File Size: 4174 KB
Print Length: 386 pages
Publisher: Random House (June 7, 2011)
Publication Date: June 7, 2011
Sold by: Random House LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B004J4X2XK
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Word Wise: Enabled
Lending: Not Enabled
Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled
Best Sellers Rank: #21,667 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store) #1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > History > Middle East > Turkey #3 in Books > History > Middle East > Turkey #4 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > International & World Politics > Canadian
Oddly enough I learned about this book while watching the author (a very likeable fellow) be interviewed on what I believe was THE DAILY SHOW. His sense of humor, obviously a protective device effectively used to keep his sanity despite the tragic losses of several important family members, was quite impressive. As the book jacket indicates this "A riveting, heart-wrenching memoir..." offering "insight into the past seventy years of regime change in Iran, as well as the future of a country where the democratic impulses of the youth continually clash with a government that becomes more totalitarian with each passing day. An intimate and fascinating account of contemporary Iran, it is also the moving and wonderfully written story of one family's extraordinary courage in the face of repression."What has struck me most about the book was the author's deep devotion and dedication to getting the story out of what was happening in his native country. Much of the book describes the brutal treatment he receives from a ruthless interrogator he nicknames Rosewater after he is arrested for filming a peaceful demonstration protesting the rigging of an election where the incumbant had clearly NOT been reelected. The author is accused of working for American intelligence because of his coverage for NEWSWEEK magazine. Both the author's father and sister had at one time been arrested and imprisoned for their own political involvements. It is his British wife however and his brother-in-law who become instrumental in helping him get out of prison. During the time he is imprisoned, however, the author draws strength from remembering his father's and his sister's words.The author concludes the book with an Epilogue, Acknowledgements, a Who's Who and a Time Line.
I can't believe this book has only 10 reviews.The summary of this book is pretty straight-forward: It is an account of journalist and filmmaker Maziar Bahari's life, along with the lead-up to and his detention by Iranian authorities in the wake of the 2009 presidential elections.The real gift of this book is Mr. Bahari's writing. Maziar is a great writer, and this book is extremely accessible and easy to get through. The details are poignant, the story is compelling, and there is enough elaboration, background, and personalization in the right places. The presentation of his experiences; his family's history; Iranian politics; it is all weaved together seamlessly to make for a really engaging text. Moreover, you are absolutely drawn into Maziar's experience, you feel as if you were with him, yet in a perfectly balanced way which neither gives nor takes too much. Simply, this book was a pleasure to read for its writing--its lucidity, wit, and of course the experiences it communicates. It's very clearly written by a talented journalist and was wonderful to read after a spat of poorly written books. Truly, it was a pleasure to read your writing, Maziar.Maziar's family is also intimately weaved into the story. The son of Communist activists--who also experienced prison--different eras of Iranian politics are touched upon. Maziar's touch in portraying his family is done with the care and skill of a formidable writer. His family is a part of him, and he relies on their memory during his time in prison. Their experiences seamlessly mesh with the entirety of the account...His endearing 83-year-old mother, Moloojoon, weary after decades of repression, her unique humor and resilience forged by having been beat down by the world.
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