Paperback Dreams

Funny in Farsi

by Firoozeh Dumas

My world is blanketed with snow and ice, and I am subsequently trapped in my home. I do not think any book could have hit the spot better for such an occasion. I have spent the weekend ensconced in afghans on my reading chaise with my trusty hound snuggled close, the Christmas tree as a backdrop, steaming hot cocoa by my side, this book clutched in my greedy little hands. It has been the best weekend I’ve had in ages! A delightful return to the gothic novels of my youth, hints of some tried-and-true favorites, excellent characters, riveting plot, solid writing. So much better than I dared hope it would be. It gets an automatic five stars for giving me the perfect day and reminding me of what reading and fiction can do.