| By | Shirin Amani Azari |
| Published By | |
| ISBN | 9781915352880 |
| Non-Fiction Genre | Biography |
| Publication Date | 02/28/2023 |
| Price | 9.99 |
| Paperback Hyperlink | https://www.bookguild.co.uk/bookshop/book/499/once-upon-a-time-in-uppsala/ |
Synopsis
Shirin has just arrived from war-stricken Iran to Sweden – her new home. Her and her family must learn to acclimatise to the weather, culture and socialisation of Sweden whilst still staying in touch with their Iranian heritage.
Along with her response to such things as a traditional Swedish Christmas lunch, the dating rituals of European teenagers or the social dynamics of an unfamiliar and not always friendly classroom are fascinating glimpses into the lives of a varied community of refugees, eccentrics and drop-outs. These are interspersed with traditional Persian fairy tales and nostalgic memories of her beloved grandmother, which sustain her in her new life.
Once Upon A Time in Uppsala is a remarkable, candid and moving account of a sensitive child on the verge of adolescence transplanted from her beloved but suffering homeland into a country which, although politically safe, offers unexpected challenges of its own.
Authors Biography
Shirin Amani Azari was born in Tehran, Iran, and raised in Sweden from the age of twelve. She moved to the UK in 1997 and works as a psychotherapist. Since 2000, she has worked with victims of torture and developed a therapy aid group dedicated to Farsi-speaking women and men. Shirin lives with her husband and daughter, and together they keep Zoroastrian traditions alive at home. Visit shirinamaniazari.com to find out more.
A heartwarming memoir which reflex how difficult it is to adapt to a new culture as an immigrant, even if you are a child and supposedly easier to adapt.
A wonderfully written book about Shirin’s journey from Iran to Sweden and the challenges she faced. But with the love and memories of her dear grandmother who helped to support her on her life’s journey.
A lovely read, thank you Shirin joon. x
a book that I fell in love with this book that the author described so well 👌
Very interesting book and I look forward to more books from her in future!
Shirin’s autobiography is an easy read with a clever and witty story line; she describes and analyses the cultural differences without judgement, and extracts encountered challenges and difficulties, but highlights at the same time the cultural enrichments with mutual benefits for immigrants and hosts alike.
The book is therefore recommended to immigrants and the local native population alike.
Great book to read
A book which brought me back to the old memories. very interesting book👌
keep up the good work Shirin joon.👏❤️
The book not only is a great read but is an inspirational one. The story takes you on journey which you want to never end.
Sharing is fantastic author and a wonderful human being.
The book is a not only a journey but a guide for all women who want to keep inspiring and keep traditions alive, well worth the read!!💜
Delighted this title is included in this great collection of books and authors. Buy, read, comment and vote for it.
Outstanding book
heartwarming and genuine. A deep and honest exploration about forming hybrid identities and that liminal space of whoever uprooted by choice or force as they try to build a new life in a new environment.
A beautiful, once in a lifetime kind of book. Shirin Amani Azari is a master storyteller. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
I find a pure narrative of facing a new life like throwing your self into a stormy ocean and try to learn how to swim , it’s familiar and scary for all immigrants ,specially if you’re a teenage girl, I imagine my self every single word and I laughed and cried with her.
It’s worth it shirin jan .💕
A breathtaking journey. A story for everyone. The ruby of books. Absolutely inspiring and moving.
I’m someone who is guilty of starting and not finishing books. This was not one of them!
I read ‘Once upon a time in Uppsala’ after I was discharged from hospital and Shirin’s story moved me, uplifted me and was pivotal to my healing.
She shares her struggles and triumphs as a young Iranian immigrant child, leaving her much loved and nostalgic Iran behind for a new life in Sweden. Shirin certainly takes you on a journey with her, including you in her family life, adaptation and experiences in a new wonderful albeit cold Sweden.
Without any spoilers, I must have read the final chapter 3 times before I could actually fully process the turn the story was taking. By the final page I was moved in ways unimaginable and had to pause for reflection and appreciation.
My Iranian immigrant girl, strong willed, a great writer, companion to dear Turkan, sister, daughter, and more. This little ruby of a tale now placed on my book shelf to be read and reread.
