Shīrīn ʻIbādīShīrīn ʻIbādī
Follow
Azadeh MoaveniAzadeh Moaveni
Follow
Iran Awakening: One Woman's Journey to Reclaim Her Life and Country Paperback – 10 April 2007
by Shirin Ebadi (Author), Azadeh Moaveni (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (254)
A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK - The first Muslim woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize provides an eyewitness account of her stand at the crossroads of history in this moving and unforgettable memoir.
"Riveting . . . [Iran Awakening] sometimes reads like a police thriller, its drama heightened by [Shirin] Ebadi's determination to keep up the quotidian aspects of her family life."--The Washington Post Book World (Best Books of the Year)
"A testament to how a single, inspired voice can rise above the cacophony . . . the book should be required reading."--The Nation
In Iran Awakening, Dr. Shirin Ebadi recounts her public career and reveals her private self: her faith, her experiences, and her desire to lead a traditional life even while serving as a rebellious voice in a land where such voices are muted or brutally silenced.
Ebadi describes her girlhood in Tehran, her education, and her early professional success as Iran's most accomplished female jurist--until hardline clerics demoted her after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. She eventually fought her way back as a human rights lawyer, defending women and children in politically charged cases that most lawyers were afraid to represent.
In reading Ebadi's story, we come to see a devoted daughter, wife, and mother. Ebadi is an everywoman, albeit one who has braved imprisonment, harassment, and assassination attempts, all for the dream of a better Iran for her daughters and for generations to come. For her bravery and selflessness, she has been embraced as a national hero and as a key player in helping to forge Iran's destiny, whatever it may be.
Review
"This is the riveting story of an amazing and very brave woman living through some quite turbulent times. And she emerges with head unbowed."--Archbishop Desmond Tutu
"The safety and freedom of citizens in democracies is irretrievably bound with the safety and freedom of people like Shirin Ebadi who are fighting to reassert the best achievements of mankind: universal human rights. One of the staunchest advocates for human rights in her country and beyond, Ms. Ebadi, herself a devout Muslim, represents hope for many in Muslim societies that Islam and democracy are indeed compatible."--Azar Nafisi
"A moving portrait of a life lived in truth."--The New York Times Book Review
"A riveting account of a brave, lonely struggle . . . [Iran Awakening] reads like a police thriller, its drama heightened by Ebadi's determination to keep up the quotidian aspects of her family life."--The Washington Post Book World
"A must read . . . may be the most important book you could read this year."--Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"As a testament to how a single, inspired voice can rise above the cacophony . . . the book should be required reading."--The Nation
"Some of her admirers in Iran call her a woman of steel. Sure, the Iranian human rights champion also has a heart of gold. But it is Shirin Ebadi's unbending will that explains how she has become the conscience of the Islamic Republic."--Time
"[Ebadi] has come forward with professional force and unflagging courage, and she has defied any danger to her own safety. She is truly a woman of the people!"--Ole Danbolt Mjos, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee
"[Ebadi] has risked her freedom and her life to defend democracy, free speech, and the rule of law."--The Boston Globe
About the Author
Dr. Shirin Ebadi was one of Iran's first female judges and served as the first female chief magistrate of one of the country's highest courts until the 1979 Islamic Revolution stripped her of her judgeship. In the 1990s Ebadi returned to the law as a defender of women's and children's rights, founding a human rights center that spearheaded legal reform and public debate around the Islamic Republic's discriminatory laws. She has defended many of the country's most prominent prisoners of conscience and spent nearly a month in prison in 1999 for her activities. For many years she was at the center of Iran's grassroots women's movement. In 2003 she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work. Since the election uprising of June 2009 she has lived in exile.
TopAbout this itemSimilarFrom the AuthorQuestionsReviews
Iran Awakening: One Woman's Journey to Reclaim Her Life and CountryProduct details
Publisher : Random House Trade
Publication date : 10 April 2007
Edition : Reprint
===
Translate all reviews to English
From Australia
There are 0 reviews from Australia
From other countries
shima
5.0 out of 5 stars I've read this book 2 times and decided to buy ...
