We share far more in common than that which divides us.
Gina Wilkinson
When the Apricots Bloom follows the lives of three women set in Baghdad, Iraq 2002. Huda, an employee for the Australian embassy, has been recruited by the mukhabarat, secret police of the president Saddam Hussein, in hopes of finding out information from the embassy that can be used against America and their allies. Ally is the wife of the Australian Deputy Ambassador and wants to learn more about her new home. But she is hiding secrets from everyone that could be costly in the end. And finally Rania, a lady who was formerly upper middle class rank due to her father’s career as well as the former childhood friend of Huda, who is just trying to keep her child safe and food on the table for them both. Huda, Ally, and Rania are completely different from the outside but have more similarities on the inside then they actually know of and start to form a friendship like no other.
An incredible story that shows the power of family and friendships and how they can be ones saving grace. A different style story, in the ever growing historical fiction genre, that will have you on your edge of your seat as you read about their lives and having you constantly wanting to know more about these three ladies and this time in history as well. This was my first book set in this time period and I found myself falling in the Wikipedia black hole multiple times just trying to learn as much as I could. It is a tough read at some points but absolutely worth it. Check it out next time you want a different take on historical fiction.
Until Next Time, The Library Abroad
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The Library Abroad 
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