Critical Praise
“Brilliantly layered and beautifully written, this PEN America finalist is both a searing character portrait and an incisive examination of Iranian history, which is at once moving and illuminating.”
—The Independent Review of Books, Reviewer’s Pick
“A powerful and thought-provoking tale that delves into the intricate dynamics of love, politics, and the pursuit of personal identity.... This exceptional story will ignite your imagination and touch your heart.”
—Midwest Book Review
“Bjursten’s prose is clear, polished, and touched with poetry and insight but never getting in the way of the heart of the story: a woman fighting for her family, love, and freedom from political injustice. Well-drawn characters and a tangible sense of living through history will grip readers.... The final pages will bring tears.”
—Publishers Weekly, Editor’s Pick
“An engrossing tale of a woman's quest for love in a world threatened by nuclear proliferation and a nation struggling with the aftermath of a bloody revolution. Richly layered...a real gem.”
—Mahbod Seraji, author of ROOFTOPS OF TEHRAN
“...Enticing... Thought-provoking... An emotional historical journey through the recent history of nuclear armament.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A fascinating depiction of a period with far-reaching consequences in Iran’s history. Evocative, moving and informative.”
—Jacquie Bloese, author of THE FRENCH HOUSE
“A wise, beautiful novel featuring a woman facing the eternal challenge: how to create an authentic self. Amineh, our memorable heroine, emerges in a time of revolutionary change --- with its hope, fears, and dangers --- as well as usual gender expectations. Bjursten writes with subtlety about Amineh’s conflicts, skillfully weaving her into her historical context. I adored this book.”
—Joan Steinau Lester, PEN Josephine-Miles Award-winning author of LOVING BEFORE LOVING: A Marriage in Black and White
“From beautiful images of Iran, Sweden, and the UK, to heavily researched historical events, and to characters that are deeply human in their joys, mistakes, and dreams, Nadine Bjursten has written quite an exceptional book. This is a necessary story of maturity and resilience told from a perspective that is often overlooked by Western readers. HALF A CUP OF SAND AND SKY will captivate folks of all genres and ages with its craft, vitality, and wisdom.”
—Independent Book Review (starred review)
"A captivating story that respects the complexity of Iran and its history and shines a light on the many courageous Iranians striving for democracy, human security, and freedom."
—Trita Parsi, author of A SINGLE ROLL OF THE DICE and LOSING AN ENEMY
“A searing love story unfolds against the violent background of Iran's Islamic Revolution and the upheaval that followed.... Persian tradition combines with Iranian modernity to shape a rich tapestry of history and emotion.”
—Stephen Kinzer, author of ALL THE SHAH'S MEN
“Bjursten’s HALF A CUP OF SAND AND SKY beautifully balances global risks with the stakes of a single woman’s heart, imbuing both with compelling urgency.”
—Anne Welsbacher, IndieReader
“Bjursten's storytelling is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, making it a must-read for lovers of literary fiction. This novel is a testament to the power of literature to transport readers to different times and places while exploring the universal themes of the human experience.”
—Munir Muhammad, Readers’ Favorite
“Bjursten has spun a vibrant and sumptuous tale of a woman's odyssey amidst her country's political upheaval. HALF A CUP OF SAND AND SKY is a beautifully crafted novel following Amineh's journey to love and home.”
—Yasmine Beverly Rana, award-winning playwright of "The War Zone Is My Bed"
