Blood and Oil: : Memoirs of a Persian Prince

Rating:
Summary: An Aristocrats View of Life in the Imperial Iran
Review: This book although slanted with respect to Manucher Farmanfarmaian's family and particularly his father is a must read for people who have been taught and only know a western perspective of history as it relates to the Middle East and specifically Iran. Not only does it help to humanize the reader's attitude towards Iran, it also helps Eurocentrists (which most Americans tend to be) to understand why and how Iran was taken over by an extreme part of the Islamic fundamentalist religion. Manucher helps the reader understand how OPEC came into existence and how Ecuador played a major role in the eventual creation of OPEC. Manucher also explains the attitude Iran had toward England vis-a-vis Germany during World War II and why they actually initially hoped Germany would win the war--not because they loved Hitler or hated Jews, but because they wanted England out of their country where they were controlling the bulk of the oil in Iran. These sentiments exist all over the world by most non-Europeans towards England and now exist towards the United States more than most policymakers in the United States seem to understand. We need to step back and take a look at how we are resented and why. The problems that presently exist in the Middle East are a creation of policies we (US and Europe) began and now are being taken advantage of by religious fanatics who are preying on the resentment the common people have towards the United States. This book is an eye-opener and should definitely be read by "westeners." Even if Eurocentrists don't change their attitude towards this part of the world, it will help them to understand that part of the world.

Rating:
Summary: The Prince of Storytelling
Review: Where, oh post-modern America, are you going to find a true tale of royalty and restoration like this? Nowhere, but from the prince himself, Manucher Farman-Farmaian, who sweeps us up in luxuriant confidentiality, whisking us on a gallop through a forgotten era, Shiites and communists hot on our trail.
So he was less than streetwise as dissent gathered like storm clouds. I wanted to see the glory that was Iran--not the darkness descending on it. I wanted to meet the inner sanctum of the Pahlavi dynasty and the relics of Farmaian's own kingly clan. Moreso, I wanted to know that this likable bon vivant escaped the senseless butchery of Khomenei's hoodlums and hangers-on. And when he does, I feel as if we've both escaped. Captivatingly written. I'd read whatever this wise man had to share, about the new life or the old.