In The Time of Our History by Suzanne Pari

A deeply moving story of an Iranian-American family in flux caught between the unyielding traditional patriarchy and rebellious women aching for more freedom. Fleeing Iran during the political revolution in the late 70's Yusef and Shireen come to America to settle and raise two daughters - Mitra the rebel and Anahita the pleaser. Mitra makes herself unmarriageable so that the younger Anahita can marry. Yusef cuts Mitra out of the family and the gap widens when Anahita is killed in a tragic accident. Mitra closes herself off emotionally from her boyfriend and what is left of the family but when a young woman in trouble turns to Mitra it will help her to open her heart and try to repair ties. For everything a man gets wrong the support of the women get right. Prevalent themes of sexual abuse, infidelity, class differences and the search for freedom and independence all play a major role as well as the behind the scenes support of these strong women. Readers and book clubs looking to immerse themselves in a rich culture with all the universal drama that goes on in every family will find much to love here.  4 1/2 stars