audiobook Until We Are Free: My Fight for Human Rights in Iran by Shirin Ebadi in History

Review

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Persian perspectiveBy Trilla PandoIran has always been part; but never a big part; of the American life I’ve lived. When I was in graduate school in 1979 a friend and fellow student went home to Iran—and never came back. Now; a close friend and native Texan treasures her Persian heritage by sharing it. And Iran has appeared and continues to appear; maybe too frequently; on the national news. Rarely is the news good. But for me; Persia is in the distant background; almost to the horizon. Or was; until I read this book. Rarely do I complete a book within 24 hours of the time the sack appears on my doorway. This one; yes. I cancelled plans; ate canned soup; and read. It is fascinating and eye-opening on many counts. I now have a clearer (clear may be out of the question) understanding of recent Iranian history and how it fits into world events—and I now know the people (men!) behind the names in the news across the years. But more; I experienced the life of a woman of about my age living a life—and losing a life—there. Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi brings it all: Not only her personal memoir; but the role of women in the Iranian world and in the world at large--She unapologetically presents both. I did not agree with some decisions; but I wasn’t standing her shoes—and I certainly appreciate her logic.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Unbelievable non fiction; sad commentary on Iran and the rest of the worldBy Ronaele WhittingtonThe truth about Iran might be another subtitle to this memoir by Shirin Ebadi. What does Valerie Jarrett (born in Iran and closest adviser to the Obamas) have to say about this expose on the contemporary government of Iran? How can the USA deal with a country lead by blatant and evil abusers of human rights? How does Ebadi find the strength to focus on her dream for a humane Iran? How could the threats to her person; her family; and her friends get any worse? Thank goodness Ebadi can write and publish.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Read this book to help in understanding Iran and IraniansBy sterlingAgThis is a very informative book about Iran and Iranians; especially the relationship between the people of Iran and their radical; corrupt Islamic government (who hijacked a popular uprising against the Shah; and incorrectly hailed it an "Islamic Revolution.)" The author does a masterful job of describing the corruption and hypocrisy of the Islamic government and its military puppets/protectors (ISRG). One reviewer has complained that someone made some mistakes in translation;"The most glaring one is replacing "Allah" with "God"; clearly trying to emphasis a more relatable term and establish a more secular view point for Western readers but is still wrong and a cultural slur and actually creates an insult between both Eastern and Western cultures."This opinion is totally wrong; most Iranians are pretty secular; and prefer to refer to خدا (historical pre-Islamic god) rather than Allah (اللآه). It is odd; however; how wedded Iranians are to Islam. This is despite the fact that perhaps their greatest poet Ferdowsi (فردوسی) complained that "Uncivilized Arabs have come and made me a Muslim". The fact remains; however; that most Iranians view the West and America favorably; while the radical Islamic government; and Khamenei in particular; absolutely hates the USA and UK; and the Great Satan becomes more evil in their eyes every day. These old-time hard-liners are so afraid of regime change (fomented by the West; of course) that they have their own; personal massive military forces (3 of them: the ISRG; the Pasdaran; and the Basiji) to protect them!!! And the old SAVAK of the Shah has been replaced by an even-more-vile SAVAMA. It is for this reason; among others; that we must continue a dialog with Iran; until a day when the old-line religious fanatics are gone and the younger; more open-minded populace takes charge. Thus; the title of Shirin Ebadi's book: "Until We Are Free..."