Christine Alexanians

A beautiful story. When I finished reading it,I cried as if I knew Nastia.
I was only faintly aware of the Persian culture and traditions (since my family left Iran when I was very young) so this book taught me a lot!
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who is in the same boat as me, as well as anyone who has nothing to do with this culture since not only it is a remarkable and beautiful story, but also one that will broaden your knowledge.


I love this book for its descriptive style and straightforward text; it takes the reader through tales of love and despair with ease. The compelling scenes between two worlds keep you engaged to the end.
Our heroine Nastia is transplanted to a place she deems brutal, unsanitary and unjust towards women. In the face of hardship she conceals her wounds, tolerates each setback and conforms in order to survive; yet her feisty spirit never loses her voice against violence and abuse for those less fortunate. She brings truth where there is discord and comforts in the face of hatred.
Her curious nature guides us through a culture and its peoples enriched tradition as her family grows and her journey intensifies with intrigue.

 The author with her sister, Helen Manoucherian, at the book signing event in June 2015

The author with the hostess of the book signing event, Doris Nalbandian.