Sparks Like Stars

3.5 rounded up

A late entry on my 2021 favorites shelf. This was unexpectedly brilliant and heartbreaking and beautiful, and something I think others should read. Definitely a book club book, if you do that sort of thing.

Sitara grew up in Kabul in the late 70s, the daughter of a highly-ranked man in the president's inner circle. She was witness to the Afghan coup in 1978, flees the country and leaves the memories of her friends, family, and life behind her. Now, thirty years later, after Sitara has established herself in America under the identity of her dead sister (Aryana), she realizes she needs to bury her past so she can move forward as a successful oncology surgeon. We stay with Sitara/Aryana as she struggles to reconcile the lie she lives in America with wanting to give her family the burial they deserve. Making peace with your past is complicated, as it turns out.

I don't have much criticism of this book, except maybe that we spend a bit too long in America while Sitara spins her mental wheels. I enjoyed all parts of this book, but I can't help but feel the America segment could have been shorter and not sacrificed any emotional impact. The author's writing style was spectacular, though, and as a first introduction to Nadia Hashimi, this was a great first impression. I'm absolutely going to read more from her going forward.