I didn't know what to expect from this book. It bills itself as a memoir but reads more like a long, personal war correspondence. The author is inspired to visit her father's country Iran after her grandfather's death and ends up staying for over 10 years. The book is written like a long posthumous letter to her grandfather and details her experience melting into the culture as it grasps with modernity and change. In the background is the political unrest that feels as though it's constantly churning. The author demonstrates this feeling beautifully through her writing.
I had a few colleagues from Iran in my graduate programs and knew that they had experienced conflict in their home country but had no idea what it was about. I learned so much about Iran and potentially my friends' experiences through this book. Though it was at times a bit bland to read, I am so glad I had the opportunity to learn more about the politics and social/cultural changes that Iran and Persians have experienced in recent history.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've loved Heather Armstrong's writing for many years but didn't realize how deeply she struggled with crippling depression. What a gift this book is to anyone who feels hopeless in their day-to-day battles with mental illness and what a gift this treatment was for Heather. This book was a fascinating read from page 1. It follows her experience with a groundbreaking treatment that rendered her nearly brain dead 10 times in three weeks as an alternative to shock therapy. True to her writing style, it's the dark humor that keeps the reader on their toes with each page. Would definitely recommend for anyone interested in mental health.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.