Persian Mirrors: The Elusive Face of Iran

Rating:
Summary: Good read, but.....
Review: The book offers a very interesting perspective. There are marits to many of the writer's points and arguments. It really helped me to come in touch with the history of Iran over the past 25 years. However, she represents most of the so called "reformers" as the victims of the system. She does not nearly enough emphasize that the same people were among the "creators" of the madhouse named Iran today. For example, the fact that many, if not most of the so called reformers were among the people who stomred the US embassey and triggered the ensuing hostage taking incident is either absent from the book, or is just very briefly mentioned. I also object to the notion that there has never been as much press freedom in Iran as there is today! Anyone with any sence of history knows that the few years following the Mossadegh's fall were much more impressive in terms of press freedom than anything that an Islamic theocracy can ever possibly offer. Overall, good book, but obvioulsy written by someone whose knowledge of the culture and history of Iran before the revolution is rather limited.

Rating:
Summary: A good intro to the true face of Iran
Review: This book brings to light the warmth and openness of the Iranian people despite the restrictive governmental rule they live under. You really feel for them, and the book makes you wish Iran would open up to the western world and share their culture, emotion, and diverse opinions with the rest of us. I hope someday a change occurs. I would love to visit and experience the culture. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the cultural aspect of the Middle East and Iran in particular. A great book with a true portrait of a new generation of Iranians, and of the older generations who are learning to listen to their hearts and not to political/religious rhetoric and propaganda.