Reviewed in Canada on 3 October 2015
Verified Purchase
I've read this book 2 times and decided to buy a copy of it. Shirin Ebadi will take you though real-life scenarios....
Report
Annie
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational.
Reviewed in the United States on 22 January 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Shirin Ebadi, winner of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize and a multitude of honours from various countries for her courageous and honourable stand for women's rights in a country notorious for it's poor human rights record.
Herself, a qualified Judge, was stripped of her right to work in the area for which she was trained and suffered the indignities and frustration of her gender following the Revolution and establishment of the Islamic Republic, where women have been considered second rate citizens for centuries.
She has been constantly harassed, jailed on one occasion, as well as being on hit lists, and is currently protected by bodyguards in fear of her life.
Her determination to help create a better Iran for her fellow citizens, all the while respecting her Religious beliefs makes for an incredible and admirable human being.
Iran Awakening tells the story of her struggle for the recognition of women and for the rights of normal men and women under a Regime that is steadfast in it's beliefs.
The book is written without any sensationalism and is a quiet but powerful document on the problems in Iran.
Intelligently and clearly written, I would urge anyone interested in world politics to read this book.
Report
Florie
5.0 out of 5 stars Très bien
Reviewed in France on 12 September 2018
Verified Purchase
Très joli livre, facile à lire pour les débutants en lecture anglaise et vraiment très intéressant ! On y découvre une femme à l’histoire incroyable ainsi qu’un pays qui gagne à être découvert.
Pas de souci de livraison.
Report
Translate review to English
Mary Ann Sikorski
5.0 out of 5 stars Very powerful read
Reviewed in the United States on 15 November 2018
Verified Purchase
To read about all the struggles of living in an authoritarian country like Iran was very enlightening and challenging. I kept asking myself, what would I do if I were in the author’s position. Would I live the courage of my conviction, if I were subject to ongoing death threats?
Well written.
Report
Nazia A
1.0 out of 5 stars Second-hand copy instead of new
Reviewed in India on 12 June 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Damaged copy. I paid for a new book.
Report
Kyle E
4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting read
Reviewed in the United States on 27 December 2013
Verified Purchase
This really informs you on a lot of the history of the past 60 years in Iran. You get a glimpse and a better understanding for what life was like in the 70s to the early 2000s. Books like these are so important for those like myself who need a primer to understand the current situation in countries of controversy. The fact that the book is written by an Iranian only makes it much more credible. Recommended.
Report
Dr. Thomas E. Parker
5.0 out of 5 stars American's Should Know More About Iran and Iranian History
Reviewed in the United States on 28 November 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I have a Ph.D. in Religious Studies and have found this book to be illuminating about Iranian history from the early 1950's to the present. This covers some very crucial Iranian-American history that both countries need to acknowledge. I can't help but envision a series of meetings between the heads of both countries with Shirin Ebadi present to facilitate and urge both sides towards confession and reconciliation. I don't know how our two countries can possibly talk with each other productively until this mutual history is acknowledged and embraced in all its troublesome detail. Of course this book is a wonderful portrait of a courageous and determined woman who risks everything in the name of human rights and is awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts. As 2012 moves towards 2013, and as we settle into 4 more years with our newly elected president, and as there's all this sword rattling between America and Iran (with Israel a focal point of it all), this book can inject some reality and sanity into the situation. I think this book is a more important read at this historical moment than when it was first published a few years ago. Please read this and consider.
Report
S. Ronneau
5.0 out of 5 stars Really worthwhile reading.
Reviewed in the United States on 30 July 2015
Verified Purchase
Kept me reading -- and I feel much better informed.
I got the book because I realized I knew almost nothing about Iran, though Iran is very important in world security. I'm lazy about reading straight history, so this memoir was a very good option. It's well written and was a pleasure to read.
