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Summary: Passionate, Personal, and Provocative -- A Story to Treasure
Review: I am an American daughter of an Iranian man who grew up in Tehran the same time as the author, and I was THRILLED to find this book. It provided me with many insights and a sizeable history lesson about Iran and its culture. Ms. Farman-Farmaian writes clearly and factually, yet includes her own analysis of the amazing history and perpetual transitions that have characterized this ancient country. She provides an excellent introduction, pertinent background, and an exposure to some of the Farsi language, which gives the rest of the book depth and feeling and makes it easy to follow. Contrary to the Western connotation of a "Harem," Farman-Farmaian enlightens us with the powerful network of love and support, which deeply connected the women and siblings in her family. It is a moving account of a life of courage and dedication by a woman who dared to think beyond her cultural boundaries. I highly recommend it!
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Summary: Life's Table Turns For Most, Your Father Said So.
Review: I am greatful to have read your book (your step-brother's as well). Thank you, and Ms. Dona Munker, for the great job. Also, thanks for being a teacher through your book. I liked all your analyses in the book. By your definition, I discovered where I fitted in our culture (a nobody).
I really appreciated the description depth of your feelings and thoughts in that court yard. I am glad that you won that ordeal. Two ayatollahs (out of three) voted in your favor. Your gut feeligs were confirmed later how close the votes were. You are truly a lucky lady. Perhaps, you were meant to continue your teaching without the College, as you did by your book. Thank you again. My Best. P.s.- I am greatful for Iranian people like yourself.
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Summary: Daughter of Persia: An Enlightening Look at Life in Iran
Review: I found this book a wonderful and honest account of Iranian culture and what really happened during the revolution. I was only 7 years old when the revolution in Iran changed everything and effected everyone's life. I never understood why this happened. Why they shot down my American School. Why my dad couldn't work any more and he lost millions and millions of government contracts. Why our freedom of choice was taken away from us. And why many of us left Iran, never to look back. This book definitely shed light on my life long questions. I learned a chapter of history that is never thaught in schools. Great book!
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Summary: A Wonderful Book
Review: I loved reading Daughter of Persia. It is a thrilling journey through Farman Farmaian's remarkable life, and it is a fascinating ride through the modern history of Iran; from before the overthrow of the Shah to Iran today. Farman Farmaian's descriptive, yet fast-paced writing style makes this book a treasure to read. Read Daughter of Persia if you are interested in reading about the life of the extraordinary woman who founded social work in Iran, and read this if you are interested in Iranian culture and history.
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Summary: An Unusual Find
Review: I saw this book on the table of a used book store, bought it on an impulse and haven't been able to put it down... it's fascinating, inspiring and has given me tremendous insight on a part of the world that hasn't occupied much of my interest in the past... it was very enlightening..
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Summary: Enlightening, captivating, well-written
Review: I was fortunate to have attended a program where the author spoke. She is a charming, soft-spoken, and very unaffected woman. The book was remarkable in its expanse of history, as well as personal experience of a country which moved from the Middle Ages to Modern Times all in one life time. The amazing determination, compassion and accomplishments of the author all give us an example of a woman dedicated to a higher cause. Sattareh Farmaian struggled to do good for the less fortunate, and to improve conditions in her country. She took great risks to do what she believed in. She helps us to learn about Persia and its people. The book reads like a novel, and once you start, you can hardly put it down.
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Summary: Nice, but needlessly detailed
Review: It's a good book, with a neutral view of Iranian history. It speaks about a strong, very determined Iranian woman, who overcomes all obstacles to achieve her goal. Wanting to help better her society, she becomes a social worker. It's interesting how things worked out well for her, at first, and they did actually improve the situation of the poor in Iran, but the betrayal of some greedy students brought the profession to an end.
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Summary: Why didn't this book win a Pulitzer
Review: One of the best and most illuminating biographicies I have read. It's sad, insightful, but funny (for example, when Miss Farmaian arrives in Los Angeles after a long journey and asks to see the Statue of Liberty). She explains why figures like Khomeni were so popular, though she is clearly unbiased since she was almost prosecuted for being a spy. She discusses the good and bad about the shah and provides tremendous insight into Moslem society. Why aren't there more books as good as this.
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Summary: An Insider's Look at Recent Iranian History
Review: Sattareh Farman Farmanian gives a spellbinding account of her life from birth until 1979, when she flees an Iran caught in the throes of the Islamic revolution. Her tale works not only as a memoir, but also as an anecdotal history of modern Iran up to and including the Islamic revolution which toppled the Pahlavi dynasty. As a descendant of the former Qajar dynasty, and daughter of a prominent Persian government official, she is blessed and cursed to see important events in her country's history unfold before her eyes. Indeed, I was intrigued by her kinship to the late Iranian Prime Minister Dr. Mohammed Mossadegh. Most moving is how she emerges as a strong, willful young woman, who successfully pleads with her father that she deserves a college education, along with her brothers. And you see the same strong determination in her efforts to elevate social work as a respected profession in Iran, and her management of the college she founds in Tehran, Iran's capital, for social work education. Anyone who wishes to understand at least some contemporary Iranian history should read this excellent tome.
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Summary: An insider's view of Iran
Review: This book should be required reading for anyone interested in the past or present of the Middle East. Ms. Farman-Farmaian succeeds in telling her own personal history as a gripping, absorbing narrative. At the same time she educates and enlightens the reader in the political events and their causes in Iran, from the early part of the twentieth century through the Islamic Revolution. This information is especially poignant and relevant given the current events of of our post 9/11/01 world.
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