Things I’ve Been Silent About by Azar Nafisi

Review by Giorgia Piantanida

The short: A novel that explores the author’s experience and perception of Iran prior to the Islamic Revolution of ‘78/’79. Through deeply personal experiences and stories, Nafisi brings to life an Iranian community that is vibrant and beloved by her and her family. 

The long: Nafisi writes about her personal story of growing up in Iran prior to the revolution, and weaves her narrative with historical events and personal family history. Her writing brings to life her mother, who had a historic term in the Iranian Parliament and a father who was mayor of Tehran but subsequently spent time in jail. Nafisi writes of her personal growth and her understanding of Iran as the revolution rocked her community, and explores Iran from a unique point of view. 

To read or not to read: As an introductory text to pre-revolutionary Iran, this book is fantastic. It’s personal narrative touches the reader, and is a stepping stone for seeing Iran outside of the western-centric, Islamophobic point of view. However, this book focuses more on Nafisi’s personal life and works to build a fuller picture of Nafisi, rather than Iran.