Vulnerability and Strength
Forever, Now follows a woman going through a divorce who goes on a journey of self-discovery and learns to redefine what happiness is for her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from observing friends and family and listening to conversations about marriage and infidelity. I noticed how often people lose themselves in relationships, even when they know it’s not right for them. This can be extremely hard to navigate, but it can also be transformative to reclaim one’s identity. I wanted to explore the idea that divorce, while painful, can be a powerful catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth. Of course, every writer puts some of themselves in their material too!
A lot of time was spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
The most important factor was capturing the complexity of human nature, particularly in characters who are both charming and manipulative. I wanted to portray how a controlling person can exhibit manic depressive and narcissistic traits, projecting an image of power while being deeply vulnerable. This duality allows them to easily manipulate trusting partners, creating a dynamic that reflects the intricate and often painful realities of relationships.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore themes of self-discovery, the complexities of love and betrayal, and the struggle to find the strength to move on. I also delved into the effects of manipulation in relationships, highlighting how vulnerability and strength coexist within individuals. Ultimately, I aimed to illustrate that even in the darkest times, there’s potential for realization, self-respect, and finding happiness.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m currently working on a collection of short stories that includes a piece involving time travel. I’m excited about the themes I’m exploring, but I don’t have a release date yet. Stay tuned for updates!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Distinguished Favorites in the General Fiction category at the 2024 Paris Book Festival
Marriage was supposed to be happily ever after, but it turned out to be anything but.
Darya’s life takes an unexpected turn when she marries a man despite her intuition, believing in the promise of a happy and everlasting future. However, the façade of their seemingly perfect life begins to crumble when her husband’s infidelity and lies come to light, leaving their home and hearts shattered.
As Darya grapples with the pain of a broken marriage and the responsibilities of motherhood, she embarks on a quest to find her own happiness and purpose. Navigating through a heart-wrenching journey of betrayal, loss, and rebuilding, Darya learns hard-fought lessons about the world and herself.
Forever, Now is a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and the enduring power of love and determination. It explores the depths of human emotions and the indomitable spirit of a woman who finds her way back to happiness despite life’s most painful setbacks.
Haleh Shahrzad, the author of Forever, Now, was born in Tehran, Iran. Her journey began with a challenging experience in her homeland when she faced obstacles to higher education due to improper hijab and her absence at Islamic Friday prayers, despite passing the entrance exam and gaining acceptance to Tehran University. Determined to pursue her dreams, she made the courageous and harrowing decision to leave Iran.
As an Iranian-American, Haleh offers a unique and powerful perspective in her storytelling. She adeptly integrates her rich cultural experiences into her narratives, creating compelling stories that resonate with readers. Currently residing in California, she shares her life with her husband and son.
Posted on November 9, 2024, in Interviews and tagged author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, divorce, ebook, fiction, Forever Now, goodreads, Haleh Shahrzad, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, read, reader, reading, realistic fiction, relationships, story, writer, writing. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.
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