From Miniskirt to Hijab: A Girl in Revolutionary Iran
Jacqueline Saper (Author), & 2 more Format: Audible Audiobook
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (138)
Jacqueline Saper, named after Jacqueline Kennedy, was born in Tehran to Iranian and British parents. At 18 she witnessed the civil unrest of the 1979 Iranian revolution and continued to live in the Islamic Republic during its most volatile times, including the Iran-Iraq War. In a deeply intimate and personal story, Saper recounts her privileged childhood in prerevolutionary Iran and how she gradually became aware of the paradoxes in her life and community - primarily the disparate religions and cultures.
In 1979 under the Ayatollah regime, Iran became increasingly unfamiliar and hostile to Saper. Seemingly overnight she went from living a carefree life of wearing miniskirts and attending high school to listening to fanatic diatribes, forced to wear the hijab, and hiding in the basement as Iraqi bombs fell over the city. She eventually fled to the United States in 1987 with her husband and children after, in part, witnessing her six-year-old daughter’s indoctrination into radical Islamic politics at school. At the heart of Saper’s story is a harrowing and instructive tale of how extremist ideologies seized a Westernized, affluent country and transformed it into a fundamentalist Islamic society.
Read less
©2018 Jaqueline Saper (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing
Listening Length
6 hours and 45 minutes
Author
Jacqueline Saper
==
==
==
Next slide of product details
See all details
Report an issue with this product
Read & Listen
Switch between reading the Kindle book & listening to the Audible narration with Whispersync for Voice.
Get the Audible audiobook for the reduced price of $0.99 after you buy the Kindle book.
Product details
Listening Length 6 hours and 45 minutes
Author Jacqueline Saper
Narrator Vaneh Assadourian
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Next slide of product details
See all details
Report an issue with this product Read & ListenSwitch between reading the Kindle book & listening to the Audible narration with Whispersync for Voice.
Get the Audible audiobook for the reduced price of $0.99 after you buy the Kindle book.
Product details
Listening Length 6 hours and 45 minutes
Author Jacqueline Saper
Narrator Vaneh Assadourian
Whispersync for Voice Ready
| Audible.com.au Release Date | 12 January 2021 |
|---|
From other countries
- wayne croningReviewed in Canada on 18 May 2021
A wonderful read.
Just finished reading this book, based on the autobiography of a young girl growing up in pre-revolutionary Iran. In a very descriptive way, the author takes you on a journey from her birth in Iran during the rule of the Shah, to the Islamic Revolution, the taking over of the country by Khomeini, sudden cultural changes and then the outbreak of war with Iraq that lasted several years, claiming tens of thousands of innocent lives.
Throughout this period Jacqueline marries, has children, and learns to adapt. A great read! - Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United States on 25 January 2026
A very topical book.
Jacqueline Saper's memoir couldn't be more timely.
She provides diary-like details of what life was like in Iran under the Shah and the dramatic and oppressive changes the 1979 Islamic revolution inflicted on its people. Her story is warning of how a theocratic regime can upend the lives of its citizens and eviscerate human rights. In addition to the autobiographical account of life in Iran, the book is primer on the history of Persia/Iran and provides deep insights into the turmoil the country is now enduring.
I highly recommend this book. - Dr.Marvin R.LewisReviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 June 2021
Life in Iran before and after the revolution
A marvellous book, the subject of which is quite disturbing. It tells of life in Iran before, during and after the Iranian revolution, for a young Jewish girl. I learned a lot about Iran and its people, and how life has changed for everyone there since the revolution, including how the Jewish community has been affected.
I also learned a lot about Persian culture, and how long there has been a Jewish community in Iran; [I had no idea how long there has been one!]
Eventually Jacqueline and her family left Iran, as have many other memebers of the Jewish Community. She now lives in the USA but still takes a very keen interest in Iran and what is happening there and clearly still has a love for the country and its people, although it is not the same ran she grew up on.
