• With discussion today about immigration and refuge, the Middle East and Iran, this book is incredibly timely.
• Nayeri humanises a part of the world that is often stigmatised; Iran is seen through the eyes of a loving citizen.
• The father character is priceless, deeply flawed though well-meaning. His voice entertains as it enlightens.
• Nayeri's prose is incredibly visceral - we can practically taste the saffron and hear the Farsi poetry.
• Nayeri is a winner of the O. Henry Prize and her previous novel was translated into fourteen languages.