Daughter Of Persia: A Woman's Journey From Her Father's Harem Through the Islamic Revolution [Paperback]

Sattareh Farman Farmaian (Author), Dona Munker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 18, 1992

The founder of the Tehran School of Social Work tells how she left the security of a Persian harem, attended the University of Southern California, and returned to Iran only to be arrested after the collapse of the Shah's regime. 15,000 first printing. Tour.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As founder in 1958 of the Tehranok/per book School of Social Work, Sattareh naively believed, "If one only avoided politics, one could achieve something constructive." After two decades of humanitarian efforts in Iranian family planning, day care, vocational programs and aid to the poor and prisoners' families, she was arrested in 1979 by Khomeini's machine-gun-toting teenage minions. Branded an "imperialist," she narrowly escaped execution and now lives in the U.S. The 15th of 36 children, Sattareh revered and feared her "all-powerful" father, a prince and governor. This dramatic if restrained autobiography, written with freelancer Munker, describes her patriarchal upbringing and her education at UCLA. She belatedly realized that "keeping our mouths shut let the Shah do what he wanted." Her memoir is actually most effective as a political document. She powerfully condemns the Eisenhower-backed coup that toppled democratic premier Mossadegh and installed ruthless dicatator Reza Shah Pahlavi, whose fascist secret police were trained and financed by the CIA. The Shah's corrupt, unjust regime, she graphically demonstrates, fueled explosive resentment that found an outlet in Khomeini's fanaticism.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

In this poignant autobiography, Farman Farmaian brings Persian history and culture alive. Born in 1921 into the powerful, aristocratic Qajar family, her life spans nearly a century of tremendous change in Iran: from a sheltered childhood in her father's harem (there was an extended family of four wives and over 30 children) through her studies at the University of Southern California where she was the first Iranian student to attend to her return to Iran to found and direct the Tehran School of Social Work from 1958 until 1979 when radical students took over the school and forced her into exile. Intertwined with her personal account is the political history of Iran from the constitutional monarchy of the Qajars through the Western-oriented but brutal Reza Khan and his son Reza Shah to the virulent anti-Western Islamic Republic of Ayatollah Khomeini. This is also a cultural history of a highly adaptable people who learned centuries ago--in order to survive--to trust no one outside one's own family. Highly recommended for all libraries.
-Ruth K. Baacke, Bellingham P.L., Wash .
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 404 pages
• Publisher: Crown; 1st edition (February 18, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517586975
• ISBN-13: 978-0517586976
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,760,498 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Passionate, Personal, and Provocative -- A Story to Treasure, December 26, 1999

By 

Simone P. Stilson (Olympia, Washington, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Daughter of Persia: A Woman's Journey From Her Father's Harem Through the Islamic Revolution (Paperback)

I am an American daughter of an Iranian man who grew up in Tehran the same time as the author, and I was THRILLED to find this book. It provided me with many insights and a sizeable history lesson about Iran and its culture. Ms. Farman-Farmaian writes clearly and factually, yet includes her own analysis of the amazing history and perpetual transitions that have characterized this ancient country. She provides an excellent introduction, pertinent background, and an exposure to some of the Farsi language, which gives the rest of the book depth and feeling and makes it easy to follow. Contrary to the Western connotation of a "Harem," Farman-Farmaian enlightens us with the powerful network of love and support, which deeply connected the women and siblings in her family. It is a moving account of a life of courage and dedication by a woman who dared to think beyond her cultural boundaries. I highly recommend it!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book, June 15, 2000

By 

Molly Lubin - See all my reviews

This review is from: Daughter of Persia: A Woman's Journey From Her Father's Harem Through the Islamic Revolution (Paperback)

I loved reading Daughter of Persia. It is a thrilling journey through Farman Farmaian's remarkable life, and it is a fascinating ride through the modern history of Iran; from before the overthrow of the Shah to Iran today. Farman Farmaian's descriptive, yet fast-paced writing style makes this book a treasure to read. Read Daughter of Persia if you are interested in reading about the life of the extraordinary woman who founded social work in Iran, and read this if you are interested in Iranian culture and history.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why didn't this book win a Pulitzer, May 3, 2003

By 

Hal Gordon "howian1" (Morris, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Daughter of Persia: A Woman's Journey From Her Father's Harem Through the Islamic Revolution (Paperback)

One of the best and most illuminating biographicies I have read. It's sad, insightful, but funny (for example, when Miss Farmaian arrives in Los Angeles after a long journey and asks to see the Statue of Liberty).

She explains why figures like Khomeni were so popular, though she is clearly unbiased since she was almost prosecuted for being a spy. She discusses the good and bad about the shah and provides tremendous insight into Moslem society. Why aren't there more books as good as this.