Viaggio Di Nozze A Teheran (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
This book tells the story of Ahmadinejad's first election and how the first years of his administration affected the daily lives of people and, specifically, this reporter.Azadeh Moaveni takes you through the naiveté of reform minded voters who justified their sitting out the 2005 election since no one represented positive change. Little did they know that at the last minute a hard liner could be entered in stealth and would change the country and take away what little freedoms they had.She shows how the situation deteriorated. To this point, small freedoms had crept into the Islamic Republic. When Ahmadinejad opened soccer games to women it was hoped the trend would continue, but this was followed a widespread crackdown on woman's attire. Satellite dishes are first removed by somewhat polite police, later, they are just smashed on roofs with little warning. Moaveni's professional situation deteriorates as well. The intimidating government minder becomes downright lethal.Amid all this, Moaveni falls in love and becomes pregnant. She can't get health information since sites found in Googling "Women" (as well other body parts) are blocked. Every aspect of childbirth is fraught with stress down to selection of the child's name. The marriage ceremony and celebration have concerns. In Iran, wedding planners have added responsibilities. They may have to pay the police to so your friends and relatives can be together (men and women) to celebrate. Add music or wine to your party, and you have more complications.Don't let the title fool you. This is not chick-lit and it is not flip. It is a serious work on the difficulties of daily life in Iran Very interesting - a very (!) wealthy Iranian woman journalist, returning to Iran to marry an Iranian man (also very wealthy and raised in Britain.) Their attempt to live outside the rigidity/rules of Iran - and their inability to accept the limits placed on their lives there - especially after having a child. She makes no excuses for the fact that having a lot of money gave them enormous options that other Iranians don't have (going abroad for medical car, having a wedding with an open bar after paying the right bribes.) Fascinating, depressing story.
What do You think about Viaggio Di Nozze A Teheran (2009)?
Enjoyed learning about Iranian society. More complex than it appears in the US media
—seva
excellent insight into ~2005-07 Iranian life & politics; fascinating read.
—shreyaspimpalgaonkar
helpful (middle/upper class) perspective on Iran 2004-2007. Quick read.
—rameshr975