Report
Booklover
3.0 out of 5 stars Difficult read at times but did learn about Iran
Reviewed in the United States on 24 April 2023
Verified Purchase
I always wondered about the Shah of Iran and the US giving him asylum under the Carter administration. What was happening at that time? I was 9 years old at the time and more interested in playing outside.
This book was amazing in recalling the events that started the Islamic Revolution. Also they immediately went to war with invading Iraq almost immediately after.
This book gave me more of an understanding of the different branches(?) of Islamic practice and that Iran was the strictest of them all.
I think I am a fairly intelligent person who likes to read especially history. However there were times in this book that I could not understand what was happening.
Some of this was political and I'm not good with politics. Those parts I skimmed. It would probably make more sense too if I was familiar with Iran and their politics as well as the running of their government. The paragraphs were also very long which made it difficult in itself to read.
I did enjoy the book and did learn a great amount about their revolution and the aftermath.
Yes I am an American and I do not ever see myself stepping foot into Iran because Americans are seen as the enemy. That is why books like these are so important so that I can "travel" to them safely.
Report
Janet Bowen
5.0 out of 5 stars A women's rights, against all odds
Reviewed in the United States on 22 January 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
An eye opener, very interesting ....if you are a women concerned with human rights, irrelevant of creed or whatever, see the other side of the coin, read this ! I recommended it to my Book Club !! Talk about a fighter against all odds, this lady is incredible ...brilliant! I purchased it only as I saw she is a Nobel prize winner!
Report
M Kairey
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
Reviewed in the United States on 16 December 2006
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Ms. Ebadi has a worthwhile story to tell. She certainly is a courageous woman! I can't catagorize this as a great book because I put it down several times and was not running to pick it up again. I don't understand the title at all. After reading the book I don't see Iran "awakening" at all. I see the author as someone either very clever in evading death, or just plain lucky. I agree with a previous reviewer who felt the author wrong in unfavorably judging Iranians who left after the revolution. Most of them were running for their lives, as perhaps she might have done. The author's own daughter left to study in Canada. It is a good book but I preferred Roya Hakakian's "Journey from the land of No."
Report
Benita Bollinger
4.0 out of 5 stars Good, fast, easy read but...
Reviewed in the United States on 18 August 2015
Verified Purchase
Interesting story about the author's life. I appreciated learning more about the view of America from someone who has lived through much of Iran's more recent history. It's a fast easy read but that may have been at the expense of information and details about her life that seemed to be missing from this account. While she touches on the issues of her choice to stay in a country that constantly threatens her and her daughter's lives, I am still left wondering why. Perhaps this is because she doesn't say much positive about her experiences there. The same can be said about her marriage. While her husband figures prominently in the beginning he is no where to be found by the end.
Report
Mrs. V
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting perspective and insight
Reviewed in the United States on 24 May 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
What a great read, told from someone who thought the 1979 revolution would bring about "change." Boy did it ever! One thread common to other recent reads, how the borders and boundaries in that part of the world created by the British are not finite, by many points of view. I gave this 3 stars as the author inserts a lot of personal opinion, for example the Iranian airliner shot down in 1988, that flight was descending towards a US Navy ship and was warned, but to read this book you come away with the impression this was just another act of US aggression. Then again living in Iran with state-controlled media, that was probably the story presented to the populace. Anyhow, the perspective this offers on everyday life in this part of the world is wonderful. Interesting to pick up on the dynamics of Iranian vice Iraqi, religious and secular, tradition and modern life. Wish I know enough Farsi to read this in its original format.
Report
Rosalie
4.0 out of 5 stars Progress Reversed in Iran
Reviewed in the United States on 9 December 2017
Verified Purchase
A well todo family educates its daughters and one becomes a lawyer. Life is good until the revolution in the 1970s. The manipulation of the Irianian government and rulers by the British and American Cia primes the populace for revolution and the return of clerical rule. The modern advances are repudiated and life becomes hard. Her story of life of a woman lawyer is harsh as the years pass and eventually she is jailed unjustly. An insiders story of the progression of the application of sharia law and the suppression of women.
