Book description
As Isaac navigates the tedium and terrors of prison, forging tenuous trusts, his wife feverishly searches for him, suspecting, all the while, that their once-trusted housekeeper has turned on them and is now acting as an informer. And as his daughter, in a childlike attempt to stop the wave of…
Why read it?
2 authors picked The Septembers of Shiraz as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This novel tells the powerful story of a well-off Jewish family in Iran whose lives are turned upside down after the father is suddenly arrested following the Revolution. Sofer dives deep into what it means to lose everything—home, safety, and a sense of identity—while also showing the strength it takes to keep going.
The book brings to life the fear and uncertainty that surrounded everyday life in Tehran during that time. It’s a moving story about family, resilience, and the emotional toll of political chaos. Sofer writes with grace and depth, making this a deeply touching and unforgettable read.
From Nick's list on the Iranian experience.
Revolutionary Iran was the wrong place to be Jewish and wealthy. Septembers of Shiraz paints a poignant portrait of a family targeted, plundered, and driven to the brink of ruin by a corrupt extremist regime. The beauty of the story is that the more these protagonists lose, the more they realize how little their possessions and status actually matter. Their true wealth resides in their love for one another and the hope of a brighter tomorrow.
From Germaine's list on finding peace amid conflict.
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