Customer Reviews

Defying the Iranian Revolution: From a Minister to the Shah to a Leader of Resistance

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Defying the Iranian Revolution by Dr. Manouchehr Ganji is the probably the most informative and revealing account of the Iranian Revolution available. This book was truly a joy to read. Dr. Ganji's unbiased and knowledgeable account and analysis of the Iranian Revolution impacted me greatly. I was thinking about the book for weeks after I had read it. Defying the Iranian Revolution presents all of the aspects of the Iranian Revolution. It gives an honest and illuminating account of all the players, the buildup, the intentions, the consequences, and everything that went on behind the scenes during the years before and after '79. Dr. Ganji's great examination of the Iranian Revolution is complemented by his first-class inspection of Iran today. In addition, the author's personal stories and experiences make the book all the more interesting, courageous, and moving. I consider this book a must read for all Iranians, in order that they will truly appreciate the significance of the events in the recent history of their country. However, whether one is a compatriot, a foreigner, a student, a professor, or an intellectual of any sort, this book will certainly provide more than enough exceptional information, analysis, and entertainment.

I first saw the author on the "Booknotes" program on C-Span. He was such a passionate speaker, I felt compelled to purchase the book. He does admit in several places that the Shah recognized his administration's shortcomings and was making efforts to overcome them. Perhaps one would have to have been there to know for certain their depth and breadth.(?) Dr Ganji's personal story is truly amazing and worth reading just to experience the run he had to make for his life as well as the courage of those who helped him along the way. The real wealth to be gleaned is a better understanding of the ultimate outcome of the radical turn Iran took in the late 70's and how Western leaders (Jimmy Carter, Nobel Prize winner) assisted the power brokers to gain control of the populace. Seeing Dr. Ganji on "Booknotes" certainly woke me into a realization of just how important a role the US plays in world politics. I'm happy to see this book becoming more available in the hope that others can have those same realizations. Dr Ganji provides haunting photos of what people are forced to live with in a maniacally fanatical environment. Shocking. As a woman, I can't imagine a more bleak existence except having my child abducted to serve as a human mine detector. In contrast, he discusses the priviledged status of clerics and how the citizenry is forced to support them in the life to which they have become accustomed as the saying goes. The book and seeing him speak helped me frame a better perspective on what's transpiring in the Middle East and I thank Dr. Ganji for that. It was a transfiguring nudge. The only negative thing is the price of the book which limits accessibilty.....Perhaps that can change.

Dr. Ganji provides an explication of the events leading to, during and following the 1979 revolution. The author adds extra zest to the theme of his work when he relays his personal account of the events. This helps to balance out all of the factual data and figures so meticulously researched and listed. The book presents an unbias chronology and is a must read for all; especially at times like these when terrorism has cast a shadow over the globe. Overall, the book covers a crutial event in contemporary Iranian History and is highly recommended for anyone interested in Middle East matters.

This book is fantastic and I really enjoyed reading it. I highly recommend this book for people to read and also I highly recommend Dr. Ganji's book to be used in public classrooms and universities for any course offerings related to the Middle East and its vast history. I believe this book should be talked about in the media and used as a reference for any "experts" you see on cable television today. Dr. Ganji is one of the most knowledgeable and most eligible people to even discuss Iran, Iraq, terrorism, and the Middle East today. I highly recommend this book.

"Defying the Iranian Revolution" by Dr. Manouchehr Ganji is the most insightful book one could possibly read on the subject matter of the Iranian revolution. Never before have I read such outstanding work from such a reputable author who has done so much for his cause. It is very evident that Dr. Ganji has devoted his entire life to Iran. The book covers topics such as the Shah's last years of his regime, events leading to the revolution, the rise of the Mullahs and Ayatollah Khomeini, and the hardships and daily struggles of Iranians today. I was myself drawn to his personal life - his stories of escape are enthralling. The information contained in the book is particularly useful for those who do not know the complete situation regarding the Iranian revolution. Please treat yourself and buy this book, I highly recommend it.

This book has been by far the best book about Iran that I have read in recent years.I think it would be a great idea to use it as a text book.
I must say the ones supporting the tragedy of 79 may not like the book, since the author is talking about the truth and his own experinces.

This is a very readable book written by a person who has clearly devoted his life to the cause of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is a well-documented and insightful indictment of the brutal mullah regime and the severe hardship they have inflicted on the Iranian people. It clearly illuminates the fact that any injustices that occurred under the Shah's regime have been dwarfed (by orders of magnitude) by the gross human rights violations that are commonplace in today's "Islamic Republic". A society that the former regime was attempting to bring into the 20th century was unfortunately instead dragged back to the 12th century. Dr. Ganji provides hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

I am appreciating the writer for his effort. Reading this book is very educational,as a matter of fact I am suggesting this book to students majoring in political science who are interested in Iranian's political and social life as it was in the past, in the present and will be in the future.
I have reviewed comments made by others,it is surprising how some mentaly retarded people such as Lawrence Ershaghi take the advantage of this site only to carry the will of their Master!
Lawrence, take your time and read at least a few pages of this book, I am sure it will help you to have a better understanding on Iran.

This book provided some evidences how the PAHLAVI dynasty was corrupted. As a result the 1979 revolution was inevitable. Also, the author of book was down playing one elemental factor, which was U.S involvment in Iran's revolution.

The author of this book lacked credibility due to following reasons:

The author mentioned how two assassins appeared in street during his son wedding. The author was able to detect two suspicious persons in the street. The author instructed his enforcer team to apprehend the culprits. However, the culprits escaped. The author was able to detect the culprits because he had their pictures. Once, the culprits escaped, the author purged the culprit pictures. According to the author he was a lawyer than why would a lawyer want to purge evidence against culprit?

The author claimed that he was leader of FFO through democratic election. Today, there is no election for new leader of FFO.

Who is paying for all expense of FFO?

Last, the author of the book mentioned at the end of the book that Iranian people themselves have to free themselves from the theology state without a leader. Therefore, someone comes to this natural conclusion. Your book title indicated that you were a leader of resistance.

All in all, this book failed during cross-examination.