my take: Septembers is set in Iran after the Shah has been removed in the 1980’s. I remember that event, and as many of the dictatorships in the Gulf region have been toppled recently this is an eerily current novel. It made me wonder what-all’s been going on in those countries as the underdog takes over.

So, yep. There’s torture involved. And seizing of property. And torn allegiances as we watch a wealthy Jewish family living in Tehran try to escape. Characters from both sides of the society tell a different story. Each family member is given space to tell of their experience.

And somehow, it’s not a gruesome tale. The writing is lovely. I’m not quite sure why the novel was named Septembers … but there is a longing that comes with September. And a longing when we are displaced from our lives. The author’s family fled Iran when she was ten, so she knows this longing.

my source: sister-in-law Sue & mother-in-law Judy

my verdict: good read.