4.0

This book relates the story of three brothers growing up in Iran: one a monarchist, a general under the Shah, another who becomes a leftist sympathizer, and the youngest who becomes a religious follower of Khomeini. Through their stories, and that of their family, Ebadi does a superbe job of relating the history of Iran (since the 1950s), and also the lives of many of its people who followed one of these three paths.

It is a good examination of the blinding power of ideology and rigidity of thought. Ebadi also brings her feminist point of view, which is not often heard in the Islamic Republic.

The book is very well translated (which wasn't the case for Iran Awakening), and it's a good read. Sometimes difficult to follow the heartbreak of so many people...but highly recommended for those with an interest in Iran.