be shared. And even though we can't change every injustice that goes on in the world around us. We might be able to make changes in the way we treat others closer to home. And that's a start.
The question I ask myself is, would I read this book again? The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, I am going to buy it on audible, because I want to hear proper pronunciations of the parts, not in English. And I want to hear how the stories are told.
April 6, 2021
Read this Book!
I chose to read this book because I wanted to know more about the Kurds. And what I learned is that fear, anger, love, loyalty, grief, all the extreme points of emotion are universal. Humanity can override political division. And I got a glimpse into how when savagery is at your doorstep, every breath, every blink, can telegraph a message that determines the outcome. This is a wonderful, powerful book — read it.
I chose to read this book because I wanted to know more about the Kurds. And what I learned is that fear, anger, love, loyalty, grief, all the extreme points of emotion are universal. Humanity can override political division. And I got a glimpse into how when savagery is at your doorstep, every breath, every blink, can telegraph a message that determines the outcome. This is a wonderful, powerful book — read it.
December 31, 2021
1 star - I couldn't finish it
This was the book that with 1 day left to go would bring me to 60 books read for the year and this book is just so poorly written and the main character is just so st*pid that I simply don't care to finish it. So I'll be at 59 books read - a sight better than finishing this drivel.
The main character ruined this book for me. She's a tall white redheaded woman in Iraq that evidently had never heard of a "bride-price", was surprised when people could tell that she was American or that she stood out and after an explosion wanted to stop to help an Iraqi victim find someone named "allah". I get that people grow up in different ways and with different experiences but to be a complete ignoramus was just too much. It was like the author made the main character purposely obtuse just to try and highlight cultural differences. Was not on for me, nope.
The main character was also tremendously full of herself which irritated me - I guess because it's not that far off. American girl goes to war torn country and then centers herself. Just before an explosion in the book the main character was looking at a family in a restaurant - mother, father and two kids. After the explosion the main character is recalling that family and wondering what happened to them, if they were ok - and goes on to realize that while she was quite taken with one of the little boys she didn't really pay much notice to the other. As she's recalling the family she realizes she doesn't even recall the color of shirt the second boy was wearing and her thought is, "The thought of a boy, a child whose life was about to end, not even being noticed...". Um, American lady? Just because YOU did not notice the specifics of this kid doesn't mean that he wasn't noticed within his life. Just because YOUR eyes did not fall on him does not make him a tragic inconsequence to the world.
This book obviously irritated the shyte out of me and I only got to 43%. So....off I go to see if I can read another entire book before midnight tomorrow.
This was the book that with 1 day left to go would bring me to 60 books read for the year and this book is just so poorly written and the main character is just so st*pid that I simply don't care to finish it. So I'll be at 59 books read - a sight better than finishing this drivel.
The main character ruined this book for me. She's a tall white redheaded woman in Iraq that evidently had never heard of a "bride-price", was surprised when people could tell that she was American or that she stood out and after an explosion wanted to stop to help an Iraqi victim find someone named "allah". I get that people grow up in different ways and with different experiences but to be a complete ignoramus was just too much. It was like the author made the main character purposely obtuse just to try and highlight cultural differences. Was not on for me, nope.
The main character was also tremendously full of herself which irritated me - I guess because it's not that far off. American girl goes to war torn country and then centers herself. Just before an explosion in the book the main character was looking at a family in a restaurant - mother, father and two kids. After the explosion the main character is recalling that family and wondering what happened to them, if they were ok - and goes on to realize that while she was quite taken with one of the little boys she didn't really pay much notice to the other. As she's recalling the family she realizes she doesn't even recall the color of shirt the second boy was wearing and her thought is, "The thought of a boy, a child whose life was about to end, not even being noticed...". Um, American lady? Just because YOU did not notice the specifics of this kid doesn't mean that he wasn't noticed within his life. Just because YOUR eyes did not fall on him does not make him a tragic inconsequence to the world.
This book obviously irritated the shyte out of me and I only got to 43%. So....off I go to see if I can read another entire book before midnight tomorrow.
