Christina Duca

On Loving Rose Hemming is an Iranian born, North American raised and educated. She is a woman who lives astride two very different worlds. I really enjoyed reading about the intricate relationships she had with the two very different men with whom she falls in love. The dichotomous aspects of Dr. Hemming's life is of particular interest. She is an established and respected surgeon, adjusted to her North American life, yet she craves to know her origins, and the circumstances of her birth. In so doing she discovers a country, home of an ancient civilization, rich in history and culture, steeped in established customs and traditions. Some of these traditions are unacceptable to her North American sensibilities. Rose falls in love passionately and instantly with a quiet but troubled man, Dean. She does not hesitate to invite him to accompany her in her quest to find her birth parents. Once in Iran, she discovers not only her origins but also the expectations put upon her by the traditions and customs of her land and family. In Iran she meets Siyavash, the man her grandfather wants her to marry, and whom she completely rejects. Siyavash is undaunted by Rose's initial rejection. He is a passionate, generous man who will persevere and eventually succeed in his pursuit of Rose. Rose's emotional, psychological struggle in understanding to whom she is to give herself and her love, is reflective of her difficulties in coming to terms with her two backgrounds. To do so she must be able to determine who she is as a woman, a daughter, a lover, a mother and a healer. This is the life force within her that captures both Dean's and Siyavash's hearts. This life force gives her the ability to come to terms with her needs, her lovers , ultimately , Rose is able to overcome her many losses and challenges. ON LOVING is a wonderful read, in it the reader can find many different layers and themes to explore. I highly recommend it.