Children of the Jacaranda Tree by Sahar Delijani

This is a compelling novel, and possibly more so because the author was born in Tehran and her family experienced the story first-hand (Joyce K). Our readers were keenly aware of the autobiographical nature of Delijani's novel: Delijani makes this very clear as she weaves her story about everyday revolutionary participants, their fates and their next generations (Rita H). The most interesting idea I received from this book is that although revolutionaries may be killed, the revolutionary spirit cannot. Love, hope and resilience guide those who make a life in spite of the fear. While the story is heartbreaking in part, most of it describes the perseverance of the human spirit determined not to be destroyed even by those who will kill anyone who dares to question or speak out. The characters were well written and unforgettable - I will be thinking about Neda, Omid and Sheida for a long time (Susan R).

At the same time it is uplifting and shows hope for a brighter future for Iran. It is gritty and emotional and hard to read due to the subject matter. Sahar Delejani has written a fantastic novel. Here is what they say about this novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit: Over half rated this strong work of fiction a 5. Sahar Delijani's Children of the Jacaranda Tree grabbed our readers' hearts and minds and didn't let go. Set in post-revolutionary Iran from 1983 to 2011, this stunning debut novel follows a group of mothers, fathers, children, and lovers, some related by blood, others brought together by the tide of history that washes over their lives.

Children of the Jacaranda Tree by Sahar Delijani