Bird of Passage is a fascinating account of a woman, Mitra, born in Iran who moves through the world looking for love, spiritual healing, and an understanding of what has happened to her homeland. Due to the well-constructed plot arc, Mitra will feel like a dear friend by the end of the book.

The plotting of this elaborate novel moves like a dramatic tapestry, skillfully designed and displayed. As Seen through Mitra's perceptions, the author explores in depth the culture, history, and chaos of a rebellion scarred homeland.

Wherever Mitra goes, she finds adventure, insecurity, romance, danger and, at times, disappointment. Yet her inner strength remains honed to the tasks that face her. Her namesake, from Indo-Persian mythology, is a wise woman who speaks truth, “with a thousand ears…ten thousand eyes.” This fortitude will be especially needed for her, as when following the ascension to power of the Khomeini regime in Iran.

Mitra's dynamic adventures so meticulously parsed will inevitably raise important questions for American readers about the U.S. and its actions in the worldwide political panorama, and be challenged to carefully consider the dilemma of those who, dominated by an oppressive regime, are forced to express loyalty to leaders they have not chosen. However, an uplifting balance is struck in the narrative, stressing the importance of listening to one's inner voice.

In a time of worldwide upheaval, Bird of Passage is not only beautifully told, but important for a wide range of readers, as it meshes romance, intrigue, scholarly wisdom, and the lively, credible feelings of a woman of the world poring over her proper place in it. Mitra's saga, imbued with cinematic intensity, has the power to reach, engage, and motivate readers of many cultures and convictions.

Nooshie Motaref

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