Half a Cup of Sand and Sky
A Novel
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Narrated by:
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Marzi Nikka
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By:
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Nadine Bjursten
About this listen
It is 1977, and 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 on the beautiful literature of another era and her past of rose harvests and Sufi poetry evenings under the desert sky. A chance encounter with Farzad, an opposition leader and disarmament activist, will thrust her into a life she didnt ask for and didnt want. Nobody wanted the tyranny that is quickly turning worse than the tyranny it replaced. But maybe Amineh has been looking at her life all wrong.
Maybe the thing she is seeking is not in the past at all.
©2023 Nadine Bjursten (P)2024 Nadine BjurstenCritic reviews
Bjursten immerses readers in a life, a nation, and an era. . . Publishers Weekly, Editor's Pick
Brilliantly layered and beautifully written, this PEN America finalist is both a searing character portrait and an incisive examination of Iranian history, which is at once moving and illuminating. The Independent Review of Books, Reviewers Pick
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What listeners say about Half a Cup of Sand and Sky
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Maryam
- 12-22-24
"A Journey Through Amina’s World: A Tale of Love, Culture, and Resilience by Nadine Bjursten, Brought to Life by Marzi Nikkhah"
The story is exceptionally strong, and Nadine Bjursten's portrayal is both unique and remarkably simple, making it accessible to all audiences, even those unfamiliar with Persian or Iranian culture, food, and traditions. It unfolds like a life journey, capturing the essence of its characters and their experiences since Iran's revolution altered and reshaped Iranian lives—without villainizing anyone. I savored every chapter, living for a week alongside Amina and her story. I doubt reading the book would have brought me as much joy as listening to Marzi Nikkhah's exquisite narration.
Marzi's performance is masterful; the way she navigates the story and its words feels like adding spice, enhancing the vibrant hues of the narrative. It’s as if she created a flawless recipe that many listeners, like me, will deeply appreciate. There were moments I laughed, smiled, and even cried—a rare experience for someone who thought they'd forgotten how. This book transported me thousands of miles to Iran, allowing me to feel Amina’s pain, smell her food, and hear her children’s playful antics.
Nadine beautifully captured a culture she does not belong to, yet her observations are so profound it feels as though she may have been Persian in a past life. Coupled with Marzi Nikkhah’s calming, silky voice, the narration draws you in so completely that you never wish for the story to end. Thank you, Nadine and Amina, for crafting a tale that begins and concludes so gracefully. And thank you, Marzi, for introducing a fresh and brilliant approach to audiobook narration. Having listened to many audiobooks over the years, I can confidently say Marzi’s performance delivered unparalleled emotion without overstepping the bounds of the text—a truly gifted and talented storyteller.
I highly recommend this book. As a Persian, I encourage listeners to embrace this love story without criticism, judgment, or the need to take sides. Set aside preconceived notions and simply immerse yourself in a woman’s story—one that resonates with countless Persian women across generations.
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