3.5-stars, actually.

Interesting book. There is a preface that states even though Geda wrote this story for Akbari - from listening to his story - the book "must be considered to be a work of fiction, since it is the recreation of Enaiatollah's experience - a recreation that has allowed him to take possession of his own story."

The tone is so matter-of-fact. I think this serves to downplay the times of danger Akbari faced but it also serves to emphasize Akbari's ability to survive and thrive. It is noted a few times during the story that the Akbari feels the people and places don't matter. What matters is what happened.

Geda has done well to bring Akbari's story to the world.