April 12, 2021
This was my choice from Amazon Prime monthly free read, a benefit I have yet to enjoy. I based my choice on wanting to learn more about Kurds. I will be better off with Wickepedia.
I cannot continue reading this contemporary romance as I have zero interest in that side of things, nor do I find this set of morals used by author for heroine acceptable or appealing or of any interest.
There are too many good books waiting for me, so again...no thanks to Amazon.
I cannot continue reading this contemporary romance as I have zero interest in that side of things, nor do I find this set of morals used by author for heroine acceptable or appealing or of any interest.
There are too many good books waiting for me, so again...no thanks to Amazon.
April 10, 2021
This book was spellbinding and heartbreaking. Exceptionally well written, this book tackles many challenges - gender, race, love, family, genocide, violence and ptsd. Most prominently the author invokes so many senses throughout the book that make you really feel like you are there. I could picture the hot desert of Southern Iraq and the peaceful, green garden in Kurdistan.
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
April 12, 2021
Best novel I have read in years
No holds barred, this novel is so rich and full of history that I barely are or slept until I finished devouring it. Thank you for sharing the history and kindness of a nation of people under siege.
No holds barred, this novel is so rich and full of history that I barely are or slept until I finished devouring it. Thank you for sharing the history and kindness of a nation of people under siege.
April 7, 2021
If there were 10 stars, I'd choose that.
April 12, 2021
Partway through this novel, I'm reading about the two protagonists flying to Iraq but are diverted to Geneva. Then suddenly they're in Iraq. What happened here, did my Kindle have a meltdown? Am I this disinterested in the story that I can't remember reading about them flying to Iraq? Once in Iraq a concern about safety is raised. Hasn't Iraq always been unsafe? Wouldn't you take that into consideration before flying there? I'm not sure about back in the days of the monarchy, but since the ba'athists took over in the '60s there has been little rule of law, it's basically whatever the military and secret police wants to do with you. The book is set in the '70s and I didn't see any author's note detailing why this particular time period was chosen. This book, in my opinion, is poorly edited/written with syntactical gaffes such as dangling participles within LONG sentences, sentences ending in prepositions, and just confusing sentence structures. While okay in dialogue or first person narrative, it's not okay for third person narrative. And the dialogue itself is sterile, akin to narration with quotes. Blah!
April 9, 2021
This story of an American woman who travels with her Kurdish partner to his homeland to attend a family wedding is painfully visceral. A photographer, she takes what she knows are poignant shots but she also misses other shots as she escapes dangerous incidents, and becomes immersed in observing and experiencing the daily fears and suffering of the family members she lives with on this eye-opening visit to a country beset by sectarian violence. She spends much time musing over her relationship with the man she loves and questioning their ability to remain committed given their significant cultural differences.
April 3, 2021
An Amazing,Beautiful Story
I highly recommend this novel as it is a powerful love story, full of tension and danger. Most people don’t know about the troubles of the Kurdish people but by reading books like this they will get an understanding of what is and has been happening in that part of the world. Book clubs should consider this well written book to discuss and ponder.
I highly recommend this novel as it is a powerful love story, full of tension and danger. Most people don’t know about the troubles of the Kurdish people but by reading books like this they will get an understanding of what is and has been happening in that part of the world. Book clubs should consider this well written book to discuss and ponder.
September 20, 2024
Hey, I liked this book! :)
April 10, 2021
A book that captures all of your senses
This book captured me from the beginning... the sights, the smells, the tastes all beautifully woven into the story. It is a story of love, truth, beauty, betrayel, and acceptance of what is real, and it is mesmerizing.
This book captured me from the beginning... the sights, the smells, the tastes all beautifully woven into the story. It is a story of love, truth, beauty, betrayel, and acceptance of what is real, and it is mesmerizing.
December 8, 2021
When I began this novel, what struck me right away was how little I knew about 1979 Kurdistan. I wonder if I even knew Kurdistan was a place or the Kurds a people back then. I imagine my mind would have still been focused on Southeast Asia and the sorrow of coming out of the Vietnam War.
