Half a cup of sand and sky was a very poignant and bittersweet well-written novel. I rated this book 4.5 stars on Goodreads

It gave great insight on the happenings in Iran from the 1970's to the 1990's as the country switched from a monarchy to a democracy. I learned a lot about this time period and was able to expand on the knowledge that I did have.

The story is focused on Amineh - a young woman whom grows up on a rose farm in Iran. She's a university student during the revolution and must learn to stand for what she believes in. She shows a lot of growth in an organic way as she navigates lifes twist and turns and learns who she is and what she stands for. She found out just how strong she actually was and it was an amazing journey to witness of so much personal growth.

The descriptions were vivid, especially of the food, and the writing flowed smoothly though there were some spots where I struggled with comprehension but was able to get the gist. I'd recommend this book to anyone, especially if they would like to learn more about Iran during political upheaval and unrest.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

What if you could travel back in time? What if you can then apply the insights to what’s happening today to your personal life and political world? With Nadine Bjursten’s novel you can do that and more! “The novel is about a woman's journey of self-discovery in her search for love and resilience unfolding against the backdrop of a nation's struggle for identity.”

Nadine Bjursten provides an authentic powerful narrative you don’t read in MSM. You will come to appreciate better the Iranian people and their Persian heritage. She has immersed herself in the country, culture and people. She deftly brings the events and the characters alive. At a time when the world is in grave danger of destruction, it is a significant contribution to peace instead of nuclear war.

Nadine Bjursten matter of factly challenges the mainstream narratives most in the western world have been force fed. For those who have not connected with Iranian people or Persian culture, this book is an eye opener of the demonization of the peoples of Iran. If you are an author, her book can serve as a fine exemplar to follow, if you teach creative writing then her novel has been elegantly designed, creatively edited and laid out so well, I challenge you to find better!

I urge you to read the author interview on the publishers website, if you want to know more about who this lovely soul who crafted and shared Half a Cup of Sky and Sand, is. The book rightly lists multicultural context as a key category. Almost every relationship we have is transcultural in one way or another. If you teach transcultural psychotherapy then this creative contribution of a historical fiction will merit heading an essential reading list. It has an entire section on starting a book reading group. In case you are wondering why I am raving on about this novel, read it and find out! I predict you will be captivated like I have been.

Nadine Bjursten I thank you for breathing your caring and passion in the words you have written, particularly at a time when the world is on the brink of WW3 and inspiring hope.

WJAlladin PsyD, Clinical Director, Centre for Couples, Narrative Coaching & Posttraumatic Stress, London, UK,

This was a really emotional and character driven novel mainly following a young woman named Amineh, beginning in 1977 in Iran, continuing until the novel’s epilogue in 2009. Amineh grows and changes as we all do, throughout this time, influenced by the friends, romantic entanglements, and world events around her. I loved this story of Amineh, and I think it will go down as one of the classics.

Thanks to Netgalley for this inspirational read!

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

A character-driven novel following Amineh as she lives amidst the turmoil of post-revolution Iran and its ensuing arm’s race. This is a novel about love's many forms, grief's many faces, and the indomitable human spirit. I will be carrying Amineh with me for a long time. Reminded me in a lot of ways of Elena Ferrante's Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay in its contemplative tone, uncertain atmosphere, and familial themes. Also, Bjursten’s food writing throughout this novel is incomparable. Pomegranate soup is on the menu this fall.

Much gratitude to NetGalley for offering this title as an ARC.

"Half a Cup of Sand and Sky" by Nadine Bjursten is a beautifully woven narrative that transports readers to a turbulent period in Iran's history, against the backdrop of the 1977 anti-shah protests. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Amineh, we are offered a poignant and evocative journey into a world of nostalgia, longing, and unexpected transformation.

At its heart, this novel is a powerful exploration of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in a time of upheaval. Amineh's desire to escape the present chaos and reconnect with her past, characterized by rose harvests, poetry evenings, and cherished memories of her parents, is a universal yearning that resonates with readers. Her chance encounter with the opposition leader, Farzad, thrusts her into a reality she didn't anticipate, exposing her to the harsh realities of political tyranny.

