The Age of Orphans
Laleh Khadivi
2009
289 pages
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FTC: Yes, I bought this one, too. Sorry to be a disappointment.
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Isn’t the cover dreamy? The prose is kind of dreamy, too. Unfortunately, while I like the cover, the writing didn’t really do it for me.
There’s a lot (and yet not a lot) packed into the 289 pages of this book. The story spans 58 years, from a boy’s childhood in Kurdistan, to his forcible conscription into the Shah’s army, to his promotion to captain, marriage and posting back to Kurdistan, to his unhappy middle age and into his final years as an old man reflecting back on life. Along the way, the narration occasionally shifts so that we hear from a woman he rapes, the matchmaker, the midwife, and his son. All of whom seem to see the man more clearly than he seems himself. The book also highlights the goal of Shah Reza Pahlevi to bring Iran into the modern age, as well as a the internal struggle of a man who is forced to betray his heritage, as he must join an army that kills and controls his own people.
I never connected to this book. The writing was almost too literary, if that makes any sense. In other words, I thought that the story suffered for the sake of the prose. There were also too many references to wh0res and c^nts…I think it further diminished the story and made me feel not a whit of sympathy for the main character. I get the fact that no one will ever live up to his mother, and that he feels alienated… there’s no need to beat me over the head with offensive words (and I think you all know I don’t offend easily).
Supposedly, this is the first in a trilogy about three generations of Kurdish men. I think it’s safe to say I won’t be reading the next two.
The cover is dreamy. Too bad the book didn’t work out especially since the story sounds interesting.
Stefanie´s last blog ..DIY
The premise sounds great, so I’m quite sad you didn’t enjoy it – I’ll give this one a miss!
Jackie (Farm Lane Books)´s last blog ..The Infinities – John Banville
You are right about the cover. Dreamy. This one doesn’t sound like my cup of herbal tea but I’d frame that cover…
Ti´s last blog ..You’ve Won When She Flew!
Haha, don’t you hate when the cover misleads you and you end up being disappointed? I think the back cover blurb would have turned me off, though. Doesn’t sound like my kinda story.
Kari´s last blog ..Challenge Wrap-Up!
You’re really letting the FTC down, but I for one, appreciate the fact that you’re stimulating the economy and supporting the publishing industry! Sorry this book didn’t work for you.
Kathy´s last blog ..Wondrous Words Wednesday
I do like the cover, but I don’t think this would be for me.
Beth F´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday 60
And it is probably safe to say I won’t be reading one, two or three.
Jenners´s last blog ..FreeVerse: Sadie and Maud by Gwendolyn Brooks
It does sound like an interesting story that could have been pretty great and thought provoking. I’m sorry it didn’t pan out
The use of bad language to drive a point home shows something of the person saying it, most definitely. There should be other ways to make the point without being offensive… or maybe being offensive was the point?
The cover is lovely though.
She´s last blog ..The Golden Compass – Philip Pullman
Too bad you didn’t connect with this one but you’re right the cover is great.
Darlene´s last blog ..Vietnam War Reading Challenge 2010
I’m a cover-sucker, too. Can’t tell you how many times that has bitten me in the butt, but do I ever learn???? Noooooooo.
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