THE BOOK FAIR

The novel takes place during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, after the fall of the Shah of Iran, and the rise of the Iranian Revolution.  The novel is based on the corruption of the Fundamentalist regime and also on her father’s imprisonment by the Revolutionary Guard.  Ms. Sofer describes in beautiful detail, life under the Shah, and the changes inflicted by the revolution.  The author relates the sense of fear and loss among the wealthy, as she realistically depicts the poor, who unleash their jealousies and hatreds against their fellow citizens, as encouraged by the mullahs.

Beautiful passages, relevant subject, descriptive and realistic.  The story weaves in and out of time from present to past, and is told from the viewpoints of the family members.