Customer Reviews

The Peacock Princess: The True-Life Story of an American Woman and Her Daughters, Trapped Among Decadent Iranian Aristocracy in Royal and Revolutionary Iran

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

They say the pen is mightier than the sword, and within the pages of this book, Ms. Bell has clearly proven the adage by her methodical "cultural assassination" of Iran and Iranians. Unfortunately many readers will read the book, and take its content as truth cast in stone. I would like to suggest another novel, The Fortune Catcher, which portrays a much more realistic picture of Iran. Even though Ms. Bell is a powerful writer, I wish she would have written her book more as fiction rather than as a biography. Many of us Iranian-Americans lived in that culture for many years before coming to the United States, and yet the image she portrays of our home country, is just as alien to us as to the reader in Arkansas. Her usage of Persian words is wrong in many instances. The customs she attributes to all "Iranians" are limited to the few. The family she portrays as Iranian aristocracy is nouveau-riche with obviously little social education that ususally follows wealth, and the social put-downs like "Persians not bathing" are passe and appeal only to a limited audience who is not well-read or well-travelled. It is evident that Ms. Bell has suffered from a great emotional bruising while in Iran. I just wish she could have healed her wounds through appropriate therapy rather than writing a shallow and sensationalist novel.

Being an American woman married to a Middle Eastern man, I was compelled to buy this book to see the accuracy of its content. Although many would like to turn a blind eye to the degrading and abusive nature of women in Middle Eastern society, especially American women inside this culture, it is a reality that must be reckoned. Sarah Harris and Barbara Mosallai Bell should be applauded for their efforts in relaying the events of Ms. Bell's life while in Iran. I think this serves as a powerful message to those who might consider leaving their country, their citizenship, all in the name of love. Not only is this book a fascinating, heart-wrenching story that many readers can empathize, but it can serve as reference to many women so they, too, do not make the same mistakes. I'd highly recommend this book!

I can't even bring myself to write anything about this racist, inaccurate book. Don't waste your money.

I met Ms. Bell at a book signing and I found her to be genuine. She was willing to answer any and all questions about the book. I believe her story is the truth. Be prepared it is very honest.

Not without my daughter, is now known, was a fictional story to the still married Betty Mahmoody....as in still married to her "tyrannical" husband. He also recieved many of the proceeds that the book and movie made. This book is utterly distasteful, and a waste of time. I am tired of seeing Iran portrayed through such racial and prejudice views. The sad thing is that people will actually buy this book, and believe it. If I could rate this book with something other than one through five stars I would give it a NEGATIVE five stars. Don't waste ur time.

I know many women who have similar stories to tell.

I foundthe story well told and an important warning to any woman consideringtraveling to the Middle East with her husband, especially when there are children involved.

You can believe I'd think twice.

This story is reminiscient of NOT WITHOUT MY DAUGHTER but is a brutally honest, first-hand account of the atrocities Ms. Bell suffered.

Captivating from page one to finish.