loved reading Soraya’s story. This book really spoke to my heart, this story of a young woman learning to take up space and recognize her own worth - I’m a sucker for this kind of story with themes of redemption and bravery and self-acceptance. I think the themes of generational history and responsibility was powerful and unique, and the rich cultural component of this book created a lush world to be sucked into. Soraya's relationships with her family were complicated, and I loved that she wasn't a character that wasn't perfect. She had flaws, and made mistakes, but the ideas of accountability, forgiveness, and redemption were so important to her character and this story. I also really loved her relationship with Parvaneh, and how they shared twin experiences of making mistakes, but holding themselves accountable, and doing what they had to do to fix things. Their romance, although not a strong focus of the book, added a more tender side to a story about revenge - and the *yearning* was so good. Overall, a really compelling story of redemption and being brave enough to be yourself and take all that comes with being human - mistakes and moments of fear, but the ability to forgive and love.