Rating: 
Summary: Excellent. Molavi is a rising star.
Review: I had not heard of this author prior, but after reading this book I was thoroughly impressed with him. Persian Pilgrimages is very objectively written and does a fantastic job capturing the complexities of Iranian politics. Molavi's prose is very poetic, much more enjoyable to read than an academic text. As an Israeli I feel that I have a much deeper understanding of Iran after reading this book. I recommend Persian Pilgrimages to anyone who loves great writing.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant! Poetic, poignant, and charming. I loved it!
Review: I have not read a better written book on Iranian history, culture, and politics. Molavi is brilliant in the way he weaves through Iranian history while at the same time telling the story of contemporary Iran through his interactions with the people. It is at once witty, hopeful, heartbreaking, and charming, but thoroughly entertaining throughout. I casually came across the title in the book store one morning and by evening I had finished it! For those interested in a fascinating culture and country, I highly highly recommend this. Simply put, Persian Pilgrimages is one of the best books I've read in years!
Rating:
Summary: A true account of contemporary Iran
Review: I visited Iran last year and was excited to see this book, so I bought it right away while visiting the US and began reading it on a long plane ride back home. What I read in the book corresponded very closely with what I saw in Iran -- frustrated youth, rising anti-clericalism, poor state of the economy, an old civilization with great monuments and shrines, and a country with a great history. As someone who lives near Iran but never visited, I must admit that I also believed the stereotype of the fanatical, extremist Iranian. But as the author shows and my experience also shows nothing could be more wreng. I like the way the author mixes history with personal encounters that he had. I only wish he wrote more about the southern Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, where I spent two lovely weeks with very warm people. If the author reads this review, thank you for a true and interesting account of Iran and please write about Bandar Abbas next time.
Rating:
Summary: Thank you for writing the truths about Iran
Review: In this profound book of history, travel, politics, and culture, Afshin Molavi shows that he better understands modern Iran more than any other Western writer, academic, or journalist. He must be given due credit for his objectivity and effort in undercovering the truths in today's Iran, an incredible task which he completed admirably. That combined with his literary grace makes Persian Pilgrimages a great read...I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: The Soul of Iran
Review: It is said that the eyes are the gateway to a person's soul. Molavi was my eyes and ears to Iran, a land that I have never ventured to and now feel as if I already have traveled to far and wide. This sophisticated journey is a must both for readers new to and familiar with Iran. Along the way, we are privy to Molavi's own philosophical excursion to the country of his birth. Molavi's cultural odyssey is not be missed.
Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary Journey Through Iran Today & Persia Yesterday
Review: Many years ago I lived in Iran. My husband and I, both Americans, worked there for an NGO, (Nongovernmental Agency), and were able to travel throughout the country. Our daughter was born there and when we left Iran, I left a piece of my heart behind. I recently came across Afshin Molavi's "Persian Pilgrimages: Journeys Across Iran" in a bookstore, and I couldn't resist buying it. After reading the book I must say that it truly brought back so many visual images, unique experiences and memories of Iranian friends, their extraordinary hospitality and culture, and the political turmoil that existed - even back then. I feel like the author has given me a greater understanding of the land I learned to love. He has also updated me on how the country and its people have changed over the years...and how they have remained the same. Afshin Molavi, a young journalist and writer, was born in Iran and educated in the West. He returned to his homeland for a year, (1999-2000), to explore the many facets of Iranian society. Molavi states at the beginning of the book that his intent is to record the voices of Iranians, no matter what their politics may be. He traveled throughout the country, visiting many of the cities and towns that I knew, on a pilgrimage of sorts. Students of the right and left, bazaar merchants, Islamic clerics, pro-democracy journalists, taxi drivers, urban slum dwellers, village farmers, war veterans, partying teenagers, feminists, women who are pro and anti-veil (chador), political hard-liners and reformers all spoke openly and frankly to him and all have a voice in this wonderful journalistic-anthropological-travelogue. Molavi weaves a story of nearly 3000 years of Persian/Iranian history and reflects on Iran's present problems in light of its past. He takes us to the tomb of Cyrus the Great in Pasargad and to the exquisite rose gardens of the poet Hafez's shrine in Shiraz. We visit a shrine to Iran-Iraq War veterans and the Ayatollah Khomeini's mausoleum. A fascinating portrait of everyday life emerges from Iranians who sometimes hold diametrically opposing views. Molavi's Iranian heritage and knowledge have allowed him to penetrate the culture as no foreigner could. His Western background gives him the distance to report objectively. This book is a gem. I found it to be extremely well written, more informative than most books of this kind, and deeply moving at times. Highly recommended!
JANA
Rating:
Summary: Oustanding! The best book written on contemporary Iran.
Review: Molavi's work is a wonderful asset to all those who are interested in learning about contemporary Iran. He is a wonderful observer and his anecodotes and insights into Iranian society are truly unique. There is no better book to read if you want to understand Iran's present situation and future proespects. Excellent.
Rating:
Summary: A must read for almost any Iranian
Review: My hat off to Mr. Molavi for this very nice piece of work. A very pleasant book to read and written in a very simple and down to earth style. The book is refreshing because of how impartial it is to the events that have shaped the present day Iran. I think the only side Mr Molavi takes is that of the Iranian people themselves. Thank you Mr. Molavi.
Rating:
Summary: Pilgimage for the soul
Review: Persian Pilgrimages was a pure delight. Molavi does a wonderful job of joining the history of Persia with the present. Its rare to find a book of history, that peaks the reader's interest in such a discernable manner. Furthermore, the detailed descriptions of the Persian archictecture and landscape make the reader yearn for more. I can only hope to one day see these incredible sights first hand.
This book is a must read!
Rating:
Summary: five stars...not enough!
Review: Reading this book has given me an in-depth understanding of the Iran's social and economical Issues today.
I like to thank Mr. Molavi for writing such a wonderful book about Iran. It was by far the best book I have read in a long time.
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