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scarletohhara's review against another edition
4.0
This is a well written book, and the author's obvious joy at being on the road by herself on her powerful dirt bike which gives her autonomy over her movements in a country with terrains like Iran's , and her delight at discovering various layers of society that are otherwise common to an Asian country but take a deeper meaning in an isolated country like Iran (trust on neighbors, blatant sexism, mistrust of authorities, forced hijab for women) are visible through the writing.
For me, this book took an extra meaning because of the current anti-hijab protests related to Mahsi Amini's death. I've always been fascinated by Iran - partly because it was on the Silk Route which I hope to traverse someday and also partly because of the Persian influence in India that I've seen growing up and as an adult in Hyderabad. I've loved all the Persian references even in our everyday spoken language. And also because this is the one country that has been proven hard to get to. And from all the stories of Iran I've heard of friends say, I've been fascinated to visit the place.
I was also struck by the romanticism involved in how this book came about to be. I imagined myself to be that Habib who put that note on Pryce's motorbike, I'd have done that if I was stricken with grief on how my motherland was portrayed in western media. Coz a country is not its government, it is what the people make of it. And there cannot be just one story for a country.
That's why, it makes sense when Pryce says that there are two images of Iran in everyone's minds - one that of today's Iranian government and another of the kind, gentle, wise Iranian people with their vast influences on language, culture and architecture on various parts of the world.
Must read this boo for anyone interested in world affairs. This book fits into both social commentary and travel genres and helps spread awareness on countries like Iran, especially to beat the dangers of believing in single stories.
For me, this book took an extra meaning because of the current anti-hijab protests related to Mahsi Amini's death. I've always been fascinated by Iran - partly because it was on the Silk Route which I hope to traverse someday and also partly because of the Persian influence in India that I've seen growing up and as an adult in Hyderabad. I've loved all the Persian references even in our everyday spoken language. And also because this is the one country that has been proven hard to get to. And from all the stories of Iran I've heard of friends say, I've been fascinated to visit the place.
I was also struck by the romanticism involved in how this book came about to be. I imagined myself to be that Habib who put that note on Pryce's motorbike, I'd have done that if I was stricken with grief on how my motherland was portrayed in western media. Coz a country is not its government, it is what the people make of it. And there cannot be just one story for a country.
That's why, it makes sense when Pryce says that there are two images of Iran in everyone's minds - one that of today's Iranian government and another of the kind, gentle, wise Iranian people with their vast influences on language, culture and architecture on various parts of the world.
Must read this boo for anyone interested in world affairs. This book fits into both social commentary and travel genres and helps spread awareness on countries like Iran, especially to beat the dangers of believing in single stories.
maya_b's review against another edition
4.5
Unglaublich interessant zu lesen und ziemlich gut geschrieben. Zeitweise fand ich persönlich es zwar ein wenig anstrengend, aber insgesamt hat es mir wirklich gut gefallen, durch Pryce' Augen diese Reise begleiten und ebenfalls etwas über den Iran lernen zu können.
Ich habe das Gefühl, dass mir an einigen Stellen ein wenig Hintergrundwissen fehlte bzw. ich persönlich mehr hätte interessiert sein müssen, damit es so richtig perfekt gewesen wäre, aber auch so war es ein wirklich guter Reisebericht, den ich sehr gerne gelesen habe.
Ich habe das Gefühl, dass mir an einigen Stellen ein wenig Hintergrundwissen fehlte bzw. ich persönlich mehr hätte interessiert sein müssen, damit es so richtig perfekt gewesen wäre, aber auch so war es ein wirklich guter Reisebericht, den ich sehr gerne gelesen habe.
stephbond's review against another edition
4.0
I have read a previous book by Lois Pryce and was hoping for more of the same and I got it. Its warm, engaging, funny and moving as well as being a great adventure!
She views Iran with an open mind, but demonstrates how hard it is for us to really put all preconceptions aside. Her tales of the kindness and hospitality made me more determined to be friendlier when I am out on my travels, and encounter people visiting England, it is hard though, as I am very British!
I didn't want the book to end, which is always a good sign.
She views Iran with an open mind, but demonstrates how hard it is for us to really put all preconceptions aside. Her tales of the kindness and hospitality made me more determined to be friendlier when I am out on my travels, and encounter people visiting England, it is hard though, as I am very British!
I didn't want the book to end, which is always a good sign.
sirxetra's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
thissimoneb's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this one - I learnt heaps about Iran's history and culture, while being entertained and often amazed by the author's adventurous spirit.
celestialwillow's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
chapman's review against another edition
5.0
A unique insight to an incredible culture barely understood or acknowledged in the West. Absolutely filled with wonderful people from a beautiful country. I hope I can visit one day and have a fraction of the experience.
thebooktrail88's review against another edition
5.0
Visit the locations in the novel
One of the most interesting and honest travelogues I’ve had the pleasure to read. Riding through the Iranian desert on a motorcycle is not the kind of thing I would ever think of to do but it would be an epic experience to do it. I now feel I have as Lois is as affable and as friendly as I hope any travel companion would be.
She questions her own beliefs about the Muslim culture and religion, her Western values, her new discoveries, the new people she meets and her sense of adventure is great. Some strange experiences and some somewhat dangerous ones mingle with moments of amazement and sheer delight.
Most of people she meets are lovely and it’s great to meet such colourful characters. There’s lots of moments of history, anecdotes and insights into her doubts and misgivings which adds to the tension of the whole journey. I found this honest and raw, and I’m impressed with this traveller’s taste for the unknown and an affinity with her surroundings.
Have since been lucky enough to meet Lois and she’s as lovely as she comes across in this book! A real explorer with a heartfelt desire to see the real country and she succeeds. The face of Iran is not one we often get to see in this way but this book really shines a light on its beauty.
broadreads's review against another edition
5.0
I love reading about all of Lois' adventures. This one was slightly more politics then travel but still thoroughly enjoyed it.
verityw's review against another edition
4.0
An absolutely fascinating book about one woman's ride across Iran on her motorbike. Lois Pryce decided to set out on her adventure after a note was left on her bike when it was parked near the Iranian embassy in London and decided to go and see the country to try and find out the real story of Iran as opposed to the news stories. And what follows is an engrossing story of a woman travelling on her own across a country where women don't do things alone and where a woman on a motorbike is actually technically illegal.
I learnt a lot from the book and ended up wanting to visit Iran myself - although my profession might make that a bit of a challenge! Well worth reading to get an insight into the realities of life in Iran.
I learnt a lot from the book and ended up wanting to visit Iran myself - although my profession might make that a bit of a challenge! Well worth reading to get an insight into the realities of life in Iran.