Sky of Red Poppies begins with a casual friendship between two schoolgirls coming of age in a politically divided 1960's Iran under rule of the Shah. Roya, the daughter of a prominent family, is envious of the fierce independence of her religious classmate Shireen. But Shireen has secrets of her own. Together, Roya and Shireen contend with becoming the women they want to be, and in doing so, make decisions that will cause their tragic undoing. In the unraveling of family secrets, Roya begins to question how she was raised and how to become the person she wishes to be. Set against the backdrop of a nation forced to mute its profound identity, Sky of Red Poppies is a novel about culture, politics and the redeeming power of friendships.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
"For many years I have had the privilege of publishing. Ghahremani's charming, nostalgia-laced words of wisdom on the
pages of iranian.com. Now it's time for a broader audience to enjoy a heartfelt journey into a fascinating life."
--Jahanshah Javid, iranian.com
"Ghahremani is that wonderful kind of writer who tells compelling stories in rich and lyrical language. Sky of Red Poppies
is an illustration of her mastery of both."
--Judy Reeves, author of A Writer's Book of Days
"Ghahremani understands the many conditions of the human heart... Sky of Red Poppies is a compassionate story of universal truths."
--Yvonne Nelson Perry, author of The Other Side of the Island
"Sky of Red Poppies is the moving story of relationships tested under the most stressful of human conditions, that of a repressive government. Ghahremani writes with warmth, humanity and a poet's vision."
--Claire Accomando, author of Love and Rutabaga
"Set against the backdrop of a pre-revolution Iran, Sky of Red Poppies is a poetic epic and a powerful read."
--Jonathan Yang, author of Exclusively Chloe
pages of iranian.com. Now it's time for a broader audience to enjoy a heartfelt journey into a fascinating life."
--Jahanshah Javid, iranian.com
"Ghahremani is that wonderful kind of writer who tells compelling stories in rich and lyrical language. Sky of Red Poppies
is an illustration of her mastery of both."
--Judy Reeves, author of A Writer's Book of Days
"Ghahremani understands the many conditions of the human heart... Sky of Red Poppies is a compassionate story of universal truths."
--Yvonne Nelson Perry, author of The Other Side of the Island
"Sky of Red Poppies is the moving story of relationships tested under the most stressful of human conditions, that of a repressive government. Ghahremani writes with warmth, humanity and a poet's vision."
--Claire Accomando, author of Love and Rutabaga
"Set against the backdrop of a pre-revolution Iran, Sky of Red Poppies is a poetic epic and a powerful read."
--Jonathan Yang, author of Exclusively Chloe
From the Author
I wrote this book for two main reasons: First, to let the world hear the hushed voices of those who sacrificed all they had in search of a freedom they never found. And second, as a legacy to my three American born children in hopes of answering some of their questions regarding the past four decades of Iran and the lives of their parents' generation of Iranians. Little did I know that readers nationwide would love it.
It was the readers' support that made Sky of Red Poppies a 2012 One Book, One San Diego selection and in addition, they greeted me to more than a hundred book clubs. When asked on a radio interview, what did I think was the main reason for my book's unprecedented success, I gave my answer in a verse from Sa'adi - the thirteenth century poet of Iran, "A word that rises from one heart, will have no choice but to land in another."
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Customer Reviews
“ The author transformed this way of living in Iran to a moving story of love and loyalty that is hard to believe exists amongst such cruelty and domineering government. ”
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 29 people found the following review helpful
By rafi K
Format:Paperback
I am not the most avid of readers out there, but I have read some books in my day. Amongst those were a few that really captivated my soul and Sky of Red Poppies is now amongst them. I personally enjoy the book for its scholarly integrity; the author's way of weaving poetry into a riveting story full of twists and turns. I find Ghahremani's artistry delightful and the novel's lead highly intriguing. The story itself feels very real. This is the kind of book that should become part of many a school's curriculum because it really does have so much to offer the reader on so many levels. I feel lucky to have been given the opportunity to read this masterpiece.
35 of 39 people found the following review helpful
By mandana
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am someone who has a very busy life. The time that I spent every night reading before I go to bed is very special to me. When I was reading SKY OF RED PUPPIES, every night, I was taken to another time( the time that I was 16-17 years old) . I love the way she wrote this book. I cried, smiled, and enjoyed the book. As simple as this. I hope whoever reads this book enjoy it as much as I did.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I love when I begin a novel and I can't put it down, yet this doesn't happen very often... at least not to me. It makes me feel like a true book worm delving into a story and then genuinely feeling it. It becomes part of me; the characters become real, and sometimes even become my friends that stay with me long after the story is over. This is Roya for me, and the Sky of Red Poppies.
