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krystahh's review against another edition
4.0
Powerful, disturbing, compelling. Good for some easy-to-grasp Iranian history, and for some "I can't believe this is happening in this world" reality checks.
lilialili_'s review against another edition
5.0
I am really interested in Iran Politic & Culture, and read a lot of article of it, This book really opened my eyes , not only about Iran History, Poet, Food, Culture & Politics, but also about Shia Islam & Sunni Islam. This book also help me understand relationship between Islamic Republic, West and Middle East, propaganda, and of course life in prison.
kitkat2500's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed reading this book, although I found it profoundly disturbing. Let's just say it's not recommended bedtime reading. I learned a great deal about what went on in Iran politically during the 2009 elections, and the subsequent protests by the people. Bahari was an Iranian-Canadian journalist covering the election for Newsweek, when he was arrested and jailed (his British fiancee was five months pregnant at the time). He spent four months in prison, being interrogated, beaten and tortured. His account is well-written and horrific. It is made more touching by the fact that both his late father and late sister had been jailed by various regimes in Iran, and he spends some time during his solitary confinement communing with them and telling the story of his politically-inclined family.
I am deeply saddened by the brutal repression of the Iranian people voicing their desire for a more open and democratic society. I hope they will somehow find their way to a brighter future.
I am deeply saddened by the brutal repression of the Iranian people voicing their desire for a more open and democratic society. I hope they will somehow find their way to a brighter future.
lmc168's review against another edition
3.0
Bahari's account of the 2009 elections is very interesting, but I didn't think the book was particularly well-written and the pace was a little slow. It also provides too much background information for anyone with a basic familiarity with Iran.
__karen__'s review against another edition
5.0
This is a fascinating book -- I couldn't out it down! It's the story of journalist Maziar Bahari's politically-instigated arrest and imprisonment in Iran, following the sham (2009) presidential election in Iran. This story is the basis for the film "Rosewater," directed by Jon Stewart. If the film is reasonably faithful to this book, it should be a very interesting film.
shahrun's review against another edition
5.0
First I have to tell you that I got a copy of this book through GoodReads First Reads Giveaways, in exchange for an honest review. (This review is all my own opinion!)
As soon as I discovered this book I knew it was important for me to read it. I found it was a very emotional experience. I cannot remember the last time I have read anything that made me cry so much or so angry. Although I wish that Mr Bahari and his family did not have to suffer this horrific experience, I am so grateful that when he survived the ordeal, he had the courage to tell his story.
I feel this book is important because he explains the modern history of Iran in an accessible way, using the very personal examples of his own family. I certainly now have a much better understanding of the real story behind the headlines of recent years. And an enormous appreciation for the rights and freedoms I take for granted living in England that Iranians simple do not have!
From page 307 "The Islamic regime was still worried about its image in the world".
I say, if you do not do anything you are ashamed of, you have nothing to be worried about!
I really hope Iran can find a peaceful solution. To end all the suffering and become a fantastic example of a great Islamic democracy.
World leaders all take note of Page 319:
"nothing good can be achieved through violence. Nothing"!
As soon as I discovered this book I knew it was important for me to read it. I found it was a very emotional experience. I cannot remember the last time I have read anything that made me cry so much or so angry. Although I wish that Mr Bahari and his family did not have to suffer this horrific experience, I am so grateful that when he survived the ordeal, he had the courage to tell his story.
I feel this book is important because he explains the modern history of Iran in an accessible way, using the very personal examples of his own family. I certainly now have a much better understanding of the real story behind the headlines of recent years. And an enormous appreciation for the rights and freedoms I take for granted living in England that Iranians simple do not have!
From page 307 "The Islamic regime was still worried about its image in the world".
I say, if you do not do anything you are ashamed of, you have nothing to be worried about!
I really hope Iran can find a peaceful solution. To end all the suffering and become a fantastic example of a great Islamic democracy.
World leaders all take note of Page 319:
"nothing good can be achieved through violence. Nothing"!
in2reading's review against another edition
5.0
I read this after seeing Jon Stewart's documentary Rosewater. I would recommend both of them very highly. This book helped me to begin to understand the political conflicts that roil Iran and the Middle East. And it increases my admiration for those journalists like Maziar Bahari, that do their best to fairly report the news from these regions. Very well written and and I found it hard to put down.
phinas's review against another edition
2.0
Wasn't a bad book, but seemed anti-climatic to me. Very informative and was an easy read. I just didn't care for the writing style.
iellzbellz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
relaxing
slow-paced
3.0
sarahmareacarr's review against another edition
5.0
Powerful story, good writing and lots of relevance to Egypt.
Also his interrogator's obsession with New Jersey is hilarious.
Also his interrogator's obsession with New Jersey is hilarious.