Gian Sardar draws on her own intimate knowledge of the place and the people in writing this novel, which follows the trip of an American girl, who is a photographer, on a visit to the country with her Kurdish boyfriend, ostensibly to attend a family wedding. It is a frightful place to be at this time, and the fright I felt for her and for this family was quite real. You could tell the story was grounded in actual experiences and memories, some of them Gian’s own, and some those of her own Kurdish father and her American mother.
It isn’t a perfect novel. At times it is too slow, and at other times too repetitive in its efforts to impress upon us the danger that is around every corner. There were moments in the book that didn’t feel quite real, or maybe the right word would be genuine. Most of those had to do with the romantic angle. I am not a fan of romance novels, however, so this might have worked perfectly for someone who is. What did work marvelously was Sardar’s connection to the area itself. The descriptions of the terrain and the culture were beautifully written and often fascinating. The Kurdish characters felt very real to me, as did the fear and the sense of foreboding that were present from the moment the couple landed on Iraqi soil. I have one other objection, but it would be impossible to account for it here without a spoiler, and I try very hard never to ruin a book for any future reader, so I will just count that one silently.
The point in selecting this novel was to read something outside my normal reading preferences. This was a different culture, a different genre and a different time period than I usually choose, so it filled the bill. It was a perfectly satisfactory read, and earns a 3.5 star rating, which I rounded down.
Gian Sardar draws on her own intimate knowledge of the place and the people in writing this novel, which follows the trip of an American girl, who is a photographer, on a visit to the country with her Kurdish boyfriend, ostensibly to attend a family wedding. It is a frightful place to be at this time, and the fright I felt for her and for this family was quite real. You could tell the story was grounded in actual experiences and memories, some of them Gian’s own, and some those of her own Kurdish father and her American mother.
It isn’t a perfect novel. At times it is too slow, and at other times too repetitive in its efforts to impress upon us the danger that is around every corner. There were moments in the book that didn’t feel quite real, or maybe the right word would be genuine. Most of those had to do with the romantic angle. I am not a fan of romance novels, however, so this might have worked perfectly for someone who is. What did work marvelously was Sardar’s connection to the area itself. The descriptions of the terrain and the culture were beautifully written and often fascinating. The Kurdish characters felt very real to me, as did the fear and the sense of foreboding that were present from the moment the couple landed on Iraqi soil. I have one other objection, but it would be impossible to account for it here without a spoiler, and I try very hard never to ruin a book for any future reader, so I will just count that one silently.
The point in selecting this novel was to read something outside my normal reading preferences. This was a different culture, a different genre and a different time period than I usually choose, so it filled the bill. It was a perfectly satisfactory read, and earns a 3.5 star rating, which I rounded down.
April 9, 2021
This book follows an American woman, Olivia, and her Kurdish boyfriend, Delan, who live in Los Angeles in 1979. The couple really love each other, but also have a lot of issues due to their different cultures and histories.
When Delan invites Olivia to a family wedding in Iraq, they both become embroiled in danger due to the political conflict between the Kurds and Arabs in the country. When tragedy strikes, each of them needs to decide if their differences are too great, or if they can bridge them together.
This is a powerful and moving story which provides the reader with a glimpse of both the beauty and treachery of Kurdistan at the time. The author also uses rich imagery throughout the book which makes the reader really feel everything that is happening.
This was my Kindle First Reads Choice for this month and it was a great pick. It did start out slow but was well worth reading.
The novel was inspired by true events from the author’s own life and family stories.
When Delan invites Olivia to a family wedding in Iraq, they both become embroiled in danger due to the political conflict between the Kurds and Arabs in the country. When tragedy strikes, each of them needs to decide if their differences are too great, or if they can bridge them together.
This is a powerful and moving story which provides the reader with a glimpse of both the beauty and treachery of Kurdistan at the time. The author also uses rich imagery throughout the book which makes the reader really feel everything that is happening.
This was my Kindle First Reads Choice for this month and it was a great pick. It did start out slow but was well worth reading.
