I was approved for this book late and thus haven’t gotten a chance to read. When I do, I will post the review.

This was a thought provoking book. I read it right after The Lion Women of Tehran which was a little unfair to this author because that book was similar in content to this in many ways but was a tough act to follow. In this book, we follow Amineh, a young woman who lives in Iran during the 1970s. The time period is why it is considered a work of historical fiction, though for me it is my contemporary world. Similar to The Lion Women of Tehran, it provides a good insight into Iranian culture, especially as it considers the role of women in Iran which was difficult. Amineh is educated and fully immersed in a world of literature and words in a culture where women are subservient. Amineh is married to a man who is involved in disarmament negotiations. This is something that becomes a focus (unlike The Lion Women of Tehran) that almost works but not quite. It is pretty clear that the author knew what she was talking about (looking at her job history, that is evident). The problem that I had with the more technical parts of the novel that discussed nuclear weapons and disarmament is while the subject fascinates me, I am not sure that it was fully immersed within the other aspects of the novel (Amineh's personal struggle, some potential romance, her sometimes unsatisfying relationship with her husband). There was, at times, too much discussion of it, or perhaps it was not in the right places.
That said, it was an interesting novel and I would love to see what else this author writes in the future.
Although it is one of the books that I read well after publication date, I thank NetGalley and Alder House books for bringing this novel to my attention and providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Bjursten's masterful storytelling effortlessly blends personal narratives with the rich cultural and historical context of Iran. Through vivid descriptions and skilfully crafted characters, the author explores themes of love, belonging, social justice, feminism, and the pursuit of individual and collective freedom.

“And then she added that nothing was too lowly to feel love and to be made better by it.”

I adored this book! This beautifully written story was well thought out and researched, rich in history and culture, and engaging from start to finish. What resonated with me the most were the quiet scenes, which provided time for contemplation and reflection. These moments allowed me to establish a deeper connection with the characters, feel their emotions, and be transported into their world.

The characters were well-drawn, and the author's ability to delve deep into the innermost thoughts and feelings of her characters is admirable. I especially loved Jalalod-Din for his wisdom, kindness, and the joyful way he engages with life. Amineh, the main character, is intelligent, strong, determined, and caring. I was fully invested in her story and her journey of self-discovery. It was relatable and inspiring, and it will make you reflect on your own life.

“How did the rose ever open its heart and give to this world all of its beauty? It felt the encouragement of light against its being.”

This was such a great debut novel! I highly recommend this wonderful story about love, sacrifice, hope, and the remarkable strength of the human spirit. It's a true masterpiece that will stay with you for a long time.

Thank you, BookishFirst, NetGalley, the publisher Alder House Books, and author Nadine Bjursten for the gifted copy! I received a free copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

“Half a Cup of Sand and Sky” is a mesmerizing read, weaving poetic landscapes with vivid characters. The author’s mastery of descriptive prose creates a sensory journey that immerses readers in the story’s unique world. The narrative unfolds gracefully, unveiling layers of emotion and intrigue. A compelling blend of beauty and mystery, this novel captivates from the first page to the last.

Protests are intensifying at Tehran University in 1977, but Amineh is not interested as her peers are. She would rather think about literature, rose harvests, and poetry. She meets Farzad, a disarmament activist, and her life changes in ways she didn’t want.

HALF A CUP OF SAND AND SKY was a captivating and beautifully written portrait of a woman striving to find herself amidst the political turmoil of late 1970s Iran. Amineh searches for identity and love as her life becomes more complex. I was immediately engrossed in her story and felt much empathy for her. Her character was well-written and well-developed. The secondary characters were great as well. I have not read very much about Iran during this time period, so I appreciated the historical insights. The plot is slow at times, being more character-driven, though this did not impact my enjoyment in any way.

I’d highly recommend HALF A CUP OF SAND AND SKY to fans of historical fiction.

Thank you to Alder House Books and NetGalley for the gifted DRC.