Report
Mama-C
4.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Read
Reviewed in the United States on 4 January 2011
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Not only educational but a page-turner! This book is a great read, and does an excellent job of describing what happened with Iran. There is so much we do not understand about their culture and how they got where they are. The scary part is while I was reading this, I couldn't help but worry that it could happen here. The author is a Noble-Peace Prize award winner and an amazing woman who stayed in Iran through so much turmoil. I admire her greatly.
Report
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Muslim Feminist perspective
Reviewed in the United States on 11 November 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This was an assigned reading for my class in Transnational Muslim Feminisms and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It's a memoir so it's written kind of like Ebadi is going through her life and how it has affected the development of her perspective as a Muslim feminist and her narrative during the Iranian Revolution and following after it. It's a great read although I feel like there are many points where Ebadi doesn't necessarily consider her own privileged position.
Report
Maria G. Fitzpatrick
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating look at the life of women in Iran
Reviewed in the United States on 23 March 2018
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I am a retired attorney so I was very interested in the life of Shirin Ebadi who is close to my age. Trained as a judge in Iran during the time of the Shaw, she took part in protest against his extravagant lifestyle. She was hopeful when the Ayatollah returned to Iran. It became quickly clear that women's lives would drastically change when he assumed power.
Report
Meyzi Barin
5.0 out of 5 stars The life story of an Iranian lady judge, lawyer ...
Reviewed in the United States on 19 November 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The life story of an Iranian lady judge, lawyer and activist full of courage and determination, who loves her country and has fought for law and justice, risking her life and ending in prison but never refuting her belief in the law, in human rights and the right of women.
No wonder she received the Nobel prize for peace
!
Report
Sharon A Link
4.0 out of 5 stars Women in Iran
Reviewed in the United States on 1 January 2019
Verified Purchase
Fascinating look at Iran since the 50's. Well written. We learn what happened to educated women, in particular, and the people , in general, after the revolution in the 70's.
Report
Ella
4.0 out of 5 stars Quick Read
Reviewed in the United States on 14 February 2014
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
While it can be a rather disjointed chronicle at times, this book is a must read for any student of human rights work.
What would be even more interesting, given the more recent upheavals and changes in administration, would be a "sequel".
Report
Alice Buck
5.0 out of 5 stars Ebadi is an amazing woman, achieving great achievements on behalf of Iranian ...
Reviewed in the United States on 18 December 2017
Verified Purchase
Ms. Ebadi is an amazing woman, achieving great achievements on behalf of Iranian women in circumstances that were threatening to her professionally and personally. And her concluding thoughts about Iran-American relations, even though written more than ten years ago are as relevant to our relations today as then. A truly inspirational book.
Report
Daily Walker
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Book
Reviewed in the United States on 12 May 2020
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Used this particular book for an international affair course as well as a sociology course. Iran Awaking provides a unique history on Iran from a personal perspective.
Report
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable and Invaluable
Reviewed in the United States on 11 November 2017
Verified Purchase
Sometimes a book comes along that changes my thinking. This is one of those. Through it I have gained knowledge and understanding about Iran and it's political upheavals. I have also been given a glimpse into the lives of Iranian women.
Report
Classical Chump
5.0 out of 5 stars a great read
Reviewed in the United States on 30 August 2007
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Ms. Ebadi crafts a compelling autobiography that draws the reader in like a novel. She brings us into the center of her experiences without crowing or being sanctimonious. In telling her own story, she also manages, in a fairly short book to present what I think is an objective history of Iran starting just prior to the 1953 coup and ending at the present.
