Voices from Iran: The Changing Lives of Iranian Women (Gender, Culture, and Politics in the Middle East) [Paperback]

Mahnaz Kousha (Author)

Book Description

Series: Gender, Culture, and Politics in the Middle East | Publication Date: November 2002

Fifteen Iranian women talk intimately about all aspects of their lives from domestic concerns to professional issues.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

With intimacy and great sensitivity, Kousha (sociology, Macalester Coll.) provides a depth of insight into Iranian society, giving readers a chance to experience a culture vastly different from mainstream America's. Kousha, herself born in Iran, interviewed 15 Iranian women, who here tell deeply personal stories that begin with childhood. We witness firsthand the role that mothers play in shaping their daughters' lives and are given an in-depth view of courtship and marriage customs. We thus come to understand how closely a father's influence is tied to the laws and culture of the country. Kousha masterfully allows us to share these women's life journeys and provides the foundation for the multiple dramas of their lives. The result is a fascinating book that reads much like fiction and is often difficult to put down. Intended as a scholarly text, this work is sure to capture the interest and hearts of readers of popular fiction as well as those researching the culture of Iran. Highly recommended for both public and academic libraries.
Melody Ballard, Washoe Cty. Lib. Syst., Reno, NV
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Syracuse University Press; 1 edition (November 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815629818
• ISBN-13: 978-0815629818
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,290,923 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing, yet poorly written, January 30, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Voices from Iran: The Changing Lives of Iranian Women (Gender, Culture, and Politics in the Middle East) (Paperback)

This book gave me new perspective on Iranian culture. Kousha discussed issues that are most pertinent to women in Iran: mother-daughter relationships, husband-wife relationships, and the different experiences and expectations regarding education and careers.

While the content was interesting, the book was repetitive. For example, on page 54, it says, "Most often, children assume the mother's attitude and beliefs toward the father before they ever get a chance to know him on their own." Two paragraphs later, on page 55, it says, "children assume the mother's attitude toward the father before they themselves have ever had the opportunity to know their father."

If I were to disregard the repetitive nature of the book, it would rate higher.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From family ties to cherished bonds of matrimony, January 5, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Voices from Iran: The Changing Lives of Iranian Women (Gender, Culture, and Politics in the Middle East) (Paperback)

Mahnaz Kousha's impressive work, Voices From Iran: The Changing Lives Of Iranian Women reveals the rapidly-changing lives of modern Iranian women and is recommended for college-level students. From family ties to cherished bonds of matrimony, this considers all aspects of Iranian women's experiences.