My Life as a Traitor: An Iranian Memoir

This is one of the tougher books to review because I had mixed feelings while reading this book. On the one hand, I was frustrated with the author's maddening (at least from my point of view) level of naivete, self-indulgence, tendency towards moral relativism, and obvious hypocrisy in regards to life and how the world work etc... On the otherhand... the author readily admits to the above shortcomings (perhaps not the moral relativism) with astonishingly honesty and clarity. It's an amazingly well written book; easy to read, insightful, entertaining, horrific at times etc... and most importantly--> written with complete honesty. All of which makes one want a part II of the author's story post Iran. Highly recommended.

This book is an overwhelmingly sensitive personal insight into the conflict between tyranny and freedom. It deals directly with the inherent tension between the impulse to personal liberty and the drive to control. While dealing primarily with the unspeakable acts of a tyrannical regime, it also shows that tyranny does not require government, but it can exist wherever one person tries to force control on the thoughts and actions of others, even within one's own family. One is reminded of the vicious outbursts on the Huffington Post and MoveOn.org against anyone who disagrees politically. There is little distinction in basic motivation between those in the US government who want to impose the "Fairness Doctrine" on radio talk show hosts in order to shut down opposing opinions and the torture chambers in the Evin Prison under the Ayatollahs. The only difference is in the methods chosen to achieve the desired effect. Zarah's story should remind us how tenuous is our hold on freedom and liberty. It has been said that a free society is always just one generation away from tyranny. The zealotry of Zarah's cousin shows how deadly ideology can become when it tramples on the rights of others. This is a beautifully written book. Although it is plain that Zarah had some help with the English language, the spirit of the book is just as obviously entirely her own. With all of its inherent terror, it is also deeply optimistic in that it portrays how the spirit of ancient Persia remains vital and provides a well of resistance that no violence by the Mullahs can ever completely extinguish. This must become essential reading for all people everywhere who cherish freedom and personal responsibility.

This is one of the most moving memoirs I have ever read. It is the story of Zarah, a college student who dares to become involved with her fellow students as a political activist. She is snatched off the street one day and sent to Evin prison. Only after being beaten and tortured for days is she allowed her day in court, though she has already been pronounced guilty. Zarah's story is told in alternating chapters. One chapter will talk about her days in Evin, while the next tells part of her life story up until the time of her arrest. The latter chapters provide a fascinating insight into what life in Iran is like for young women. Although very difficult to read, this book is also very inspiring. Zarah somehow manages to hang onto her humanity despite the brutal treatment she receives at Evin, and thanks to her courage we are able to read her fascinating story.

This is an excellent, touching and mesmerizing story of courage and suffering. Ghahramani reveals her innemorst feelings throughout in a disarming way. Well written and interesting from the first to the last page. Brutality and torture are described vividly, yet not in a crude or brutal way. A good read and a must for everyone.

Zarah takes us through her days in Evin, a notorious prison in Iran. She spends 30 days of sheer torture for making comments and protests against the government. She gives us a history of her childhood, the politics in Iran, and information on her family dynamics. Every other chapter discusses what happened to her in Evin Prison (she was brutally beat and humiliated). It's hard to believe someone could go through what she went through. She is an excellent writer, intelligent, and strong (although she doubts her strength often throughout the book). I would love to see a follow up to this book on how she coped after getting out and how she feels living away from her family (she now lives in Australia).