Love and War in the Jewish Quarter by Dora Levy Mossanen Narrator: Steven Jay Cohen
Published by Tantor Audio on 12-13-22
Genres: Historical Fiction
Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Narrator, Publisher
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Overal Rating:
A breathtaking journey across Iran where war and superstition, jealousy and betrayal, and passion and loyalty rage behind the impenetrable walls of mansions and the crumbling houses of the Jewish Quarter.
Against the tumultuous background of World War II, Dr. Yaran will find himself caught in the thrall of the anti-Semitic Governor General, the most powerful man in the country. Dr. Yaran falls in love with the Governor General’s defiant wife, Velvet, upending not only the life of the doctor’s beloved daughter, but the entire community. In his quest to save everything and everyone he loves, Dr. Yaran will navigate the intersections of magic, science, lust, and treachery. His sole ally is the Governor General’s servant, an exotic eunuch, who will do anything to aid his mistress in her dangerous quest to attain forbidden love.
This is a captivating historical novel that takes readers on a journey through the complexities of life in Teheran, Iran, during World War II. With its beautiful prose, intricate character development, and rich historical backdrop, the book offers a compelling and immersive reading experience.
One of the standout features of Mossanen’s writing is her ability to craft poetic and evocative sentences. Her prose flows effortlessly, painting vivid images of the setting and creating an immersive atmosphere that transports readers to a different time and place.
Set against the backdrop of Teheran during World War II, the novel offers a unique perspective on a lesser-known period in history. Mossanen expertly weaves together the historical events and cultural intricacies of the time, immersing readers in a world filled with political tension, wartime challenges, and the resilience of the human spirit. The author’s meticulous research shines through, and the rich historical context adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.
One minor drawback of the story is its portrayal of homosexuality. The book, set in the 1940s, reflects the attitudes and biases of the time and place, which unfortunately includes criticism of homosexuality. It is important to remember that the novel was published recently and not during the time it is set in.
The warm and expressive narration by Steven Jay Cohen enhances the audiobook edition. His skillful delivery brings the characters to life, capturing their emotions and infusing the story with an additional layer of depth. Cohen’s narration adds an immersive element to the experience, making it a delight for the listeners.
This book is a beautifully written historical novel that intertwines love, war, and the complexities of making impossible decisions. Despite the criticism of homosexuality within the book, I found it to be an engaging read, and I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in this specific period of human history.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.| Story (Plot) |
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My name is Elena. Since I was a little child I loved science fiction and fantasy, and I can’t resist a good novel. In 2015, while wait I started to listen to audiobooks and I discovered the pleasure in being able to read while doing my daily tasks, so there’s always an audiobook playing on my phone. If you see me with my Bluetooth headphones on, please be gentle, I get easily startled.
I live with my boyfriend, which I met during my six-year stay in Belgium, four cockatiels, eight lovebirds, and a hamster in Madrid, Spain; and I like to spend my free time knitting and sewing while listening to audiobooks.