In particular, I book marked the Persian tales as story telling is such an important part of Persian history and the stories are full of magic and wonder. The stories are full of suspense with the same moral of good triumphing evil and the work of miracles.
Something which I very much believe in. My favourite had to be the Persian story about Zaal. A tale that I can now share with my own children.
Thank you Shirin for your experiences, your gift of story telling and your heart and soul. Through your pages and words you took me on a life changing, absolutely moving and inspiring journey.
A touching tale of immigration and Iranian culture beautifully retold.
A rare insight to what it is to start over in a new culture trying to hold on to your own roots and identity whilst making sense of your new life.
Well written and easy to read
Amazingly well written , full of life and reality .
U was absorbed from the moment I started reading the book.
Once Upon a Time in Uppsala is a beautifully written and deeply touching memoir that masterfully captures the intricate experience of growing up as an immigrant. Shirin Amani Azari offers readers vivid, heartfelt glimpses into her journey from Iran to Sweden, conveying both the challenges and emotional depth of adapting to a new culture. Her storytelling is engaging and reflective, making it a truly inspiring and thought-provoking read.
Such a beautiful book
Beautiful book combining cultures and experiences
Beautiful book
A beautifully written, thoughtful and inspiring book. Sensitively highlighting the struggles and challenges of a young immigrant child adapting to new surroundings and an alien culture.
Shirin joon, It’s no surprise that your book has been nominated
It’s beautifully written🥰 Thank you so much for sharing your childhood and your beautiful grandma’s story with us❤️ Truly a beautiful book, and I’m so proud of you😍❤️😍
Shirin joon, It’s no surprise that your book has been nominated
It’s beautifully written🥰 Thank you so much for sharing your childhood and your beautiful grandma’s story with us❤️ Truly a beautiful book, and I’m so proud of you😍❤️😍
Once Upon a Time in Uppsala beautifully captures the adventures of adapting to a new culture and a new life. Shirin Amani Azari’s story is funny, touching, and insightful —making it a must-read.
Well deserved Shirin jan, all the best wishes.
I loved the book and felt connected to the story.
“Once Upon a Time in Uppsala” is a captivating and deeply moving memoir that beautifully chronicles the author’s journey as an immigrant. Shirin Amani Azari’s writing skillfully captures the intricate nuances of adapting to a new culture, offering readers heartfelt glimpses into her experiences moving from Iran to Sweden. Through engaging storytelling and reflective prose, Azari’s memoir is not only inspiring but also thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact on those who read it.
I loved this book! I grew up in Sweden in the 80s with parents who are not Swedish’s. This book is a very good representation of the cultural differences that can ocurr. This would be an excellent book to use in schools to improve the understanding of what is like to be an asylum seeker or immigrant. It’s very well written, easy to get i to and very emotional at times. Enjoy!
As a woman who grows up in Uppsala, highly recommend 👌
As a woman who grows up in Uppsala, highly recommend 👌
Highly recommend
amazing book loved it. Definitely a read
For people who have had little contact with newly arrived immigrants, this book offers a perspective experienced by a child on the start of her adolescence. The pain, the hurt and the challenges of being an outsider are palpable as the story unfolds. However also experiencing kindness and friendships, the author ends with the optimistic sense that her strength of character will prevail.
I congratulate the author. Is such a beautiful story very easy to read. One would enjoy every moment of these book.
Shirin joon, your book is an inspiring and honest look at your journey. Thank you for sharing your story with such heart.
I love this book and its author
Well done Shirin . Very inspiring book
I enjoyed finding out about Shirin’s experience and really could relate to it. Great read.
An excellent read!
I enjoyed reading about Shirin’s experience ❤️
Amazing book , well written and very touching 🥹 I really enjoyed reading it. So proud of you Shirin joon.
Amazing book
I congratulate the writer . Amazing book . ❤️
Inspirational book, to start over and not to give up – the journey that we haven’t chosen but have to embrace it with all we have.
I Loved reading this book. As an immigrant it’s always nice to hear other immigrants experiences of life outside their home country. Shirin has a wonderful way of describing her life story in outside of Iran in Sweden.
Thanks for sharing.
Congratulations on your book! Your hard work and passion truly shine through. I’m so proud of you and can’t wait to see where this journey takes you!”
