This is the story of Shirina, a moderate Shi'ite Muslim, born in Iran and now living in Mosul, Iraq.
The novel opens with an occurrence that was becoming all too commonplace not only in Iraq but throughout the diaspora. Suicide bombings.
The devastation and desolation from them are immense, bloody, and terrifyingly real.
The hatred and gross anger and frustration shown by Shirina towards everyone who has caused this callous butchery, particularly the USA, is blatantly apparent and crystal clear in the absorbing narrative.
Shirina had been a happy (only) child, with a good, loving, and normal upbringing by parents who were very well-natured, hearty, and loving, caring, spiritually rich, and well-intentioned people.