Description
Book Synopsis''With this one word, Lili had finally understood many things: that no matter what she promised or sacrificed or gave, she would always be ''broken'' to her daughter.''
When Jasmin Darznik finds a photo among her father''s possessions shortly after his death, she recognises the child in the veil and bride''s clothes as her mother, Lili, but the groom is unfamiliar.
Who had her mother married all those years before? A few months later Lili sends Jasmin ten cassette tapes which reveal the secret history of their family: the true story of the abusive man she married, and the daughter she was forced to leave behind.
This is an unforgettable story of secrets, betrayal and exile, and of an unshakeable mother-daughter bond.
Trade ReviewTruly mesmerising * Scotland on Sunday *
A beautifully recounted homage to her mother's life and struggles. * Booklist *
Richly detailed ... An eye-opening account that disturbs with its depiction of women in Iranian society, but warms the heart in its portrayal of their gritty endurance. * Kirkus *
Deeply affecting...How can you not feel for these women? Once you read this book, you will see Iran and Iranians with new eyes. A brilliant debut. -- Anita Amirrezvani, author of The Blood of Flowers
'an astonishing tale of two cultures miles apart yet inextricably linked through the daughter or a woman who had the courage to stand up and be counted.' * Resident *
