Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi

3.66 AVERAGE

rutasved's profile picture

rutasved's review against another edition

4.0
informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
thebookgeekfrau's profile picture

thebookgeekfrau's review against another edition

2.75
informative slow-paced
The history of the Iranian revolution was interesting. The writing…not so much.

cglillis's review against another edition

4.75
emotional hopeful informative reflective sad

clara_greene's review against another edition

4.0
dark reflective medium-paced
Interesting but sobering memoir about life in Tehran post revolution. I probably would have appreciated it more if I were more well read, but still liked it 

mckennamarsh06's review against another edition

5.0
funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced
allisongiovanetti's profile picture

allisongiovanetti's review against another edition

5.0
Reading Lolita in Tehran was such a beautiful story about feminism, equality, racism, freedom (in so many forms), and literature! You wanted to be taking Azar's class while you were reading this story and you wanted to be one of her girls. Or you were in Azar's position looking at the rest of the girls and just hoping they would be okay and that they would make it. It was truly a beautiful story that I thoroughly enjoyed! 
f_benedicte's profile picture

f_benedicte's review against another edition

3.5
informative reflective sad slow-paced

bbpphd's review against another edition

5.0
emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
ashleylane26's profile picture

ashleylane26's review against another edition

4.0
I'm a bit surprised at some of the negative reviews. This was a great book. I felt like I missed some, though, because I hadn't read all of the classics she refers to so heavily. However, she does a good job of explaining them.

Nafisi's passion for the literature is compelling. The way she gives you her raw emotions about her students and Iran are also to be admired.

I did get a little bogged down in reading this now and then, but I think it was because it pulled at my heartstrings.

lumi126's review against another edition

5.0
It took me a moment to get the who is who straight. Other than that: this is an absolutely must read book. She does not sugar coat anything that happens but she balances her narrative so you will never find yourself overwhelmed when she describes what is going on in the country or in the lives of everyone involved. Also, she uses literary criticism as a narrative tool. Pure genius!

This book is for people who like real stories, literature and history.

I will certainly read this book again!