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Amity
Amity provides a window to the wreckage caused by war and conflict that leave behind destruction, displacement, pain and struggle resulting in life-long and irreparable psychological disorders. It is a story about the lives of various people who are dealing with the devastation of war and conflict, here specifically within the contexts of Yugoslavia’s dissolution and Iran’s revolution. Payvand, an Iranian refugee and activist, still plagued with nightmares, meets a Ragusa, a Yugoslavian refugee whose pockets are loaded with stones ready to walk into the water and end a life that feels intolerable since the loss of those most dear to her. The two women form an incredibly strong bond as Payvand listens to Ragusa’s story and Ragusa decides to stay alive long enough to hear Payvand’s story, told to her over several days. It is the warmth of friendship that is key to what happiness can be found by these characters in a world that is seemingly incapable of learning from its past mistakes.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2015
35 people want to read
About the author
Nasreen Pejvack
6 books15 followersNasreen Pejvack began writing as a Canadian author in 2014. Her debut novel “Amity” was published by Inanna Publications in October of 2015 and was a finalist for British Columbia’s 2016 Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize.
Following that successful novel, she went on to complete “Paradise of the Downcasts,” a collection of short tales and essays inspired by her experiences of life in Canada.
She also has a collection of poems entitled “Waiting,” and both books were published/printed by McNally Robinson in 2018. In Nasreen’s stories, her characters give expression to her life’s learning and experiences in order to relate narratives relevant to the concerns of our time.
“Luyten’s Star”, is a sci-fi novel published in the January 2020. The story is a portrayal of a planet that is far ahead of us in technology and science, above all in altruistic behaviour. The dream many of us have of a kinder, gentler life .
"A Call to Unite," a book of essays, is Nasreen's new publication: April 2025. What kind of world are we leaving to our children? Will it be the same spectacle of continuous war-mongering, slavery and exploitation that has been the main features of history to this point? Will we survive the climate crisis that is upon us now?
Nasreen’s other interest is the research, design, development and presentation of a variety of Workshops on various aspects of our society.
Nasreen was also a judge for the 2018 BC Fiction Prize, as well as President of Royal City Literary Arts Society, May 2016 – July 2018.
Prior to writing, Nasreen studied computer programming at Algonquin College in Ottawa, and worked in the field for over eight years (Programmer, Application Developer). She then moved to California to work as a Systems Analyst/Project Manager for CNet during the tech boom of the 1990s.
After several years she returned to Canada and BC, where she left the IT field and decided to start a new chapter in her life, studying and working while pursuing a degree in Psychology. Thereafter she employed her years of learning and observation with two separate educational institutions over a span of 12 years.
Since 2014 she has dedicated her time to writing; applying her life learning and experiences in developing vibrant characters and stories in novels, short tales and poems.
Nasreen’s Website:
http://examine-consider-act.ca/
My YouTube Channel:
www.youtube.com/@Examine-Consider-Act
My TikTok:
Examine Consider Act (@user3467243184348) | tiktok.com
Following that successful novel, she went on to complete “Paradise of the Downcasts,” a collection of short tales and essays inspired by her experiences of life in Canada.
She also has a collection of poems entitled “Waiting,” and both books were published/printed by McNally Robinson in 2018. In Nasreen’s stories, her characters give expression to her life’s learning and experiences in order to relate narratives relevant to the concerns of our time.
“Luyten’s Star”, is a sci-fi novel published in the January 2020. The story is a portrayal of a planet that is far ahead of us in technology and science, above all in altruistic behaviour. The dream many of us have of a kinder, gentler life .
"A Call to Unite," a book of essays, is Nasreen's new publication: April 2025. What kind of world are we leaving to our children? Will it be the same spectacle of continuous war-mongering, slavery and exploitation that has been the main features of history to this point? Will we survive the climate crisis that is upon us now?
Nasreen’s other interest is the research, design, development and presentation of a variety of Workshops on various aspects of our society.
Nasreen was also a judge for the 2018 BC Fiction Prize, as well as President of Royal City Literary Arts Society, May 2016 – July 2018.
Prior to writing, Nasreen studied computer programming at Algonquin College in Ottawa, and worked in the field for over eight years (Programmer, Application Developer). She then moved to California to work as a Systems Analyst/Project Manager for CNet during the tech boom of the 1990s.
