Customer Reviews
A true account of modern Iran - By: Ms. Lisa Z. Haghir, 11 Apr 2008 
I bought this book, in 2007 before my first visit to Iran, I was amazed at the accuracy of this book. I stayed in Shiraz down in the South West of Iran, The culture & the type of person an iranian is, is so true & depicted so accurately the true personality of an iranian, one where they are so giving,& hospitable. A great book, easy to read, & very accurate! Thank you.
Rather patronising and offensive to Iranians - By: , 07 Aug 2004 
Being persian myself I found this book to take rather a patronising view of Iran & the persian people. The author writes as though she has no real grasp of Iran's history making massive assuptions over it. It is like only sees Iran as a quaint country with quaint little people who have quaint little ways!
Perceptive insight on Iran - By: , 28 May 2003 
It's hard to imagine a country such as Iran when we are informed in the media of only the negative aspects of the country.
Alison Wearing has an enviable, perceptive style of writing. Without pandering to pointless stereotypes & judgements, she effortlessly focuses on the everyday people of the country; their extraordinary generosity & intelligence.
It's a genuinely funny book, with wonderful descriptions & managing to avoid being cheesy.
What a joy! - By: , 21 Apr 2003 Having lived in Iran almost twenty years ago, this book left me with a lump in my throat. Wearing captures the beauty of Iran,( a country that your average Western reader associates only with revolution & terrorism )the hospitality of its people & the very essence of its soul. She takes you on the journey with her, alllowing you the reader to taste & breath the air she breathes. Her humour throughout never negates the reality. Her depictions true to life. Having read many books on Iran, it was a joy to finallly read an untainted account of a glorious country & her beautiful people. Highly recommended!
Captures the heart of the Persian people - By: , 06 May 2002 Having read the few autobiographical /fictional works on the people of Iran & Persia I could find, finallly, this one captures the innate beauty of the people. Thankfully also, the book mentions "Not without my daughter" in a couple of places & attempts to undo some of the damage inflicted therein simply by recounting some of the Canadian couple's chance & momentary encouters. The style is quite lazy & gently washes over you, - it is a beautiful read & brought tears to my eyes on many occasions.
