Babak has lived in Ahwaz, Idaho, London, Iran, Japan, and now California. At age 11, Babak and his family relocated to Iran. Initially, life was easy and he spent his days making memories with his friends there. They worked together to found their own secret society and went seeking avenues to fund their club. However, things took a drastic turn when the war between Iran and Iraq broke out. First, Babak had to leave his friends behind and relocate again with his family amidst the insistent bombings to another town. Then worrying about having to enlist in the military if he failed the national college entrance examinations was a growing concern. Thriving as a growing boy in Iran, Babak encountered some roadblocks, heartache, breakthroughs, and also falling in love.

The Konar and the Apple by Babak Hodjat is a compilation of events from the author, Babak Hodjat’s time living and growing up in Iran during a war. He shares with us the peace his family enjoyed before the war the happy times that were carefree. When the war started, his family experienced fear and anxiety as they relocated away from the fighting. Hodjat especially goes into detail about what his time living and schooling during and after the war looked like. Living through a war did not change him. At heart, he was still that adventurous and daring child before the war.

Babak aimed to share all his core memories as a growing boy in the form of storytelling and he has successfully done this. At times Babak did describe serious memories but he also managed to keep the tone lighthearted. Babak’s stories bring back a feeling of nostalgia and takes us back to the time when we were creative. He gives readers undiluted, yet brief access to what his youthful years looked like.

The Konar and the Apple is perfect for younger readers as they will be captivated by Babak’s adventures and quests with his friends. Readers looking to envision what the life of an average Iranian citizen looked like during the war will find this to be an eye-opening read.

Pages: 355 | ASIN : B09QH3Q55S