After several years she returned to Canada and BC, where she left the IT field and decided to start a new chapter in her life, studying and working while pursuing a degree in Psychology. Thereafter she employed her years of learning and observation with two separate educational institutions over a span of 12 years.
Since 2014 she has dedicated her time to writing; applying her life learning and experiences in developing vibrant characters and stories in novels, short tales and poems.
Nasreen’s Website:
http://examine-consider-act.ca/
My YouTube Channel:
www.youtube.com/@Examine-Consider-Act
My TikTok:
Examine Consider Act (@user3467243184348) | tiktok.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 25, 2016
To the people of our only home, Earth; to those devoted, dedicated and selfless ones who gave their lives for humanity, and continue to do so; to those who inspired me with their gentle love, self-sacrifice and altruistic living; and to those who gave me reasons to love life.
Again, I must acknowledge those who use, manipulate, injure, and take advantage of any given situation to satisfy their greed at the expense of this earth and its people; this book would be unnecessary without you. With my whole being I dedicate this book to the world’s political prisoners and the victims of wars and conflicts.
To all who care to keep our only home safe for everyone.
Nasreen
Again, I must acknowledge those who use, manipulate, injure, and take advantage of any given situation to satisfy their greed at the expense of this earth and its people; this book would be unnecessary without you. With my whole being I dedicate this book to the world’s political prisoners and the victims of wars and conflicts.
To all who care to keep our only home safe for everyone.
Nasreen
January 7, 2016
A part from being a beautifully written and heart-wrenching novel, this is an important book, a timely book that needs to be read and, read now. It speaks powerfully to the devastating anguish of families ripped apart by war and conflicts, of loved ones tortured and killed - we hear the news, but it all happens outside of us, far away, and our empathy is unavoidably remote. The imagery in this novel is so vivid, I felt as if I were watching a movie, sitting with Payvand and Ragusa as they forged an unbreakable bond while retelling the stories of their shattered lives. When I finished the book, I felt as if they too were my friends, to be remembered and carried in my heart.
January 6, 2016
It is very important that as many people as possible are talking about the serious problems of this world. If that community grows, then others will hear those voices and join the discussion, making it grow even more. Nasreen Pejvack's book takes on that challenge of increasing the focus on solving the political and environmental dilemma's of our time. The book seems so relevant as it speaks directly to events such as the Paris Climate Change conference and the Syrian refugee crisis, and asks the reader to think about what he or she can do to put pressure on our political leaders and apparatus in a way that, like a large ocean-going freighter, slowly but surely shifts our planet's heading from a disastrous encounter with a cliff to a cautious sailing through uncharted but manageable waters.
Through a friendship between two survivors of war and revolution, we learn how devastating conflicts are to the people that suffer most - civilian non-belligerents who must endure the consequences of the failures of political elites.
We should all take inspiration from "Amity" and its message. Have a look.
Through a friendship between two survivors of war and revolution, we learn how devastating conflicts are to the people that suffer most - civilian non-belligerents who must endure the consequences of the failures of political elites.
We should all take inspiration from "Amity" and its message. Have a look.
January 6, 2016
Amity is epic, life-it-self; affected me deeply. Reading through the chapters made me laugh and cry, made me feel angry and outraged, yet at the same time brought smiles of joy and respect. It made me feel that it is our responsibility to be part of the changes they were talking about; and I wish to have the friendship that the author has developed between the two women… I wish I had the kind of support that the author Ms. Pejvack has depicted. It was a great book, and I recommend it.
May 2, 2017
It is very inspiring to be in the presence of someone with a keen sense of social justice, and people who actually act on their empathy and humanity, especially knowing that much of what Nasreen has written is her own truth. The horrors of life in Yugoslavia and Iran under the various regime changes are compellingly described, as are the people on the ground dedicated to education and helping others even as their own lives are ripped apart.
It is an interesting structure; that all of these stories are told by two survivors, now living lives of relative peace/comfort in Canada. But with the legacy of their experiences/PTSD nipping at the heels of their new life, we see one who uses her pain as a driver and another who learns to do so only after she has wrestled with the idea of suicide. The philosophical questions entertained about global conflict and peace, and the responsibilities of citizens and leaders are important, and so clearly underlie the author's lifelong body of work.