One of the reasons I love historical fiction is being able to have a deeper understanding of culture and perspective.⁣
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What I particularly loved about Half a Cup of Sand and Sky is that it gave me as a reader such a deep connection to what it meant to be an Iranian woman during the late 70’s and beyond. ⁣
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This beautifully written story follows Amineh, a student of Persian literature at the university of Tehran, as she grapples with the turbulent political changes in her country. We also follow her journey through falling in love and marriage to Farzad who passionately works toward the nuclear disarmament of Iran.⁣
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This book made me feel Amineh’s internal struggles so deeply. As she moves into married life, the societal changes for women and her guilt at wondering “what if” was so incredibly moving. She was one of the most incredible characters I have read this year. I mourned with her, I found joy with her, I loved with her, and I lived through her. ⁣
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The novel was all about the details. The intricate and poetic language allowed us to feel entirely transported. Even through descriptions of food: I will always remember reading of pomegranate soup, and how beautiful it all sounded. ⁣
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I would not describe this book as fast paced, and for those readers who have a hard time reading an entirely character driven novel, you may not resonate with this. However, if you want a book devoted to delivering in an incredible emotional experience and the many languages of love, this is for you. ⁣
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
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Thank you to NetGalley and Alder House Books for access to this eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Half a Cup of Sand and Sky | Nadine Bjursten | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

There are some stories that serve as the perfect snapshot of our moment in human history. And then there those which transcend the concept of immediacy and connect us over time and space. Half a Cup of Sand and Sky manages to do both, in the most beautiful way possible and I have a feeling the story of Amineh will live on to be one of my all time favourites.

1977, Tehran, Iran - bright, young literature graduate Amineh aspires to write a novel, a story of her parents: parents whose love story lingers in the rose fields of Qamsar, in the poetry of Rumi and Hafez. Parents whom she lost in an accident when she was just eight, a loss for which she has blamed herself her entire life.
Her writing however, takes a backseat as Amineh basks in the warm glow of first love, with Farzad, an uppright and erudite political activist and scholar. The rest of this literary masterpiece follows the lifestory of Amineh over three decades across Iran, UK and Sweden. Her life and love are reflections of the tumultuous times, the ever-changing political landscape, wars, religious and social movements that have shaped the history of Iran.

Heavily researched, Bjursten's magnum opus is an authentic portrayal of Iran, very different from the perspective most Westerners have of the Middle-east. While it deals with religious fanatism, political disturbances with utmost sensitivity, it also goes on to show these are just dreadful spots in the fabric of Iranian history. It's a celebration of Iranian people, their food, their culture, their intellect and their place in this world. It's a celebration of human sentiments, love, family, grief, motherhood that go beyond realms of politics, political boundaries and such constructs. It also is a platform for important dialogues on nuclear disarmament, the middle-eastern confict and other relevant political issues that endanger peace and our world, as we know it. Above all, it's heartfelt and genuine.

If you have ever loved Khaled Hosseini, Jhumpa Lahiri or Vikram Seth; Nadine Bjursten is sure to steal your heart.

Ok this book was fantastic. I loved it so much and was so engrossed in the story the whole time. There are some really beautiful lessons about how we live our lives and it’s mixed with a history of nuclear disarmament in Iran as well as a background of the Iranian Revolution.

The story is a poignant exploration into one woman’s life and how her perception of events affects the way she lives. That story is juxtaposed with a well researched historical account of modern Iran and chronicles the work of disarmament advocates. It’s quite powerful as well as hopeful. Highly recommended.

The main character, Amineh, is a university student during the Iranian Revolution. Her adult life unfolds amidst the backdrop of a failed Revolution and a greatly changing country. While Amineh learns some beautiful lessons about the way we perceive our lives, I never felt like this book was overly sentimental. It was just kind and relatable.

I also loved the writing style. It was surprisingly fast paced and relevant even during discussions on the nuclear weapon arms race. It literally never felt tedious despite teaching me some history - that feels like a feat in itself.

This book was an absolute pleasure to read and the ending brought me a sense of joy.

Thank you to Alder House Books for this ARC.

Half a Cup of Sand and Sky is a novel that follows one Iranian woman from her university days in the 1970s through a period of nearly four decades. The main character of this novel, Amineh, navigates both the political and social upheaval occurring in her country, as well as the complicated personal dynamics that come with being a wife, sister, friend, and mother. In a note by the author at the end of this novel, Nadine Bjursten mentions that writing this book was in part motivated by a need to counter the Orientalist depictions of Iran as a monolithically evil or backwards country, and I truly think that she succeeded in doing so. The beauty of Iran—its people, its food, its religion and culture, its mountains and countryside—is woven into this novel in such striking ways, but so are the difficulties that the country has faced.

