Journey of Sorrow, Journey of Hope is a gripping tale of courage, love, and revolutionary changes of far-reaching consequences. A novel rich in historical detail, it brings to life the religious and societal upheavals that rocked Iran as well as Europe through the 19th and early 20th centuries. Shirin’s life takes her far beyond the borders of her small Persian village, eventually whisking her away to Russia and later Paris, France.
While living in these new lands, Shirin encounters material wealth she never could have imagined – magnificent homes, fine gowns and dazzling jewelry, great galas and theater – but all this finery can’t replace one’s longing for knowledge, love, and spiritual truth. Through new friendships Shirin learns of the great dreams and disappointments of the heads of governments at the time – Alexander II of Russia, Napoleon III of France, and Pope Pius IX – all of whom Baha’u’llah had written directly. And through coincidence or destiny, she continues to hear about the great Prophets from her homeland – the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh.
This is a story of emotional depth, historical accuracy, and an unlikely but marvelous route to learn more about the early years of the Bahá’í Faith, and get a glimpse of the episodes of the Dawn-Breakers and gain knowledge of Baha’ullah’s Tablets to the Kings and Rulers of the world. Journey of Sorrow, Journey of Hope would make for a great selection for anyone’s Book Club!