The stories of Ragusa, Payvand, Shabnam, Behrouz, Omid, Kaveh, Minoo and the rest of them will stay with me for a long time. I was surprised by how strongly their characters resonated for me by the end of the book, given how their stories were indirectly told.
In truth, this is not normally the type of fiction I read, but I know its importance. Fiction moves only when it is telling the truth about things, whether it is smaller or larger truths, and you have told some dark and unavoidable truths about humanity and our world.
It is an interesting structure; that all of these stories are told by two survivors, now living lives of relative peace/comfort in Canada. But with the legacy of their experiences/PTSD nipping at the heels of their new life, we see one who uses her pain as a driver and another who learns to do so only after she has wrestled with the idea of suicide. The philosophical questions entertained about global conflict and peace, and the responsibilities of citizens and leaders are important, and so clearly underlie the author's lifelong body of work.
The stories of Ragusa, Payvand, Shabnam, Behrouz, Omid, Kaveh, Minoo and the rest of them will stay with me for a long time. I was surprised by how strongly their characters resonated for me by the end of the book, given how their stories were indirectly told.
In truth, this is not normally the type of fiction I read, but I know its importance. Fiction moves only when it is telling the truth about things, whether it is smaller or larger truths, and you have told some dark and unavoidable truths about humanity and our world.
March 15, 2016
Aside from being a powerful story with many thoughtful messages against war and aggression, as well as containing great debates and challenges against warmongers, Amity is the story of love and devotion, selflessness and sacrifice, trust and harmony among a group of devoted activists who wanted a better world for their people and their country. I love how the meaning of the title "Amity" depicts the whole story of this book.... strongly recommend it!! I am pleased that the judges of the BC Book Prize agree with me and have nominated Amity for the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize.
January 13, 2016
Amity by Nasreen Pejvack, published by Inanna, is a novel for present times. Both women have found safety in Canada but their memories of Iran and Yugoslavia continue to replay. Newly met, they tell each other their stories of living through revolution while losing loved ones. What can be salvaged? Is life worth living? I felt as if I were listening to the women's conversations and came to care for the characters described.
October 10, 2016
I couldn't put this book down. From someone who grew up in a safe country this book provides an insight into the horrors of what war can do. An eye opening experience and one so beautifully written.
January 18, 2016
Within its first paragraph, Amity captures the reader. The wild wooded shore setting is peaceful, but there’s a subtext of disquiet. A main character sets out on an early morning walk after a troubled night. She uses the woods as therapy against the images that haunt her dreams. In the midst of her soothing stroll, she finds someone else—someone who is also using the wilderness to deal with her troubles, but in a different way. There, with Canada’s west coast as background, these two characters set out together to heal in a different way: telling each other their stories.
The literary technique of storytelling to advance the plot kept me interested the whole way through…especially since these stories are set in world events that really happened—events that I remember, but only abstractly, as happening out there somewhere. But when I read the Amity stories, the world events become very real.
Canada is full of stories; but it’s too easy for a Canadian that was born here to forget about what’s unfolding outside her serene borders. If we aim to be a country that looks outward, there’s huge value in listening to the stories that new Canadians bring, and absorbing them into our collective heritage. Amity accomplishes this.
The literary technique of storytelling to advance the plot kept me interested the whole way through…especially since these stories are set in world events that really happened—events that I remember, but only abstractly, as happening out there somewhere. But when I read the Amity stories, the world events become very real.
Canada is full of stories; but it’s too easy for a Canadian that was born here to forget about what’s unfolding outside her serene borders. If we aim to be a country that looks outward, there’s huge value in listening to the stories that new Canadians bring, and absorbing them into our collective heritage. Amity accomplishes this.
June 28, 2016
This book examines the meaning of life in the modern era. It teaches us why we are here in the world together and how we treat each other. Some part of the world is so brutal that some of its people only look at each other through dogma, which creates conflicts and wars. They fight each other under the name of their religion, race, money or ideology, thinking that it somehow makes their world a better place to live when it is actually destroying our beautiful mind and world. Amity is the book that warns people to stop and look back to see what is wrong as Ragusa and Payvand look back and gently but firmly narrate their own stories. However, as horrible as the world appears, the people in pain find others who take care of them and love them. I believe the author, Nasreen Pajvack is trying to tell us that no matter how devastating life in this world is, we have each other and we can always give our hand to those who have suffered. And finally, the name of the book 'Amity' speaks to my heart and makes me realize that there should be no border between people and nations. I would love to share this wonderful journey I had in this book with all the people around the world....!
