I expect this thread to drop like a rock.
Has anyone read this? My bookclub just did and I thought it was fantastic. If you read it, were you familar with Lolita, Gatsby, James and Austen before you picked up the book? Was it helpful? (We “preread” Lolita, Gatsby, Washington Square and Pride and Prejudice before reading the book). Which chapter did you think she was most successful with.
I’ve been debating whether or not to pick it up. How does it deal with the Iranian culture and people?
Well, I’d hate to see your Thread drop like a rock, Dangerosa, especially since I picked this book up in a bookstore, read the flap, thought it looked very interesting, didn’t buy it- but fully intended to burn it into my memory so as to check it out later, and promptly forgot about it (and upon preview I notice that ShadiRoxan has already come to you rescue.)
Yes, I’ve read Lolita as well as Gatsby and several novels by James. I’d love it if you’d come back to this Thread and post a more thorough review (but without Spoilers).
Thanks!
You’re cool!
I bought this book a few days ago, but I haven’t read it yet.
I’ve read Gatsby, but only seen a movie about Lolita. I’m really hoping that it’s still worth it, because if I have to get around to those books before reading this one (to really appreciate it) it’s going to take forever!
I read this a while ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, even though I hadn’t read all of the works of literature that the group discussed (though it did convince me to read them at a later date. I’m still working on it). A very honest look at Iranian culture- never too preachy or one-sided. I know I made some notes on it, both positive and negative, and will post a few if I can dredge them up.
I think its fair to the Iranian culture and people. She obviously loves her culture and her people.
It was very well written and very insightful. What she does is take the books and use the themes from the books to frame the Iranian revolution. So the James chapter is about “quiet courage,” the Lolita chapter about “stolen identity” Gatsby “betrayed dreams.”
I’m glad we pre-read, I thought it was worth the effort (but I’d read P&P about a zillion times, Lolita three times, Gatsby twice - the only “new” one to me was James - I’d never gotten around to reading James).
I’d like to share in the conversation, but my copy has been on reserve at the public library for months. Apparently everyone else in Cincinnati would also like to read this book. So I can at least vouch for its popularity… or else there’s something terribly wrong with the computers at my library.
If you email me your address, I’ll send you my copy.