In the Time of Our History

By: Susanne Pari

Narrated by: Mozhan Marnò

Inspired by her own family's experiences following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Susanne Pari explores the entangled lives within an Iranian American family grappling with generational culture clashes, the roles imposed on women, and a tragic accident that forces them to reconcile their guilt or forfeit their already tenuous bonds. Set between San Francisco and New Jersey in the late-1990s, In the Time of Our History is a story about the universal longing to create a home in this world—and what happens when we let go of how we've always been told it should look.

Twelve months after her younger sister Anahita's death, Mitra Jahani reluctantly returns to her parents' home in suburban New Jersey to observe the Iranian custom of "The One Year." Ana is always in Mitra's heart, though they chose very different paths. While Ana, sweet and dutiful, bowed to their domineering father's demands and married, Mitra rebelled, and was banished.

Caught in the middle is their mother, Shireen, torn between her fierce love for her surviving daughter and her loyalty to her husband. Yet his callousness even amid shattering loss has compelled her to rethink her own decades of submission. And when Mitra is suddenly forced to confront hard truths about her sister's life, mother and daughter reach a new understanding—and forge an unexpected path forward.

©2023 Susanne Pari (P)2023 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Extremely fascinating glimpse into Iranian immigrant life

The author has written a fascinating account of immigrant Iranians in the nineties. She has included just enough history for the reader to immerse oneself and understand the limitations of the characters. I was disappointed with the ending as I didn't feel as though anything had been resolved. The narrator was excellent and really presented the story well.

Wonderful

I loved learning about the Iranian culture while feeling many of the same familiar pulls in the main character. At one point, I found myself crying in the bathroom at work because I was so relieved. Listening to books while I design landscapes has consequences. LOL! This book was excellent.

A modern day Dickens

Wow. This is so good. Honest, deliciously layered and true. It reads like a modern day Dickens, centered around women, sisters and the immigrant experience. Stellar.

A beautifully written complicated family journey

Families and their stories are complicated. Susanne Pari richly unravels the history of Mitra’s family relationships and life’s journeys. The strong character development interwoven with Persian culture and customs enables the reader to make sense of the bold behaviors of each generation of this family. I only wish it didn’t end because I cannot wait to know what happens next!

Outstanding- beautiful imagery

Truly enjoyed this book even though I know nothing about Iran or its culture. The author masterfully paints a story and its characters. Great narrator.