January 3, 2016
Amity
By Nasreen Pejvack
When we lead from our hearts we are bound to connect with others who hear our particular tune. So it is with this book, Amity, which echoes clearly to the reader the large-hearted concerns for our planet and its inhabitants offered by Ms. Pejvack.
As sometimes happens however when our hearts become involved, the scope grows. Here the scope of the book is nothing less than solving all of the problems of our current times: corrupt politicians, ignorant masses, ecological crisis, natural disasters, diseases, the list continues. This is the book’s main flaw.
What keeps the reader engaged is Ms. Pejvack’s sincerity and her ability to write with convincing physical details about the lives of those who live in war torn countries. Naming the countries Iran or Yugoslavia seems incidental, as she deftly implies, when the results on human lives are so much the same: death, trauma and more.
Ms. Pejvack also shares a clear and concise history of Iran, a country and culture too little known in the West. She cuts through extraneous detail to bring the reader the cogent main points of how this country, once a lush garden with a thriving economy has been plunged into dark ages and ecological desecration.
It is difficult in our times to continually try to embrace the enormous challenges facing all of us. Yet Ms. Pejvack does so with unstinting courage. She tries to offer some hope in spite of her obvious awareness of the depth of the problems we face. Her efforts do work and through the simple hand to hand warmth of friendship the reader takes away a sense all is not lost: we will somehow find our way. An interesting read.
By Nasreen Pejvack
When we lead from our hearts we are bound to connect with others who hear our particular tune. So it is with this book, Amity, which echoes clearly to the reader the large-hearted concerns for our planet and its inhabitants offered by Ms. Pejvack.
As sometimes happens however when our hearts become involved, the scope grows. Here the scope of the book is nothing less than solving all of the problems of our current times: corrupt politicians, ignorant masses, ecological crisis, natural disasters, diseases, the list continues. This is the book’s main flaw.
What keeps the reader engaged is Ms. Pejvack’s sincerity and her ability to write with convincing physical details about the lives of those who live in war torn countries. Naming the countries Iran or Yugoslavia seems incidental, as she deftly implies, when the results on human lives are so much the same: death, trauma and more.
Ms. Pejvack also shares a clear and concise history of Iran, a country and culture too little known in the West. She cuts through extraneous detail to bring the reader the cogent main points of how this country, once a lush garden with a thriving economy has been plunged into dark ages and ecological desecration.
It is difficult in our times to continually try to embrace the enormous challenges facing all of us. Yet Ms. Pejvack does so with unstinting courage. She tries to offer some hope in spite of her obvious awareness of the depth of the problems we face. Her efforts do work and through the simple hand to hand warmth of friendship the reader takes away a sense all is not lost: we will somehow find our way. An interesting read.
September 14, 2016
Amity is a powerful and courageous work, written with the precision and sensibility of someone who experienced very closely the barbarism of war and revolution. Nasreen has an incredible ability to thrill the readers, transporting them into the atmosphere of historic conflicts that ravaged two countries, in a very human perspective. With a shocking realistic narrative but still of great tenderness,Amity brings a universal message about the desire of all peoples for peace and building a better world for everyone. It is impossible to read it and remain indifferent.
I think people who have gone through similar situations to those described in Amity will be very sensitive when reading it; However, the book brings also good cheer for those who carries wounds in their heart due to traumatic memories. They should remember that they are not alone in their pain, and that they can get help and help others.
I think people who have gone through similar situations to those described in Amity will be very sensitive when reading it; However, the book brings also good cheer for those who carries wounds in their heart due to traumatic memories. They should remember that they are not alone in their pain, and that they can get help and help others.
September 15, 2016
Amity by Nasreen Pejvack took me back to the country of my childhood and showed me the ugly face of what happened in these dark years in the history of a country I loved. The author eloquently paints the picture of the impact of aggression and injustice on the lives of so many people who are innocently affected by it. But then, a vision is built in front of our eyes of what amity is capable of achieving, how care and service to humanity can change the lives of others and eventually pave the way for generations to enjoy peace. I think the reality behind these stories should inspire us to remember our humanity, that we cannot and should not ignore the suffering of other human beings and understand the role we have the potential to play in making a difference.
