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I bought this book last year, during my depression days. It’s hard to read it ‘cause the setting was full of anxiety. I feel like I’m becoming more depressed as I continue reading their journey.
Setting: Islamic Revolution (1979)
Pari offers a vivid picture of the turbulent era. She shared how the Persians lived during the Revolution, and how the rich people flee the country. She also described the poverty and destruction that damaged the whole Iran. I feel like I was part of the revolution while I was reading the novel. Hmm. I believe it was one of the easiest way to travel back in time. If you’re up for some time travel people, please read that novel. OK?
Characters:
Layla - The story is about her marriage, her separation to newly-wed husband, being caught and being tortured, her escape, and her exile in Iran. She was a person full of hope amidst all the pain and suffering she passed. She fought for her life for the sake of her husband and their child who was months old during her suffering.
Dariush - The husband of Layla, who was sent to the war front during the revolution. His death was falsificated, and was hidden in her grandmother’s house to heal. Amidst the weakness of his body, his heart believed that Layla was waiting for him. A man with his love for Iran, but got tired of the revolution and lost hope that it would be the same again.
Miriam - Dariush’s cousin. She took care of him when he was still weak and unconscious. I can say she was a puppet of her grandmother since her desire is to hear praises from her. She tried to forget all the Western influences just to make sure she won’t disappoint her granny. In the end, she decided to kill herself, and accept the fact that she’ll never get the approval that she needed from her grandparent.
Amir - The crazy person. Haha! He’s Dariush friend and enemy, based on the scene when he was about to kill our hero. He was supposed to help Layla and Dariush to get back to America after their wedding, but he’s missing in action. When he found out Layla’s escape, he looked for her, took the chance to be close to her, and tried to get her love. He worked with Dariush’s granny to hide the man and make Layla believe that her husband is already dead. In the end, he was lost, killed by his ex-girlfriend.
Maman Bozorg - The granny. She's one of the most annoying characters in this novel. She always wanted to be in control, to be superior, and to be the best person in the eyes of her children. She wise enough to use her connections to manipulate everything. I can only imagine how she manages to handle that harsh situation with her illness!
Love amidst the war, family interruptions, and distance. You’ll surely love how the characters fought for their love and desire. You’ll be amazed on how Layla fought to contradict the fortune catcher’s belief that she and Dariush won’t be together forever. Your heart will melt knowing how Dariush tried to recover each day, drawing Layla’s face again and again, and planning to get back to her when he’s already strong. I felt pity for Mariam, honestly. As the granny’s puppet, she was the one who got scolded most of the time. She had a hard time of choosing between friendship, love, and family.
Personal Comment:
Love conquers all. I believe this is one of the statements that you'll learn once you finished reading this novel. Layla and Dariush fought for their love, amidst the “reading of their stars (according to the fortune catcher), amidst their Granny’s rejection, and amidst the problem in their home country. I am definitely sure that they’ll have a stronger relationship after all the pain that they’ve passed.
It seems impossible to happen in real life, I know. For me, it’s hard to stay strong when you and your child is at the verge of death. Waiting for your turn to be publicly executed? That's really terrifying! However, it gave me strength and hope for the future. If (and only if) I’ll be on Layla’s situation, I won’t get cold feet and wait for my death. Fighting is the best thing to do.
The thing is, I’m not a fan of novels with depressing storyline. However, The Fortune Catcher made me realize that reading them is worth a try.
Final rating: 4 Stars
Love,
thedespicablehuntress
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