In the Time of Our History

Pari’s (The Fortune Catcher) much-anticipated second novel captures the experience of an Iranian family living in the United States who try to reconcile traditional Iranian ways with a dizzying American lifestyle. Mitra Jahani wants more than what has been expected of her—an Iranian husband and children. She wants to exercise her self-determination to make her path in the world. In contrast, her sister, Anahita, was the perfect daughter who acceded to the will of the men in her family. After Anahita’s sudden death, Mitra, who believes that she is now free from her family’s influence, is plunged back into her old world when she returns to mark the first anniversary of her sister’s death. Past wounds open up, and Mitra feels bereft when she discovers she may not have known her sister after all. Iranian American narrator Mozhan Marnò employs a range of Persian accents and creates multilayered characterizations for Pari’s vibrant characters. Marnò’s acting experience shows in her passion for interpreting each character and revealing their complex personas.