Rabeah Ghaffari

3.5 stars

The setting of this novel alternates between pre-revolution Iran (1978) and 2012 Paris.

In Iran, we meet the various members of one extended family. Most live at or near the orchard inherited by one if the older wives--it has been in her family for generations. The orchard's caretaker is an Afghan refugee, the wife's best friend is the local midwife. Two of the youngest generation (second cousins?) have fallen in love and hope to marry.

In this setting we see, through their eyes, the revolution beginning. Only the oldest brother, the mullah, sees it (and wants it) for what it will be. The others hope for positive change or try to ignore it. As the mullah and then his nephew get more wrapped up, the nephew's brother is going the other way, regretting the change he had hoped for. Ghaffari also makes clear why these men are so susceptible to wanting this change and to grab control. As rejected/unfavored children, they have grown up feeling inferior to younger siblings and stewing in jealousy and hatred. Which makes them susceptible to grabbing any control when they have the chance.

I saw Ghaffari speak on a panel at the 2019 LA Times Festival of Books. She was born in Iran and now splits time between Iran and New York. She made it clear that while this is not her family, the orchard is modeled after an orchard that was in her family. It simply became her setting.… (meer)