I don鈥檛 know much about the history of the country of Iran so I went into this book without expectations. The author is a firm believer in human rights in a way that would be seen as progressive even today. I was surprised at how relatable the author seemed at times. She doesn鈥檛 hold back her criticism but she criticizes without attacking. She points of flaws in the western way of thinking that鈥漮ur way is the best and only way鈥� and she criticizes the feminist movements inattention to women in less developed countries. She goes from wanting to fix her country to wanting to fix the world and it鈥檚 heartbreaking to see all the progress regarding woman鈥檚 rights, progress she helped make reality, lost when her brother loses the throne. It is impossible not to admire her strength of spirit and strength of will.
You gotta love a woman who was queen bee of her nation's programs for the advancement of women, and at the same time reviled as the most corrupt and depraved female in the country. People called Ashraf the 鈥淒ragon Lady,鈥� 鈥淢an in a skirt,鈥� and 鈥淏lack Panther.鈥� Concerning 鈥淏lack Panther,鈥� she writes 鈥淚 must admit that I rather like that name, and that in some respects it suits me. 鈥� My detractors have accused me of being a smuggler, a spy, a Mafia associate 鈥� and an agent of all intelligence and counterintelligence agencies in the world.鈥�
Very political and anti U. S. Good history of Iran. Covers the events that surrounded the removal of the Shah, the take-over by Khomeini and the international furor which resulted from the author's brother being treated at New York hospital.
This is an eye-opening and exceptional book that everyone in Iran and those interested in learning about Iran's contemporary history should read. It is important to find the first edition of the English version, which is uncensored and unchanged. Unfortunately, I have seen documentaries and read articles that reference this book but alter its wording and concepts.
Here are some extracts from pages 203 and 204: "Yet now I felt that no matter what was happening on the surface in my country, it was extremely likely the Communists were behind much of the disorders" ... "Comrades, something must be done about the Shah. So long as he lives, Iran will never go Communist"... "When these mullahs preach the Soviet party line," he added, "it has a great effect upon the devout Iranian Moslems."
A vastly entertaining book written by the twin sister of the last Shah of Iran. The book's strengths lie in the Princess's accounts of her travels and personal family details. It can drag a bit in the political sections. It is widely considered of little use to the historical community because of its Pahlavi worship and its onesidedness.
The Princess lived a remarkable life, twin sister to the Shah of Iran. It's wonderful to have her actual recollections saved in this book, but it loses some punch in its translation. Other historians explain her story in greater detail, her interaction among many characters.