Laughing Without an Accent By Firoozeh Duhmas

Review by: Gabrielle Guerra

The short
Short stories documenting Duhmas’ childhood in Iran and her experience living in the US.

The long
Duhmas’ collection of stories from her life is filled with the richness of her Persian heritage and her witty humor. Her stories document her life as a child growing up in Tehran, her cross-cultural experiences of moving to California as a teenager, and then onward into adulthood. The account captures the struggles and joys of young adulthood, marriage, motherhood, and friendships as a “global citizen.” She details the feelings of living outside of Iran after the 1979 Revolution and trying to hold onto her beautiful Persian traditions while adapting to the changing world around her.

To read or not to read?
If you want a book that will leave you in tears from laughter and also touch your heart with its sincere honesty and love, then this is the book for you. Duhmas’ style of writing is such that it feels like she is sitting across from you sharing these stories. Through her wit and charm, she offers deep insight into many struggles that many face in concern to identity and relationships.