THE BIRD TATTOO

Vaneh Assadourian is a strong guide for this novel about a young woman in Yazd, Iran. Helen's life is impacted when the increasing extremism taking place in the nation reaches her remote village. Assadourian's narration is assured and purposeful, much like Helen's personality. Listeners will sympathize with the ups and downs of the young woman's life, which eventually pits her against the political movements building in her country. Assadourian accurately represents the nation's language and culture. Listeners will root for Helen as she finds and then loses love--and battles for her freedom from enslavers who have declared themselves soldiers. Assadourian capably humanizes this dark, tumultuous period in Iran for an international audience. M.R. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2023]