The aspect of this novel that worked the best for me is Amineh’s development as a character. Because the novel follows her so closely for such a long time, you really get the sense that you know and understand her. She has a very complex relationship with her husband, Farzad, and I think that the difficulties of being a woman sharing your life with a domineering and, at times, controlling man are portrayed very well. Her internal struggle over the politicization versus the escapism of her novel and writing were engaging as well, and the way that she eventually comes to be at peace with her life and the love that she has given her children adds a hopeful tone to the novel. I think that many readers will be able to see aspects of themselves in this character, even if she is surrounded by a very specific historical context.

I also was interested in the way that nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation played such a large role in this novel. I do, however, think that the historical element of this book may have been somewhat mis-marketed. I went into this novel expecting a story that focused largely on the Islamic Revolution and its effects. While this period of Iran’s history was relevant in the first third or so of the novel, much of the historical and political meat of the novel was more international and dealt heavily with nuclear politics. This was super interesting, but not at all what I was expecting. I also found that the political or historical elements were not wholly integrated into the plot or characters in a way that felt like it flowed very naturally. There were many points where it seemed like our characters were plopped in the middle of a recognizable historical event, only to have it effect them very little. History was used to provide context and a timeline to the novel, but the way that the characters discuss the world around them felt awkward, with names and dates sprinkled in seemingly at random. I felt this most significantly in the chapters that dealt more closely with nuclear policy.

While I loved Amineh’s complexity as a character, I unfortunately did not feel the same way about her husband, Farzad. In some ways I got the sense that the author didn’t really know what to do with him—is he a good husband? A controlling cheater? A well-intentioned but harmful man? Obviously real people can be many of these things simultaneously, but in Farzad I didn’t get much nuance. Instead, his actions, and Amineh’s attitude towards him, move between hot and cold repeatedly throughout the book. Without spoiling events in the novel, I will add that certain scenes that seemed like they were meant to redeem Farzad as a character fell a little flat for me.

Overall, this is a quiet and slow-paced novel that reflects upon one woman’s life as she lives through personal political upheaval. I enjoyed the writing, and while at times felt that the pacing between the historical detail and more character-focused aspects of the novel could have been improved, found this to be an engaging novel that touches on Iran’s history.

Nadine Bjursten’s debut novel is an epic story spanning three decades, following Amineh, a young Iranian woman from a rural village, as she navigates the complexities of revolution, politics, and family.

Set against the backdrop of Iran’s turbulent history, the story unfolds through Amineh’s experiences as a student in 1977, her involvement in activism with her friend Ava, meeting her husband Farzad, and her enduring journey through the Iranian Revolution, Iran-Iraq War, and personal betrayals.

The narrative explores Amineh’s struggle between tradition and revolution, encompassing her aspirations as a novelist, the challenges of marriage and motherhood, and her resilience in the face of war and loss.

It’s also a story of grief and second chances. It is set across Iran, Sweden, and the UK and I really enjoyed how the story kept building. It’s a great read that really pulls you into the drama of Amineh’s story.

I did wonder about Bjursten’s background and writing a story that is narrated by an Iranian woman’s perspective and I recommend reading this interview:

https://alderhousebooks.com/a-conversation-with-nadine-bjursten/

Bjursten treats her protagonist with sensitivity and respect and takes us into another world.

Thanks to @netgalley and @alderhousebooks for the ebook in return for an honest review.

I loved Aminehs story and the gentle tone in which Nadine Bjursten told it. There is so much love and tenderness in these pages and I felt completely immersed in the culture and surroundings of Amineh and her family. I keep thinking about them even after having finished the book.
Thank you, netgally, for the opportunity to read Half a Cup of Sand and Sky

In 1977, the anti-shah protests at Tehran University are intensifying. But Amineh is not like her peers who want a say in the future of their country. Her thoughts are instead on the beautiful literature of another era and her past of rose harvests and Rumi poetry evenings under the desert sky. A chance encounter with Farzad, an opposition leader and nuclear disarmament activist, will thrust her into a life she didn’t ask for and didn’t want. But maybe Amineh has been looking at her life all wrong, and maybe what she seeks lies ahead of her. Spanning Iran’s upheaval and over twenty five years of work towards nuclear disarmament, Half a Cup of Sand and Sky is a portrait of one woman’s search for love and belonging cast against a nuanced backdrop of political turmoil.

