Destination: Iran
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Travel Literature
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The past few years have seen a rush of new travel literature about Iran. Most have a decidedly political bent, if not necessarily an agenda, and are generally quite readable. Interestingly, several are by female authors. It’s worth noting that most of these books are not available in Iran. You shouldn’t have any trouble bringing them, or almost any other books, through Iranian customs – but you can forget Not Without My Daughter or anything by Salman Rushdie.
Persian Pilgrimages by Afshin Molavi sees the US-educated Iranian journalist explore his homeland through a series of ‘pilgrimages’ to historical sites, poets’ tombs and martyrs’ cemeteries. This is a great read, full of insight into Iranian culture and fairly balanced politically.
Searching for Hassan by Terence Ward recounts the author’s return to Iran with his family in search of Hassan, the family’s 1960s housekeeper. However, Hassan is really a subplot to a revealing look at the history and culture of Iran. Some have criticised Ward’s soft approach to the Islamic government.
The Road to Oxiana by Robert Byron is a classic. A vividly observed travel diary of the author’s 1930’s passage from England to Afghanistan via Iran. Famous for its descriptive prose and often biting sketches of local people, its tone can verge uncomfortably close to racism by today’s standards.
Honeymoon in Purdah by Alison Wearing seems to be either loved or hated by readers. Some decry Wearing’s ignorance when embarking on her ‘honeymoon’ in Iran – with a friend posing as her husband – others find much in common with her and enjoy the witty episodes she recounts.
Neither East Nor West by Christiane Bird is another new travelogue with more background but less humour than Wearing’s book. Both do a decent job of getting behind the veil.
Black on Black: Iran Revisited by AM Briongos recounts this Spanish woman’s return to visit friends in the country where she had studied before the Islamic Revolution.
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