I liked the way Ha Jin writes, evocative of a place and time. It's an absorbing novel despite its sterile content. The plot line itself seems slightly unbelievable (esp with the rape plot line) and the underdevelopment of the female perspective was frustrating at times, though I'm not sure if that was the point.

This book is as unwavering, unapologetic & beautiful like the people it pays an ode to.

Transposing India and England until they're seamless extensions of each other, with similar caste and class structures. Very, very well written especially the character of Narinder.

Maybe it was the translator, but this book was simply beautiful. I loved the details and societal and personal insights the author wove into the piece all the while keeping it light and readable. The writing completely immerses you in the Iranian countryside, growing and changing as the country went through its tumultuous changes.

Compulsively readable, much like the protagonist himself. Could do with less rants about the societal injustices but still pretty good thriller, not too many twists and turns.