Amazing book❤️
Congratulations
All the best
Very interesting and amazing book and I enjoyed reading it very much ❤️📚⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️
Amazing book! Congratulating to the author 🤩
Congratulations
Amazing book i love it⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great book! I really appreciate the insight shared by the author.
Keep up excellent work !
Congratulations.
Shirin jaan I enjoy reading your story and so interesting. Good luck to peoples book prize. Lots of love Fariba💚💚💚
Amazing and interesting book I love it.🙏😍
Great book.
Great book. Well done 👏❤️
A lovely coming of age true story told in a fresh voice. Iran to Sweden – such a great migration story as well !
Beautiful book, really transports you into her life. A loving and considered account. Five stars
💕 ❤️ everyone must read
A lovely book by the most lovely woman! Reading it transports you to the time of her childhood and you can visualize the sights and scents she describes so well. Highly recommend!
Once Upon a Time on Uppsala’ is beautifully written and deeply touching. It captures the immigrant experience with vivid, heartfelt memories. A must read✨well done Shirin joon 🫶🏻💕
Fantastic
A lovely book by the most lovely woman! Reading it transports you to the time of her childhood and you can visualize the sights and scents she describes so well. Highly recommend!
Amazing and interesting book I love it.
Great book. Well done 👏❤️
Great book, well done ❤️🌺
Amazing book well done xx
Shirin Amani Azari is an extraordinary author whose vibrant spirit and commitment to uplifting others shine through her work.
Her deep empathy and understanding of the human experience inspire youth and society to pursue their dreams while fostering support and kindness.
Shirin’s genuine compassion creates a ripple effect, motivating those around her to strive for greatness. As a powerful force for positive change, her contributions to literature and community are truly transformative.
👌
very heartwarming memoir which reflex how difficult it is to adapt to a new culture as an immigrant, even if you are a child and supposedly easier to adapt.
it sure reminded me of my own arrival to the UK at a young age , which I now consider a blessing after what took place in my beloved land.
very well written memoir which reflex how challenging it is to adapt to a new culture as an immigrant, even if you are a child and supposedly easier to adapt.
it sure reminded me of my own arrival to the UK at a young age , which I now consider a blessing after what took place in my beloved land.
very well written and heartwarming memoir which reflex how challenging it is to adapt to a new culture as an immigrant, even at a young age.
it sure reminded me of my own arrival to the UK at a young age , which I now consider a blessing after what took place in my beloved land.
This is a heartwarming book which keeps you engaged right from the beginning. I really enjoyed it!
Shirin is a goddess of woman. She channels a story filled with authenticity, heart and personal history. This book is a must read for anyone looking to connect with a rich tapestry of storytelling, from the heart.
amazing book!
Inspiring. Shirin throughout has kept her faith in the Zoroastrian Religion and her optimism.
Shireen Joon is the best author ✍️ I would encourage people to buy / possess and read her book
Great that you have held on to and cherish your roots and by sharing your experience you are inspiring others facing the same uprooting hardships leading to a happy ending in life.
What a fabulous read.
Shirin, your book is a beautiful tribute to resilience, family, and the power of storytelling. I’m so proud to see it receive the recognition it deserves. Your grandmother’s tales and your own journey shine through every page, and I feel honored to have shared in your story. Wishing you all the success—you’ve already won in my eyes!
It’s beautifully written😍🥳
Very well done 🎉
Highly recommend for everyone to read it . Great book , enjoyed the story .👏👏
A great novel 🥰
A truly heart warming , magical book beautifully written .
Shirin’s story very cleverly evokes empathy , kindness , curiosity , courage and wisdom .
At a time where honesty , humanity and compassion is running low , Shirin’s book stands out as a very educational , inspiring and deeply thought provoking while being immensely enjoyable.
Good luck and best wishes for a bright future
Amazing book well done shirin
following little girl’s footstep in Sweden brings lots of frustration, fear and nostalgia at the same time.
Adapting to completely new world wouldn’t be easy to everyone , but this girl and her family keep their sharp eyes and warm heart.
Despite they were all struggling with homesick, financial crisis, culture shock, mum still cooks tasty Iranian dish, father invites people with typical Iranian tea.
Life goes on and when we get an wrinkle on our face, we finally look back our footsteps.