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Firouzeh Razavi’s novel Portrait of a Life is a true story that explores the impact of friendship. Prior to the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Azadeh moves to the United States. Azadeh is later offered a position restoring paintings at the Vatican in Rome due to her career as an artist. When she is unable to accept the position, Azadeh reflects on her friends and the impact they have had on her life, her art, and her mind. Though they were each born in different parts of the world and lived during different times, both endured harsh life circumstances. Azadeh witnesses the struggles within these friends as they grapple with their past and present situations. She ultimately realizes that achieving peace of mind is the key to happiness, whether one’s dreams have been fulfilled or not. An empowering story, vivid with self-exploration, philosophical conversation, and a surprising twist, Portrait of a Life will leave readers striving to attain peace of mind, self-worth, and the realization of happiness.