The novel was inspired by true events from the author’s own life and family stories.
April 17, 2021
The concept of this book is fantastic but I stopped at page 70 bc the editing is just bad. If you are watching a movie and too many moments of glitches in continuity, you might just get frustrated. That’s how I felt with this book. I couldn’t avoid the errors enough to just enjoy the words.
April 13, 2021
This was a great read for a rainy weekend. I couldn't put it down. A wonderful love story and a tragedy wrapped up in a partial history of the Kurds. One of the best things about this novel is being able to immerse yourself in a culture that few of us know nothing about. So well written - I'll be reading this author again.
May 2, 2021
This is a must-read for anybody interested in the Kurds. Set in 1979, it gives a wonderful background for understanding what life was like for Kurds under the Baathist regime, and why they are so determined to gain their independence.
The plot follows an American woman who goes to Kurdish Iraq with her boyfriend, and experiences both the joys and violence of Kurdish life at the time. Part of the novel is a love story, which I found detracts a bit from the cultural part of the book. The cultural part, however, is excellent. Sardar totally captures the feelings and observations of a guest to Kurdistan -- the overpowering nature of the scenery, the generosity of the people, the weight of the history. I felt like the book could have been trimmed by about 15% and still maintain its power and integrity.
The author gets so many details right. The klash homemade shoes. The kanger vegetable that women pick from the meadows. The mesmerizing beat of Kurdish dancing. Here's an especially lovely passage:
"With all the life she's lived, it amazes her how scent can still be discovered, and how despite all she's seen since arriving here, the mosques and bombed ruins of homes, it's smell that separates the place from anything she's known."
And another: "Splotches of grass give off an aura, a feeling from the mountains. Ancient. Wise. The whole land feels old and tested and solemn." Oh yes.
The violent scenes are very disturbing. Some of the foreshadowing is a tad obvious. However, this is a brilliant book, and I salute the author for her accomplishment.
The plot follows an American woman who goes to Kurdish Iraq with her boyfriend, and experiences both the joys and violence of Kurdish life at the time. Part of the novel is a love story, which I found detracts a bit from the cultural part of the book. The cultural part, however, is excellent. Sardar totally captures the feelings and observations of a guest to Kurdistan -- the overpowering nature of the scenery, the generosity of the people, the weight of the history. I felt like the book could have been trimmed by about 15% and still maintain its power and integrity.
The author gets so many details right. The klash homemade shoes. The kanger vegetable that women pick from the meadows. The mesmerizing beat of Kurdish dancing. Here's an especially lovely passage:
"With all the life she's lived, it amazes her how scent can still be discovered, and how despite all she's seen since arriving here, the mosques and bombed ruins of homes, it's smell that separates the place from anything she's known."
And another: "Splotches of grass give off an aura, a feeling from the mountains. Ancient. Wise. The whole land feels old and tested and solemn." Oh yes.
The violent scenes are very disturbing. Some of the foreshadowing is a tad obvious. However, this is a brilliant book, and I salute the author for her accomplishment.
April 10, 2021
Now I can breathe...
I couldn't just sit down and read this well crafted story through- I had to take breaks, step away, resume breathing. I wanted to have hope, when there was simply dread. I was with Liv in every life threatening situation. I found myself holding my breath, then reminding myself, it's 'just a story'.
I couldn't just sit down and read this well crafted story through- I had to take breaks, step away, resume breathing. I wanted to have hope, when there was simply dread. I was with Liv in every life threatening situation. I found myself holding my breath, then reminding myself, it's 'just a story'.
April 26, 2021
So much earnest, conversation and so little action. In fact, any action events are slipped in as distracting details, while the focus is on what the main characters and everyone else thinks about the actions. Frankly I got a little tired of the characters trying so hard to be understood. They were so mired in meaning, that they could not move.
April 25, 2021
Excellent!
The complicated emotions I had while reading the book amazed me. Vaciilating between outrage and profound sorrow and then hope. She writes with her
heart and you not only see, you feel.
