Customer Reviews

Honeymoon in Purdah: An Iranian Journey

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As an Iranian growing up in Canada, I seldom found accurate representations of the people of Iran. It seems that those who make the most noise are the only ones heard, so it was often painful to see the only portrayals of Iranians to be of ignorant, Western-hating, backward militants. The book and movie "Not Without My Daughter" presented Betty Mahmoody's tragic experience with a close-minded family, and the movie showed scenes of villages that were meant to represent major cities in Iran. It is no wonder that I've always had to work hard to prove myself against these stereotypes. It's a shame that many westerners believe Ms. Mahmoody's story to be representative of every Persian family. This book is such a refreshing change. I could relate to every thougth and action that she wrote of, and I found myself laughing out loud at parts, and crying at others because of their familiarity. I hope that westerners read this book without the cynicism of some of those who have reviewed it here, and believe that a people can be that hospitable, that kind, and that misunderstood. I pity those who have such a jaded view on humanity and on Iran, that they attribute Wearing's accounts as fictitious attempts at humour, instead of what they actually are: A true portrayal of most Iranians' warmth toward their guest.

This book is written so well! I love to read books of this sort and am extremely interested in Middle Eastern culture - but even so, I believe that anyone would love this book because of the way Ms Wearing tells her story. This is truly an adventure book! I loved the chapter "Mr Canada, we take your wife, we make her cold"! This enchanting chapter (and others) showed the compassion and humour that the author had and shared with the Iranian people she met. I highly recommend this book to anyone, whether you are usually interested in this region or not. This is true gem for any reader.

I am thoroughly enjoying this book. While I have not finished reading it yet, it gives us a peek into the everyday lives of the people of Iran from the viewpoint of a Western woman traveling with her "husband" on their "honeymoon". I add the quotations because the couple is neither married nor on their honeymoon, they're simply tourists. The book will change your CNN view of the people of this country. It is humorous and sad at the same time. A great read.

Through her anecdotal, sometimes poetic style of writing, Alison Wearing brings the humanity of the Iranian people to life. The recounting of her adventures during a 5-month stay in Iran leaves us feeling fortunate to have shared in her many wondrous encounters and experiences! She expertly weaves the details of Iran's recent revolutionary history with the stories, impressions and opinions related to her by the country's people, reminding us that freedom and happiness are often simply matters of perspective, and that humans of all cultures and religions alike seek to enjoy the peace of life's simple pleasures. Readers with an open mind will enjoy putting the shoe on the other foot and reflecting on what life in any society can mean for those living it, how different and yet similar we all... She takes us on a journey through a sometimes scary, usually warm, surprisingly hospitable, always fascinating land, and we emerge from the pages of this jewel of a book delighted, reflective and refreshed! I will re-read this book for years to come!

If you are expecting a detailed, politically correct, eloquently written insight into Iranian culture, you won't get it from this book. What you will get is a light, amusing, human experience in a country which most of us have only experienced through slanderous press. Like Michael Moore, the author has chosen a style of presentation which does not conform to the norm; but don't be fooled, the "home video" style of Moore is neither simplistic nor foolish, it's a clever way of engaging both sophisticated and uninformed viewers. In the same way, Alison Wearing presents in simple form, a complex subject.
You don't need to approve of her behaviour, hold the same political beliefs, question her motives, or even like her- it's irrelevant. Just sit back and enjoy this feel-good book, and come away with a little more insight into, and love and compassion for, Iranian people.

Maybe it was the writer or writing style but I honestly tried. I just got bored after a while reading about these endless non-adventures and uninteresting people. I get the whole premise pretending to be married and on a honeymoon to access Iran in a different way but I just did not get any strong magical mystery tour type feeling at all. It's not like I have not read books about Iran (I highly recommend Persian Mirrors by Elaine Sciolino) so I had some familiarity going in.

Anyway, Alison Wearing is probably an acquired taste as I just found her writing blander than bland.

Well, I bought this book with the intention of knowing more about the Iranian culture and the country itself. But it was not to be.The chapters are disconnected, repititive and very boring..

Should be more careful with the reviews...

Alison Wearing gives us an incredible insight into the life and customs of the Iranian people. Her book allows us a view to life in the aftermath of the revolution and the Islamic religion in its essence.

The hospitality with which Wearing was met throughout her journey in Iran is fascinating and almost overwhelming. It shattered a lot of my prejudices. Wearing's book left me with a sense of Iranians as warm and colourful with strong, deep souls.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it gave me a lot of laughs, smiles and sighs. I look forward to reading more of Alison Wearing's other adventures.

This book shows why travel writing is alive: we are able to lead an adventurous life without having to subject ourselves to the rigors and stress of decyphering a foreign culture, a strange land, different habits or even having to mimic a language unknown to us.
Ms. Wearing's sensitive rendition of the people she met in Iran and her willingness to put herself in their care, allowed her to sketch an intimate portrait of the people: sensitive, humorous and captivating.
This book is not only informative, it is entertaining. Throughout its pages, Ms. Wearing lifts the veil hiding Iranian country life from us; she shows some of the habits in the mosques, conversations with religious people and attitudes of Westerners living there.
It may not be the best way to learn about Iran, but it is certainly an interesting way to expand our knowledge of the people and of the culture.

The moment I got this book at amazon.com I started reading and to tell you I can't hardly put the book down,before we all know what happen to the 1979 US embassy takeover in Tehran and since then we all picture Iran as a nation under the new ruler of the Ayatollah,but mind you,once you start reading this book you can see how generous the people are toward the foreigners,in this book the author describe how the people show their hospitality,up to the point that they would ask you to share a ride in their car,sleep in their house,dine with them. its really wonderful and I would highly recommend this book to read. I guaranteed it will change the way how you look at the people of Iran.