I can't begin to express all of the ways I love this book and all of the delights it brought me. The imaginative language, the poetic presence, the enthralling story, and the rich characters, are all worth more than reading. They are worth befriending, and allowing into your psyche, into your own story.
I find myself thinking of the Sky of Red Poppies weeks after putting it down. There is a new meaning to the flower when I see a poppy, a feeling of connectedness and fear when I read of the current political events of the Middle East, and a newfound interest in Iranian history.
Sky of Red Poppies is an account that widens not only ones understanding of Iran, but also the breadth of emotions of ones heart. I would recommend this book to all those who would like to hear a riveting tale, or meet a charming friend whom they will not soon forget.
I can't begin to express all of the ways I love this book and all of the delights it brought me. The imaginative language, the poetic presence, the enthralling story, and the rich characters, are all worth more than reading. They are worth befriending, and allowing into your psyche, into your own story.
I find myself thinking of the Sky of Red Poppies weeks after putting it down. There is a new meaning to the flower when I see a poppy, a feeling of connectedness and fear when I read of the current political events of the Middle East, and a newfound interest in Iranian history.
Sky of Red Poppies is an account that widens not only ones understanding of Iran, but also the breadth of emotions of ones heart. I would recommend this book to all those who would like to hear a riveting tale, or meet a charming friend whom they will not soon forget.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have read many many novels by Iranian Americans that take place near and around the Iranian revolution. However, none has captured me as quickly as this novel. I read the entire novel in one sitting. Ms. Ghahremani does an amazing job weaving a beautiful story about two friends as they come of age in Iran during the turmoil before the revolution. Soon after reading chapter one, you instantly feel as though you are journeying with these two friends and have known them forever. This debut novel is amazing. I do not have the power of prose of Ms. Ghahremani, for this review does not do justice. I highly recommend reading this book. Sepideh M.
10 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Lynn Green
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
The book is interesting but poorly written. The author changes subjects too abruptly and seems to rush the plot. The subject matter is interesting, I just wish the author would spend more time describing specific incidents rather than rushing onto the next idea.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Sky of Red Poppies grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. I found myself staying up late to read just a few more pages, then waking in the middle of the night for just one more. The paradox of poetry and political imprisonment, friendship and betrayal, so many levels of insight and longing, it left me hungry for a sequel. This is a book I won't give away. It will remain on my shelf to recommend to and share with friends and family. Sky of Red Poppies has an honored home in my home and in my heart.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Sharon
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Truly enjoyed a peek into the life of a young female in another culture, especially one so different from mine. Gives one an appreciation of the day to day freedoms we enjoy.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is informative, beautiful, and carries incredible depth
October 4, 2012
By Seth
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I love this book for its simple and relatable narrative which delves into so many deeper things. It taught me a wealth of information about Iran's culture, its people, a snapshot of its history, and about the author herself. Whether you pick it up for its theme of friendship, its political intrigue, its stunning mosaic of the Iranian people, or for no reason at all, you'll get enjoyment out of something that you hadn't expected.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
too hard to follow
This book should be better. The subject matter is interesting, but the writer is in too much of a hurry and that seriously detracts from the story. Read more
Published 4 days ago by R. Mccollum
4.0 out of 5 stars
I like this book
I enjoyed reading this book. It really helped me to understand more about Iran before revolution. It is simple and it is part of history
Published 7 days ago by negar
4.0 out of 5 stars
Story of a culture unfamiliar and interesting
A number of authors have written books in the past few years about near eastern society and this joins the group of interesting ones. Read more
Published 8 days ago by grey Blondie
4.0 out of 5 stars
Odessa . TEXAS
I chose to read Sky of Red Poppies because of the culture which the book was written. Living in the United States of America , it's hard to imagine the control the government has... Read more
Published 12 days ago by Myra Raney
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enlightening
This author writes in a poetic way using poetry to enlighten and teach and reveal the character of the people. Read more
Published 14 days ago by Gayle Bramwell
4.0 out of 5 stars
a good read
The only part that I was disappointed with was the ending. However since I assume this is based on reality, it would be hard to change it and keep the integrity of the story.
Published 14 days ago by pachek
1.0 out of 5 stars
Never received item.
Was sent to the wrong address. Never received item. Sent emails explaining. Was told when they receive item back they will reshape. Still waiting.
Published 16 days ago by cynthia perry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent book!
This book was educational as well as suspenseful. I loved the characters and couldn't put it down till the end. I cried a little as well. Entertaining all the way through.
Published 16 days ago by Vicki Keanu
5.0 out of 5 stars
An awesome read!
I loved this book and read it every chance I got. It's well-written, touching and suspenseful until the very end. Read more
Published 22 days ago by Lavesta Gal
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful read
Couldn't put it down... excellent writing. A rich emotional story that captures the young soul of any reader. I highly recommended!
Published 28 days ago by Caroline
Book Extras from the Shelfari Community
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More About the Author
Bio:
Zohreh Khazai Ghahremani (Zoe) says she was a dentist in another life! She attended Ferdowsi University in Iran and specialized in Pediatric Dentistry at London University, England. After more than two decades of practicing in the Chicago area and teaching at Northwestern University Dental School, she moved to California to follow her passion and be a full-time writer.
Zohreh is a poet/writer both in Persian and English. Her debut novel in English, Sky of Red Poppies, was selected by San Diego Public Libraries and KPBS as a One Book, One San Diego 2012. Her sophomore novel, The Moon Daughter has just been released. Ghahremani's first book, in Persian, Shareek-e-gham/Commiserator), came out in 2000.
An immigrant, Zoe draws heavily from her Iranian-American culture in her writing. Her work has won several other awards, including first place in the California Stories (2005), San Diego Book Awards (2004), and Best Fiction at Santa Barbara Writers Conference (2004). Hundreds of her articles and short stories have appeared in US and foreign publications. She is currently a columnist for Zan Magazine. Although Sky of Red Poppies was her first novel, it is now on the reading list for many high schools and colleges. In one radio interview, the author was asked what had contributed the most to such success? She responded with the translation of an old Persian poem, "A word that rises from one heart / has no choice but to land in another."
Zohreh is a frequent public speaker, and has been featured on Voice of America, KPBS, KIRN radio in Los Angeles, and Jazz Radio in San Diego and has been invited to speak at a number of universities including University of Chicago, Georgetown University, U.C. Berkeley, San Diego State University, UCSD, San Diego City College, and San Francisco State University. In addition to speaking about her writing, Ghahremani is a motivational speaker on how to pursue your dreams, and shares the experience that helped her to reach a seemingly impossible goal.
When not writing, Zoe enjoys gardening and painting, for which she has held several shows in California. For more information please visit www.zoeghahremani.com
To schedule a talk or arrange an interview, please contact zoeg2010@gmail.com or call 858-459-3333.
Zohreh Khazai Ghahremani (Zoe) says she was a dentist in another life! She attended Ferdowsi University in Iran and specialized in Pediatric Dentistry at London University, England. After more than two decades of practicing in the Chicago area and teaching at Northwestern University Dental School, she moved to California to follow her passion and be a full-time writer.
Zohreh is a poet/writer both in Persian and English. Her debut novel in English, Sky of Red Poppies, was selected by San Diego Public Libraries and KPBS as a One Book, One San Diego 2012. Her sophomore novel, The Moon Daughter has just been released. Ghahremani's first book, in Persian, Shareek-e-gham/Commiserator), came out in 2000.
An immigrant, Zoe draws heavily from her Iranian-American culture in her writing. Her work has won several other awards, including first place in the California Stories (2005), San Diego Book Awards (2004), and Best Fiction at Santa Barbara Writers Conference (2004). Hundreds of her articles and short stories have appeared in US and foreign publications. She is currently a columnist for Zan Magazine. Although Sky of Red Poppies was her first novel, it is now on the reading list for many high schools and colleges. In one radio interview, the author was asked what had contributed the most to such success? She responded with the translation of an old Persian poem, "A word that rises from one heart / has no choice but to land in another."
Zohreh is a frequent public speaker, and has been featured on Voice of America, KPBS, KIRN radio in Los Angeles, and Jazz Radio in San Diego and has been invited to speak at a number of universities including University of Chicago, Georgetown University, U.C. Berkeley, San Diego State University, UCSD, San Diego City College, and San Francisco State University. In addition to speaking about her writing, Ghahremani is a motivational speaker on how to pursue your dreams, and shares the experience that helped her to reach a seemingly impossible goal.
When not writing, Zoe enjoys gardening and painting, for which she has held several shows in California. For more information please visit www.zoeghahremani.com
To schedule a talk or arrange an interview, please contact zoeg2010@gmail.com or call 858-459-3333.
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