This fascinating look at Iran, written with a journalist's attention to detail, presents a series of short vignettes that balance the narrative's sense of urgency and seriousness with the courage and defiance of those engaged in activism and reform ... A wonderful choice for readers of history, current events, and fans of Marjane Satrapi's graphic memoir Persepolis.
Like a documentary film, the book unravels the political and social incidents which happened during three periods: the post-revolution and the pre-reform era, the reformists and Khatami’s presidency, and the post-Khatami’s presidency and the Green Movement ... One of the things which I really liked about I’m Writing You from Tehran is Minoui’s deep bond with Persian poetry, especially Hafiz, the classic Persian poet who influenced Goethe ... What I like about I’m Writing You from Tehran is its myriad female characters ... The combination of these women gives the book a distinctly feminine infrastructure. Characters like Niloufar and Leyla reflect a Westernized image of Iranian woman ... I might not have the same political views as Minoui, but nevertheless I feel connected to her. I too like the idea of a country, of thinking beyond boundaries, and Hafiz’s poetry.
...poignant ... [with] many moments of pointed insight ... A uniquely rendered chronicle of one woman's personal and professional journey from faith to activism.