Thank you so much to @netgalley, @nadine.bjursten, and @alderhousebooks for the ARC! This was a beautiful and moving story and I really enjoyed it! I learned a lot about Iran’s history through this book, and also loved how poetry was intertwined. This book was very character driven and each character was so well developed, even though Amineh was the only narrator for the vast majority of the book. I loved Amineh in particular for her silent strength and resilience. The story was so moving and deeply explored themes of love, grief, guilt, and wanting to leave the world a better and safer place. Half a Cup of Sand and Sky is available now!

Half a Cup of Sand and Sky is a book I'm glad I read.

Iranian Revolution was described in the history books when I was reading as something that brought tyrant to the country. I have seen photos of Iranian women before and after revolution, in West it has been used as an example to portray Iran as a country that stole the voice of women. Not many history books address premise of the revolution, why the same women who became victims of new regime, supported the revolution. So it was quite a thrilling and heartbreaking experience to follow the book; to read the story of Amineh and Ava and read about hopes and dreams these strong women had.

Amineh was the character I could relate the most too; her constant need to gain approval, to be loved is something everyone experiences; For me beside the political and historical narratives, Amineh's life and her journey of rediscovering her life purpose and passion were the most significant aspects. As Ava tells her,
"unless we love ourselves, our hearts are as good as a black hole all the love in the world can't fill". Amineh gains her voice as she prioritizes her family and kids, and later herself. Her growth and character development leaves readers satisfied and you just ending up rooting for her.

Another thing that I really would love to mention is the research done for this book. I read author's interview as she mentioned that "My background in nuclear arms control and disarmament diplomacy enabled me to write the Iranian character of Farzad, who is trying to rid the world of nuclear weapons. His character is inspired by real people, and it is important to show that side of things. My Sufi background also gives me fluency in Sufi poetry and concepts, which is important to this story. I will add that I think that the larger point within the cultural appropriation issue is disrespect and disregard. I hope my novel is the opposite of that." Even though the author is not Iranian, one can see that her love for Persian literature makes it on the pages of this book. She references lots of Persian poets and authors; tells the story of Iranian culture. I found these moments quite important for the story; when you write about Iran and Iranian family it's crucial that cultural background is real and well-researched. (As I'm not Iranian myself I could never argue about 100% accuracy but as someone who comes from the country close to Iran and influenced by its culture and history, I could find lots of similarities with my own culture)

The story of Farzad and his group of friends was quite convincing and as Political Science student, I could reference lots of things from the course of history. Trying to save the world, build better tomorrow is an important part of Farzad's character and one cannot fully comprehend it without understanding the work he did or tried to achieve. The author deserves the praise for making these parts easily comprehendible for the reader and also as accurate as possible.

Half a Cup of Sand and Sky was a thrilling read and I hope many readers will enjoy it and maybe even start to view Iran and its citizens in a new light.

Also biggest thanks to Nadine Bjursten and netgalley for letting me read this book

There could be no more pertinent novel to read amidst the world's hostilities than this evocative book bringing people, politics, peace and poetry from the country of Iran to the world stage.
Nominated for a PEN award it shows that any pen in the hand of a brilliant writer is more powerful than the sword and I learnt so much of the country so often (and still now with Middle East unrest) heralded as part of the 'axis of evil'.
It also makes a reader think as we follow the life of Amineh from the damask rose farm of the Iranian countryside to the melting pot of revolutionary University life in the capital Tehran that surely wouldn't we be better off in so many ways with more women in charge perhaps? (well with some exceptions) and leaders not oppressing but educating their new generations in literature instead of weaponry?
Now if that all sounds a bit fluffy and moralistic this novel does not sink into those traps. The writing is beautiful with vivid descriptions of the Iranian landscape and the culture, food, music and written words of Persia but this is the daily life that tries to anchor Amineh in her own family, guilt and often soul searching distress at her own ability to be at peace with her world.
The importance of family is well described alongside the difficulties of living in a very turbulent political regime where even your own trust in family and friends is often to be questionned.
I read this book in one session so absorbed was I in the story. I learnt a lot about the history of nuclear disarmament (the author had been Editor of US 'Arms Control Today' but was equally scathing about all nations and leaders across the years and their inability to seek peace and not annihilation. Religion fares no better and although the world of Amineh's husband Farzad showed the nations working in harmony the tenuous suspicion of control and power being undermined as it often does obliterates the best intentions. World in union? Never it seems. But the power of a novel is to show humanity, love and hope. It can take us through a life and then offer a slice of happiness for change.
Wars today from Ukraine to the Israel/Palestine prove again and again that we never learn from history. Can we learn from literature? Well perhaps a copy of this book might be a start.

