I have read a number of books about Iran after the Revolution lately. The Septembers of Shiraz is one of the better ones. I am amazed that this is a debut novel. The writing is well balanced, it says only what is needs to say. The characters of Isaac, Farnaz, Shirin and Parviz are well drawn. I also like that this time it is a Jewish family. All the other books I read about Iran were about Moslem people. I admired that Sofer gave us glimpses of what goes on in an Iranian prison, even though I imagine that it is much worse than we know from the book. ( )

A tragic and haunting novel about Isaac Amin who is a wealthy gem merchant in post revolutionary Iran. He is not particularily religious or political but the Revolutionary guards arrest him and throw him in prison. His son, who they sent to NYC is trying to find his way but struggles with who he is as he lives amongst Hassidic jews who have befriended him . Can this religion be his future he thinks as he looks at Zalman's daughter Rachel. With Parviz we learn how the emigrant form Iran must adapt once they lose their country. Isaac wife and daughter must learn how to adapt to a life where wealth and priviledge is not an asset and where 9 year old Shirin asks questions of her life which noone can answer. Isaac does get out of prison and then the family must escape to Turkey and then they hope to Switzerland where Isaac's sister is and then join their son in NYC.
This novel tells it like it is inpost revolutionary Iran as people lose hope of a normal life in their country, ( )

An amazing story about a Jewish gem dealer who is arrested and thrown into prison in Iran. He has done nothing wrong. His home and possessions are taken from the family. They work tirelessly to find him. Very heart wrenching and eye opeining. ( )

well written book presenting many views of the Iranian revolution. The details were so painful and truthful that it was not a pleasant read. ( )

The Septembers of Shiraz never quite engaged me, despite my interest in Iran and novels about political repression. Though Sofer's story felt sincere and genuine -- she and her family left Iran when she was 10 -- her characters, with the exception of Shirin, a young girl, didn't bring the book alive for me.

I wrote a little about The Septembers of Shiraz on my blog here. ( )