The rating isn't a reflection of it being bad but rather just not being quite good enough of a story to breach the 4 star mark. That being said this book really resonated with me, such a beautiful portrayal of reconnecting (and sometimes failing to reconnect) with your culture as a young person who grew up away from your people.

All of the different relationships Darioush has, makes and discovers are written so beautifully and with such casual and easy tenderness it made me nearly tear up at points. Overall a sweet book and a nice read.