Nadine Bjursten's writing is both lyrical and immersive, painting a vivid picture of a bygone era and the emotions that swirl within Amineh's heart. The novel skillfully captures the tension and uncertainty of the political climate in Iran during that time, providing readers with a deep understanding of the struggles faced by its people.

As the narrative unfolds, Amineh's journey becomes a metaphor for personal growth and resilience. She discovers that the answers she seeks may not be found in her past but rather in her ability to adapt and find purpose in the midst of chaos. This theme of self-discovery and empowerment adds a layer of depth to the story, making it a compelling read for those interested in coming-of-age narratives.

"Half a Cup of Sand and Sky" is not just a historical novel; it's a reflection on the timeless themes of self-discovery and the enduring human spirit. It invites readers to ponder the significance of our individual journeys and the ways in which we navigate the complexities of our own lives in the face of external turmoil.

In summary, Nadine Bjursten's "Half a Cup of Sand and Sky" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that transports readers to a pivotal moment in history while exploring universal themes of nostalgia, self-discovery, and the indomitable human spirit. It is a testament to the enduring power of literature to illuminate the human experience, even in the darkest of times. This book is a compelling and thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

In 1977 Amina is living in Tehran. She is a college student and there is a lot of political turmoil. Her fellow students are actively working/protesting to see regime change in their beloved county. Her friend drags Amina along one evening to a student protest gathering. Amina meets a charismatic man who happens to be a prominent opposition leader. They are immediately infatuated and marry quickly. Amina is thrust into a life she didn’t bargain for. The political situation gets worse and worse over the years and Amina loses herself as she tries to be the perfect wife and mother.

I really enjoyed this book. I have come to love books set in the Middle East. I believe that the portrait of the Middle East that has been portrayed in the United States media and by our leadership is far from the whole picture. It is such a narrow view that it’s almost a lie.

loved that this novel really showed the different types of love we can experience with different partners, as well as the different ways that guilt and grief can manifest. I also really appreciated getting some great context on real life events in a way that only a historical fiction or a memoir can, from that first person perspective. It also was a great POV to gain some understanding on early activism against nuclear weapons, a goal that will ring very true to anyone who saw Oppenheimer this summer. That movie really centered the American perspective, as do many stories written by American authors, but I enjoyed that this one had the perspective mainly of Iranian characters, as well as perspectives from Israeli, Jordanian, and Swedish characters. At the end of the text, Amineh is no longer mourning the parts of herself that became more dormant as she became a wife and mother, something she blamed herself for but that seemed pretty natural to me! It was really good to see her gain some closure and perspective and come to the realization that we all go through seasons, and that those aspects of her are still alive and well. Amineh is the kind of character who is both relatable and aspirational, as she is very strong, determined, and intelligent. I enjoyed this book a lot, and am grateful to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.

The story is so beautifully executed yet the writing wasn't for me i guess. I liked the characters and enjoyed the overall character development. I'd recommend this if you'd like to read more books set in Iran.

I haven't read any book set in Iran so I found the book very informative in that area. The central character, Amineh, is beautifully developed and layered.

I think at times the focus of the book wavers between the personal and the political a bit too much for my taste.
For that reason, some parts just dragged on. But I did enjoy it on the whole and have saved some quotes I'll definitely go back to from time to time.

Beautifully written and covering a place in time that is not covered extensively in Western fiction. I liked the characters but had a hard time following the many connections and the complex context of the times. Worth reading but a little more work than I would have liked=.

I give this book 3.5 stars. It kept my interest, but I kept hoping for more to the story since it centered around turbulent times in Iran. More of a story about love, family, poetry, and atomic bombs, I found myself trying to finish quickly.

This book took me on an exhilarating journey from Iran during oppression to a free Sweden. We get to follow the character Amineh and her journey both as a mother and person. The scenes are elaborately crafted with beautiful langauge

The short chapters and long list of characters made the story hard to follow at times. It was only towards the end that I felt a connection to Amineh and at times, the long sections on nuclear weapons read too much like a textbook. That said, I think the relationships were the book’s strength: Amineh’s relationship with her best friend and her uncle felt very real and I enjoyed Ava’s character development.