Title: Take What You Can Carry
Author: Gian Sardar
First published May 1, 2021
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.36
Overview
Take What You Can Carry by Gian Sardar is a heart-wrenching novel that takes readers on an emotional journey through the chaos of war-torn Kurdistan. Olivia Murray, an aspiring photographer, is determined to make a difference with her work.
When she accompanies her Kurdish boyfriend, Delan, to northern Iraq for a family wedding, she is whisked away into a world of danger and fear. As the return home proves less safe than anticipated, Olivia is forced to face the harsh reality of a town patrolled by Iraqi military under curfew and constant threat.
Amidst the chaos, however, there are moments of beauty and kindness that flourish unexpectedly. When Olivia captures a tragic moment on film, it upends all their lives and proves that true bravery begins with an open heart.
This poignant novel showcases the power of love, hope, and perseverance in the face of unimaginable adversity.
About the Author
Hi there! My name is the author and I’m excited to share that I have a new novel coming out called TAKE WHAT YOU CAN CARRY, along with another book I’ve written called YOU WERE HERE. I also had the pleasure of co-authoring a book called PSYCHIC JUNKIE.
Something that has always fascinated me is the idea that our deepest fears, loves, and interests may have roots in past lives that we can’t quite remember. Perhaps it’s all just a coincidence, but then again, maybe it’s not.
Have you ever met someone for the first time and felt like you already knew them? Or maybe you keep dreaming of a world that doesn’t belong to you.
These are the sorts of mysteries that I delve into in YOU WERE HERE, a novel that also plays with the tension created when the reader knows more than the characters.
Although I currently reside in Los Angeles, I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Colorado and Minnesota, two states I’ve called home in the past. In my free time, I can usually be found reading, gardening, watching football, baking, or finding new ways to procrastinate.
If you have any questions for me, I’m happy to answer them. Thanks for taking the time to read this!
Editoral Review
Take What You Can Carry by Gian Sardar is a hauntingly beautiful novel that delves into the complexities of family, identity, and the search for belonging. Sardar is an award-winning author whose previous works include You Were Here and Psychic Junkie.
In her latest book, Sardar explores the lives of two women, one in present-day Los Angeles and the other in 1945 Germany, whose lives are connected by a shared family history.
The novel is a blend of historical fiction and contemporary drama, making it a fascinating read for fans of both genres. Sardar’s writing style is exquisite, with vivid descriptions and lyrical prose that transport the reader to the different time periods and settings.
The themes of identity and belonging are woven throughout the story, as the two main characters struggle to come to terms with their past and find a sense of place in the world.
The plot revolves around the discovery of a family secret that sends the protagonist, Ava, on a journey to uncover the truth about her grandmother’s past in Nazi Germany. Along the way, she meets a cast of intriguing characters, including a Holocaust survivor and a former Stasi agent.
The historical elements of the story are well-researched and provide a fascinating glimpse into a dark period of history.
The characters in Take What You Can Carry are complex and multi-dimensional, with their own flaws and struggles. Sardar does an excellent job of developing these characters throughout the course of the novel, making them feel like real people with real emotions and motivations.
The pacing of the story is steady, with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of the themes of family and identity. Sardar examines the ways in which our family history shapes who we are and how we see ourselves in the world.
She also touches on the complexities of cultural identity, particularly for those who come from mixed-race backgrounds.
While the novel is certainly compelling, it does have some weaknesses. The ending feels somewhat rushed and unsatisfying, leaving a few loose ends that could have been tied up more neatly.
Additionally, some readers may find the historical elements of the story to be somewhat heavy-handed.
Overall, Take What You Can Carry is a beautifully written novel that explores complex themes with sensitivity and grace. Fans of historical fiction and contemporary drama alike will find much to enjoy in this book.
It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of family, identity, and the search for belonging. We give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