September 3, 2016
Ragusa is a woman who has known tragedy. She is about to enter the water with a pocket full of rocks when Payvand happens upon her. Slowly, Ragusa unburdens her tragic memories of loss to her new friend, who carries secrets of her own. Out of mutual understanding, the two women forge a special bond. Considering that this book deals with war and tragedy, Pejvack has made it a warm portrayal of friendship between two women.
July 4, 2018
Reading this book was a wonderful journey.
I enjoyed the discussions, story-lines and love-stories here and there very much.
Well done!
I enjoyed the discussions, story-lines and love-stories here and there very much.
Well done!
August 11, 2017
Amity is a beautifully written novel. It has a personal feeling which allows the reader to really connect to the characters and their experiences.
October 2, 2020
One must read book.
May 2, 2022
It is very inspiring to be in the presence of someone with a keen sense of social justice, and people who actually act on their empathy and humanity, especially knowing that much of what Nasreen has written is her own truth. The horrors of life in Yugoslavia and Iran under the various regime changes are compellingly described, as are the people on the ground dedicated to education and helping others even as their own lives are ripped apart.
It is an interesting structure; that all of these stories are told by two survivors, now living lives of relative peace/comfort in Canada. But with the legacy of their experiences/PTSD nipping at the heels of their new life, we see one who uses her pain as a driver and another who learns to do so only after she has wrestled with the idea of suicide. The philosophical questions entertained about global conflict and peace, and the responsibilities of citizens and leaders are important, and so clearly underlie the author's lifelong body of work.
The stories of Ragusa, Payvand, Shabnam, Behrouz, Omid, Kaveh, Minoo and the rest of them will stay with me for a long time. I was surprised by how strongly their characters resonated for me by the end of the book, given how their stories were indirectly told.
In truth, this is not normally the type of fiction I read, but I know its importance. Fiction moves only when it is telling the truth about things, whether it is smaller or larger truths, and you have told some dark and unavoidable truths about humanity and our world.
It is an interesting structure; that all of these stories are told by two survivors, now living lives of relative peace/comfort in Canada. But with the legacy of their experiences/PTSD nipping at the heels of their new life, we see one who uses her pain as a driver and another who learns to do so only after she has wrestled with the idea of suicide. The philosophical questions entertained about global conflict and peace, and the responsibilities of citizens and leaders are important, and so clearly underlie the author's lifelong body of work.
The stories of Ragusa, Payvand, Shabnam, Behrouz, Omid, Kaveh, Minoo and the rest of them will stay with me for a long time. I was surprised by how strongly their characters resonated for me by the end of the book, given how their stories were indirectly told.
In truth, this is not normally the type of fiction I read, but I know its importance. Fiction moves only when it is telling the truth about things, whether it is smaller or larger truths, and you have told some dark and unavoidable truths about humanity and our world.
May 12, 2017
I liked this book a lot for a multitude of reasons that most reviewers have already covered. Now allow me to be to be little picky. My main complaint is that a lot of the characters didn't seem to have distinct voices. Maybe it's due to the fact that Pevjack is not a native English speaker and neither is most of her characters. But this did bother me throughout the book. Another complaint that I have, which is a horrible complaint, is that at times I felt it got too preachy. I know, I know. How dare i, a privileged Westerners dare complain about being exposed too much to the atrocities going on the world? But I read for a story and not to be lectured. I could have drawn to those conclusions on my own without the monologues. I admit, the end made sense for it to close off with the different speakers but it only annoyed me when it was sprinkled throughout the book.
That being said, I found this book to be riveting. I thought about it when I was not reading it and wanted it in my hands until I finished it. The lives of these characters seemed too real to me and my heart wrenched for them. There is a lesson to be learned but I fear it will fall on deaf ears. For example, I will probably not do anything of note to aid people who are suffering. How many of us after reading this book will actually go and do something about it? Prove me wrong.
That being said, I found this book to be riveting. I thought about it when I was not reading it and wanted it in my hands until I finished it. The lives of these characters seemed too real to me and my heart wrenched for them. There is a lesson to be learned but I fear it will fall on deaf ears. For example, I will probably not do anything of note to aid people who are suffering. How many of us after reading this book will actually go and do something about it? Prove me wrong.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews