Book Clubs
Welcome, Readers!
There is nothing quite like the shared experience of a great story. I love connecting with book clubs and hearing how my work resonates with readers from all walks of life. Whether your group meets in a living room with wine and cheese or connects virtually across time zones, I would be thrilled to join you.
In the Time of Our History
In a powerful novel that is at once a multi-generational Iranian-American saga and an intimate, moving story of mothers and daughters, Susanne Pari explores the entangled lives of the Jahani family, exiled and forging new lives in an America on the cusp of upheaval.
Twelve months after her younger sister Anahita’s death, Mitra Jahani reluctantly returns to her family’s home in suburban New Jersey to observe the Iranian custom of “The One Year.” Mitra has spent her adult life liberating herself from such traditions. She doesn’t need to gather with gossipy relatives over fragrant saffron rice pudding and eggplant khoresh to remember and grieve for Ana. Her sister, as dutiful and sweet as Mitra was rebellious, is always in her heart, and so is the guilt that Mitra can neither reveal nor assuage.
The "One Year" Tradition
The novel opens with the Iranian custom of the “One Year” anniversary of a death. How does this structured period of mourning compare to the grieving traditions in your own culture or family? Do you think it helps or hinders the healing process?
Mitra vs. Anahita
Mitra and her late sister Anahita choose different paths—one openly rebellious, the other ostensibly dutiful. In what ways were both sisters “trapped” by their father’s expectations?
Shireen’s Evolution
Shireen, the mother, is often caught between her husband’s demands and her love for her daughters. How does her character evolve throughout the book? Did you find her actions at the end surprising?
The Immigrant Experience
The Jahani family is described as a “tribe” trying to maintain its identity in a new land. How does the novel portray the tension between assimilation and preserving one’s heritage?
Secrets & Protection
Many characters in the book keep secrets to “protect” others. Is lying ever justified in a family setting? How did these secrets ultimately damage the family dynamic?
Invite Susanne to Your Meeting
There is nothing quite like the shared experience of a great story. Susanne loves connecting with book clubs and hearing how her work resonates with readers from all walks of life. Whether your group meets in a living room with wine and cheese or connects virtually across time zones, this page is designed to enhance your discussion.