Report
Jane Austen
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story
Reviewed in the United States on 10 June 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book provides readers with a glimpse of a culture that we are urged to distrust, even hate, without knowing about it. It is a beautiful story of a Iranian woman's journey after the revolution in Iran. It shows how little Americans know about this country.
Report
michaelfarris10
5.0 out of 5 stars Demonstrates her strength...
Reviewed in the United States on 9 May 2014
Verified Purchase
Her resolve is impressive -- she shows the strength a mother has for her children, and extends it to all the children of the country there. She wants justice which should have come out of the beliefs promoted, and she wants it without violence.
Report
Michael Banhidi
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 17 December 2017
Verified Purchase
Very interesting to learn what happened behind the curtains
Report
oso
5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling memoir, beautifully written
Reviewed in the United States on 30 October 2017
Verified Purchase
This helps me understand Iran a lot better, and illustrates how hard it is to effect governmental change. I greatly admire this author and look forward to more of her writings.
Report
ktalbot
3.0 out of 5 stars Iran Awakening: A Memoir of Revolution and Hope
Reviewed in the United States on 16 February 2011
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Iran Awakening: A Memoir of Revolution and Hope
Book was used, in pretty good condition but it was stamped by some library and had a plastic cover that library's use. This may have been legit but it was worrisome. KT
Report
Judith W Burman
5.0 out of 5 stars Iran Awakening: A Memoir of Revolution and Hope
Reviewed in the United States on 25 August 2006
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Shirin Ebadi's book helped me to understand Iran's people. It is interesting to read what other countries think of ours and why. She has done remarkable work over the years in a country that holds women down. She was not born to wear veils and even when she married they were not worn. The book is not overly political. I would recommend it highly.
Report
clouseau
3.0 out of 5 stars The history of Iran is very complicated, as well as the treatment of women in Islamic countries.
Reviewed in the United States on 5 April 2018
Verified Purchase
Enlightening information about recent history in Iran. Somewhat tedious at times and left questions unanswered.
Report
Carole from Saline
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on 26 December 2018
Verified Purchase
Insightful account of historical and modern day Iran. Very inspiring for all women. Great read for a monthly book club.
Report
Hermeine D. Ehlers
3.0 out of 5 stars "Iran Awaking"
Reviewed in the United States on 8 September 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Great history of what we as a country did to create the problems we have today. If we would only learn from history.
Report
Anna
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent glimpse into Iranian life
Reviewed in the United States on 3 December 2007
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This was a very honest and insightful view into the hope and horrors of the people of Iran, as they transitioned from a dictatorial Shah to a dictatoral Cleric form of government. In the end, it's the people who suffer. Shirin Ebadi's story is very compelling. The book is a quick read (219 pages) that leaves a lasting imprint.
Report
rewayland
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book
Reviewed in the United States on 26 May 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I loved this book. It is well documented and is a fascinating look at the life inside the quagmire of the Iranian judicial system pre and post revolution.
Report
ZENOBIA MISTRI
5.0 out of 5 stars a teaching book about a world that is unclear and ...
Reviewed in the United States on 8 July 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
a teaching book about a world that is unclear and unpredictable as the author clearly demonstrates through the trials and tribulations she has experienced.
Report
Janet
3.0 out of 5 stars haven't read yet
Reviewed in the United States on 19 November 2018
Verified Purchase
eager
Report
Sonja
5.0 out of 5 stars I highly recommend it. Ms
Reviewed in the United States on 23 July 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
An incredibly interesting and courageous book. I highly recommend it. Ms. Ebadi is an extraordinary human being. Not many people are so courageous and smart.
Report
Janice Lundeen
5.0 out of 5 stars Another world seen
Reviewed in the United States on 6 December 2018
Verified Purchase
This book provides insight into a different culture and the struggles they face.
Report
KH
5.0 out of 5 stars Shirin is an inspiration
Reviewed in the United States on 25 August 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Great read, learned a lot from such a strong woman. Definitely inspired me in my own life.
Report
===
No comments:
Post a Comment