Out of Iran: One Woman's Escape from the Ayatollahs

by Sousan Azadi

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0708839266
• ISBN13: 9780708839263
• Release Date: November 1991
• Publisher: Time Warner Paperbacks
• Length: 327 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.

Customer Reviews

An interesting saga

"Out of Iran" is the courageous story of Sousan Azadi; an Iranian refugee who escaped the country from the brutal Ayatollah during the mid 1980's. The book also carefully details her life before her escape during the horrific Iranian Revolution. Sousan lived a very privileged life. She traveled the world and went to college in the US. However, she was from a strict Iranian family that demanded her return to the US before she completed college. Her family thought she was shaming them and practically disowned her for a brief period. After returning to Iran, Sousan found herself nearly penniless and living in boarding houses. She soon caught the attention of very rich real estate developer and was soon married. After her marriage, Sousan could see that her husband was very insecure and jealous. She could not leave her home without his permission and could not speak to her friends or family. Although this was common treatment for Iranian ladies, Sousan was not accustomed to this. Sousan's husband tragically died of cancer. Sousan describes how sad she was during this time. Her in-laws were a bunch of money-hungry parasites. These monsters had the nerve to accuse her of killing her husband. Then they raided her home and took many of Sousan's valuable possessions! You may be thinking now that he's passed away, Sousan can do what she wants? Not in Iran. In death, her husband actually had just as much control over Sousan (if not more.) He made his in-laws Sousan's guardian and Sousan's son's guardian. (Remember in Iran, women have no rights.) And although Sousan's husband was a millionaire, he only left Sousan a small allowance each month (provided she did not remarry.) And his fortune was split between his family and their son. Although Sousan lived in a grand mansion, she was now nearly penniless again. The mansion actually belonged to her young son. And her in-laws (who were her son's legal guardians) allowed her to live there only if she followed their foolish rules! In the late 70's the Iranian government was taken over. The new government gave female citizens even less rights. Women were no longer permitted to have male friends. No one could drink alcohol, or listen to music and women needed to have a chaperone at all times when they were out in public. To say the least, Sousan found these new laws crazy. She was not used to living her life as a virtual prisoner. She had modern beliefs and wanted to go out and meet men and have a good time. And why shouldn't she? She was a beautiful young women (a widow in her early 30's.) Sousan continued entertaining in her home and going on dates with men. She dated a few men which was totally out of the question during the new regime; but she didn't care. Needless to say, two of the secret police came to her home unannounced. Sousan was worried because she had a boyfriend over and it was in the evening. Her home was searched for several hours! Her records, and gas coupons (used to buy gas in a coun

perspective is everything

I bought this book after having read "Not Without My Daughter" by Betty Mahmoody. While I found "Not Without..." to be a compelling drama, Miss Mahmoody's obvious prejudice from the very beginning of the book forced me to step back and maintain some perspective."Out of Iran" is refreshing because it is a story told by a woman who loves her country, but who is willing to criticize its policies and societal norms. Miss Azadi has a smooth but evocative writing style that maintains its intensity throughout. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the impact of Middle Eastern social and political policies on women.

A real eye opener

Reading this book it brought to mind what I know but never really wounted to think about. A horrowing situation in Iran. The author does a great job in describing the every day difficulties of living in a post monach Iran. Amazzing.