The complicated emotions I had while reading the book amazed me. Vaciilating between outrage and profound sorrow and then hope. She writes with her
heart and you not only see, you feel.
March 12, 2022
The setting is 1979 in Iraq. Olivia travels to Iraq with her Kurdish boyfriend to visit his family only to find a hostile government in charge. Everything from being out, to being in, to family spies, to family friends, and so on, was a treacherous undertaking. Always on the lookout. Always having an escape route.
I liked the cultural peek into the Kurdish family life. I also liked the MC and her beau. The message toward the end was also satisfying. My only issue was that at times the writing felt excessively wordy with the kinds of descriptions that were vacant when it came to impact. (Especially in the beginning during the set up.)
However, with that being said, there were also some great descriptive strokes sprinkled throughout that were well crafted and those brought meat to the table. Overall, I enjoyed this one...so 4 stars.
I liked the cultural peek into the Kurdish family life. I also liked the MC and her beau. The message toward the end was also satisfying. My only issue was that at times the writing felt excessively wordy with the kinds of descriptions that were vacant when it came to impact. (Especially in the beginning during the set up.)
However, with that being said, there were also some great descriptive strokes sprinkled throughout that were well crafted and those brought meat to the table. Overall, I enjoyed this one...so 4 stars.
April 24, 2021
Set in distant, war-torn Kurdistan (late spring 1979), the relationship between an American photographer and her Kurdish boyfriend’s family deals with questions posed early in the book: “Is it possible to truly know someone if you cannot comprehend that which made them who they are? Can one truly love another without that understanding?” (p. 8). The protagonist’s quest to answer those questions also leads to a deeper understanding of herself and the role of photographers who capture global injustices on film. The writing is lively, engaging, and powerful, a rare treat in the literary world.
As Olivia and her boyfriend struggle to reconcile their differences (she is a privileged American; he is a Kurd from an oppressed area), the reader gains insights into how groups and nations might reconcile. Still, there’s no hiding from the danger and injustice: “They cannot stop this from happening again, and no law will make a difference because it was the government—the supposed source of protection for the people—that committed the atrocities” (p. 228). Hope for a better world does not rely on government but on a confluence of individuals without a leader to fly together to find the right direction (“A confluence. Something underestimated that’s found its power” - p. 320).
At first, Olivia goes to Iraq in large part to do photography and gain recognition for herself. She learns, however, that photos from a war zone are not about getting personal acclaim but about doing good with photographs. The author gives us the background of this war-ravaged area and its people in about two pages. The reader who wants to know more can research the 1975 Congressional Pike Committee report on CIA activities.
The confluence of thousands of words in this novel, like the thousands of birds the author describes coming together to fly as one, moved me to silence at the end of the book. It’s rare magic when a novel leaves me quietly knowing that I just witnessed something incredible.
Diana Wolfson
Goodreads Author: The Addict’s Web
Facebook
As Olivia and her boyfriend struggle to reconcile their differences (she is a privileged American; he is a Kurd from an oppressed area), the reader gains insights into how groups and nations might reconcile. Still, there’s no hiding from the danger and injustice: “They cannot stop this from happening again, and no law will make a difference because it was the government—the supposed source of protection for the people—that committed the atrocities” (p. 228). Hope for a better world does not rely on government but on a confluence of individuals without a leader to fly together to find the right direction (“A confluence. Something underestimated that’s found its power” - p. 320).
At first, Olivia goes to Iraq in large part to do photography and gain recognition for herself. She learns, however, that photos from a war zone are not about getting personal acclaim but about doing good with photographs. The author gives us the background of this war-ravaged area and its people in about two pages. The reader who wants to know more can research the 1975 Congressional Pike Committee report on CIA activities.
The confluence of thousands of words in this novel, like the thousands of birds the author describes coming together to fly as one, moved me to silence at the end of the book. It’s rare magic when a novel leaves me quietly knowing that I just witnessed something incredible.
Diana Wolfson
Goodreads Author: The Addict’s Web
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,014 reviews