Through Iran in Disguise

Rating:
Summary: "Disguise" and "Iran" Are Equal Focal Points Here
Review: "Through Iran in Disguise" documents the exploration of Iran before the fall of the Shah as seen through the eyes of a woman dressed as a man--or boy, as she was actually more believable. The text focuses equally on her perceptions of the people she meets and her perceptions of her disguise.

I was impressed with the author's descriptions of the people she met as well as her descriptions of the various decorative arts she was studying, but I found her musings upon her disguise more distracting than helpful. I was most interested in her musings in her epilogue in which she contrasted a later visit in veil with her trip dressed as a man.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more of the people who live in Iran regardless of the political situation. I was particularly impressed with her record of discussions with religious teachers. The author's attention to detail made me want to read more about the people of Iran after I had finished the book.

Rating:
Summary: "Disguise" and "Iran" Are Equal Focal Points Here
Review: "Through Iran in Disguise" documents the exploration of Iran before the fall of the Shah as seen through the eyes of a woman dressed as a man--or boy, as she was actually more believable. The text focuses equally on her perceptions of the people she meets and her perceptions of her disguise.

I was impressed with the author's descriptions of the people she met as well as her descriptions of the various decorative arts she was studying, but I found her musings upon her disguise more distracting than helpful. I was most interested in her musings in her epilogue in which she contrasted a later visit in veil with her trip dressed as a man.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more of the people who live in Iran regardless of the political situation. I was particularly impressed with her record of discussions with religious teachers. The author's attention to detail made me want to read more about the people of Iran after I had finished the book.

Rating:
Summary: A rare insight
Review: I found this a fascinating book. Having travelled through the Islamic world myself, I found the description of the intoxicating mix of culture, kindness, honesty and dishonesty amazingly reminiscent. It also provides a view of Iran in a different, more tolerant age.

As added spice, there is the constant strain of her risk of discovery as a woman, which raises the tension almost to that of a thriller.

It's competently researched, packed full of historic, religious and social insight, and written by an evidently brave and inteligent author.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: This is an interesting book, but it is very disappointing. From the description I was expecting the book to focus on the people of Iran. The book is mostly about how Hobson got around in Iran. The lengthy description of her journey into the mountains on an old moped put me to sleep. Hobson's views on Iran are also generalized and out of date. I was hoping her book would give insight on what it is like to travel through Iran as a Westerner, but she just keeps rambling on about how difficult it was to keep pretending to be a boy. I was also dismayed at the way she lied to get into religious sites closed to women and carelessly violated many of the cultural codes.She thought her own curiosity was more important than respecting the culture of Iran( which she claims to admire) I would recommend almost any book in the world over this one. With people like Sarah Hobson on the loose I'm amazed that English travelors are still allowed to set foot in other countries.