I loved 'Half a Cup of Sand and Sky' and though it was a long novel, I read it relatively quickly. I don't know a lot about Iranian political history and do not understand all of the nuances covered even in this book, but Amineh's struggle to realize her potential and be true to self is universal. Overall, the resolution of her romantic interests and childhood trauma was satisfactory, even if it was a bit predictable. I really enjoyed the cast of characters I met in this book including both Amineh and Farzad's family and acquaintances. The narrative was so vivid that I wished I could taste some of Amineh's culinary creations and I really wish I could experience and understand the references to the [tart] taste of the rose petals because to me roses are just a flower to smell. Overall, this is a very good historical novel because it exposed me to a region and era I don't know a lot about and made it come alive. Thanks to BookishFirst and Adler House Books for getting an ARC in my hands.

What are some of the debut authors you would highly recommend?

For me, it’s Nadine Bjursten. I have always been drawn to Iranian culture ever since I read the classic, Marjane Satrapi’s The Persepolis. Like Satrapi’s graphic novel, Bjursten calls attention to the 1977 anti-Shah protests at Tehran. As readers, we meet Amineh, a brilliant young woman studying Persian literature during the Iranian revolution.

A chance encounter with Farzad, an opposition leader and nuclear disarmament activist, changes her world as he seeks to hold the Shah accountable for the nuclear arms program that hangs over their heads.

As the plot unfolds, we see that the author’s research into the nuclear arms program and the Iranian revolution is clear in the way in which the novel is shaped. During an interview, the author also mentions that the goal to write the novel was to not define Iran by a single story of extreme religion. Indeed, there are far less stories that celebrate women’s role in Iran, especially protesting against often strictly reinforced cultural and religious expectations and their bodies. If you are unfamiliar with literature from Iran, and its rich history, this novel is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn about it. I couldn’t put it down, and absolutely adored Amineh’s characterization. The novel is out now!

Thank you @Nadine.Bjursten and @Alderhousebooks for the gifted arc.

#NadineBjursten #HalfACupofSunandSky #Iran #shnidhi #AlderHouseBooks

I will admit if I had not found this one on Bookish First I probably would not have even heard of it let alone decided to read it and that would have been a shame. This book wasn’t always easy to read. The story focuses on Iran starting in the 70’s and is centered around a young woman. This was a difficult time in Iran, particularly for a woman. I liked getting a glimpse into a culture I know little to nothing about, but I think some of those cultural differences made it hard to connect to Amineh or any of the characters really. This is the kind of story that will make you think long past when the pages are done, but it wasn’t a book I struggled to put down. I really liked the descriptions of food and that Amineh described part of the ingredients or cooking process. This is a story of love and family and all of the shades of gray that lay between those concepts. Overall I gave this one 3.5 stars rounded up for immersing me in a new to me culture.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC for review. All opinions are my own.

This is a 3.5 star for me. It was interesting to read a few details about Iranian life and politics, but it wasn’t enough for me. I really wanted and expected this to be “As Long As the Lemon Tree Grows,” but this wasn’t quite there. I liked the characters, but didn’t love them. I learned a few things, but wanted more. I will definitely be researching more into this history, though!

In Iran, women's lives are incredibly challenging. All social classes in Iran participated in the revolution of 1979 against the government

This book was incredibly moving and character-driven. It mostly followed Amineh and her closest friend Ava from the book's opening in 1977 in Iran to its epilogue in 2009. During this period, Amineh experiences the same growth and change as the rest of us, shaped by the friendships, romantic relationships, and external events she encounters. I adored how this book accurately depicted the various forms of love we may have with various partners, as well as the various ways in which regret and loss might appear. I also loved how the first person narrative provided some wonderful context for real life events in a way that only historical fiction or a memoir can. Amineh blamed herself for this, but it seems very natural to me that at the end of the text, she is no longer lamenting the aspects of herself that grew more dormant as she became a wife and mother. It was incredibly encouraging to see her find some solace, gain some perspective, and understand that everyone experiences seasons and that those parts of herself are still very much alive and strong. Since Amineh is a strong, resolute, and clever heroine, she is both relatable and aspirational.

Strong themes abound, including friendship, suffering, loss, and love. This extremely comprehensive work also shines at excellent characterisation.

I think it would make for a terrific, suspenseful movie with a lot of emotional turmoil.

It was difficult to put the book down because of the fast pace and how quickly I was drawn in.