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Song of a Captive Bird
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July 2021: Other Reads > Song of a Captive Bird by Jasmin Darznik - 4.5 stars

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Joy D | 10174 comments Song of a Captive Bird by Jasmin Darznik - 4 stars - My Review

PBT Comments: This would be a great one to read if the "cultural" tag wins for August.

“I loved Tehran’s relentless sun and heavy dusks and dusty side streets. I loved sleeping on the rooftop on summer nights and waking to morning’s call to prayer. When I walked in the streets, there was a memory at every turn, a rootedness I felt in my limbs and my heart. Whatever Iran wanted to be, I loved it. I’d found my life’s purpose here. Every poem I’d ever written was entangled with my country’s story. I loved its downtrodden, small-minded, generous people. I loved them; I belonged to them. They were my people, and I was theirs.”

Historical fiction about the life of a real person, Iranian poetess and film director Forugh Farrokhzad. It portrays what life was like in Iran, especially for women, before the 1979 revolution that brought Ayatollah Khomeini to power. Set mostly in Tehran, it follows Forugh’s life – her rebellious nature, desire for self-expression, and the personal sacrifices she made in pursuit of art.

It is an excellent example of the use of fiction used to illuminate the past. This book gives the reader a vivid idea of Forugh’s personality – a woman of strong opinions, a risk-taker, and one who challenged the traditional views of a woman’s role. The writing is strong. The story is told in first person by Forugh, the only choice that does not quite work for me. The story portrays the complicated political climate in the 1960s during the last shah’s regime.

Darznik includes several of Forugh’s translated poems, which had been published then later banned in Iran. The author’s family left Iran in 1978, when Darznik was a child. I very much enjoyed this glimpse into Iranian culture and history.

4.5


Booknblues | 12138 comments I loved this book as well.

Oddly, we chose the same passage for the review. I ended with it.

I also criticized it for being in the first person.

Sometimes, I think we are book twins.


Joy D | 10174 comments Booknblues wrote: "I loved this book as well.

Oddly, we chose the same passage for the review. I ended with it.

I also criticized it for being in the first person.

Sometimes, I think we are book twins."

Yes, we do seem to share a similar taste in books. Just read your review. Glad you enjoyed it too!


Booknblues | 12138 comments Joy D wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "I loved this book as well.

Oddly, we chose the same passage for the review. I ended with it.

I also criticized it for being in the first person.

Sometimes, I think we are boo..."


It was a very moving story. She was an amazing and brave woman.

Iran has long been a dangerous place for independent women.


Joy D | 10174 comments Booknblues wrote: "It was a very moving story. She was an amazing and brave woman.

Iran has long been a dangerous place for independent women..."

I can't even imagine. That's why I love reading books like this.


Booknblues | 12138 comments You and me both!


message 7: by NancyJ (new) - added it

NancyJ (nancyjjj) | 11107 comments I've had this on my tbr for a long time. Thanks for the reminder


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