Overall a very good, well written and informative read - stefano santoniReviewed in Italy on 5 January 2021
An insightful view of the Islamic revolution of Iran by a teenager
The book is written with a matter-of-fact narrative that provides an in-depth account of the '70s - '80s of Iran, with the fall of the Shah, the arrival of Ayatollah Khomeini, and the Islamization of the country politics. But also describe how these events affect the Jewish community that until the arrival of Khomeini felt to be totally integrated with the mostly secular society of Iran. A page-turning book that I highly recommend. - DS (Montreal, Canada)Reviewed in Canada on 4 October 2022
perfect condition
The book was in perfect condition, "Like new", although only rated "Very Good" and was delivered very quickly. - Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 October 2021
Inspiring story
So interesting to read this fascinating history of a family in Iran - Beth R. BurtonReviewed in the United States on 27 April 2026
Purchase and Definitely Read This Book. Recommended for Every One of my Friends and Relatives
Excellent historically relevant book of our times. Everyone interested in the Middle East and Iran today should definitely read this book It should be available to High school students as well as adults. I found it amazing as well as scary. The price was higher than most of the books I get with Amazon - daffodilReviewed in the United States on 4 January 2025
Double the 5 stars!
This is a beautifully written memoir filled with the author's memories of a life in Iran during the late 70s when the Iranian Revolution took place. I felt like I was right there alongside the author. All of the scenes come alive for the reader as the author writes in an easy to read style. History? It's right here in this book. I strongly encourage everyone to read this memoir to learn why Western nations must preserve their freedoms, and to learn what life is like for those people who must bow down to archaic and destructive governments.
Amazon gives us only 5 stars for review, but I am giving Ms. Sapir's book 10 stars! - ArleneReviewed in the United States on 6 February 2021
Fascinating
I'd never realized that there was a Jewish community in Iran. Saper skillfully blends history with her family story. A good read. - SarReviewed in Canada on 1 February 2021
Well written firsthand account.
Great book. True story. Well written. Makes you feel like you were there and living her life.
- Arlene HandlerReviewed in the United States on 6 December 2025
wonderful frightening
What a wonderful treasure of history the people in this book were amazing. Very brave! Thank you for sharing the story - DebReviewed in the United States on 4 November 2024
Excellent! Reads like the best thrillers but is a true story.
What an engaging and well written read! Highly recommend for anyone who wants to know more about Iran and in particular growing up Jewish in Iran. Terrifying story made more readable by knowing at the outset that the author and her family are safely in the US. - ChaiwaymanReviewed in the United States on 29 July 2025
Interesting and Informative read.
In easy to understand language, the author writes of her experiences in pre and post revolution Iran, from her childhood through her teenage years and eventually marriage and motherhood. A lesson in history, beautifully shared and frighteningly real. A family history written to honor her father and to remind us all that the unthinkable can happen. - MaureenSReviewed in the United States on 25 September 2024
A Must Read
Jacqueline Saper's book explains in great detail how Iran lost its freedoms and became an unrecognizable country in rapid time. I witnessed the Westernized version of Iran while living there in 1977. The people were friendly, accepting of foreigners, and happy. The women wore whatever they wanted, including miniskirts and high heels. So, how could the Islamist extremists take over? This book explains it all. Get a copy. It should be required reading for all. - FurEliseReviewed in the United States on 17 March 2024
Important historical novel
Autobiographical novel. This woman is now giving a lecture at a Temple about her book. (2024)
I googled her info about the 1979 Iranian wars because she was only 16 years old living through it and was accurate with her information through her teenage eyes. There was some political information left out but the fact is she lived through so much, was damaged by it and escaped it. We watch what happens to her family. The Jews start disappearing just like with the Nazis; it can never be forgotten. This book points that out again. - Aunt DebReviewed in the United States on 8 July 2024
Great book to read and discuss
In her story, Jacqueline Saper gives us an insightful look into the events that took place in Iran from 1961 to 1987. Although she, her family and friends suffered oppression, she states the facts as they occurred without blame or hatred. Her resilience and courage are truly remarkable. This is a great book for any discussion group or book club. - Dave HananReviewed in the United States on 24 January 2020
Loved it!
This wonderful, timely memoir gives readers a detailed view of life for a Jewish girl growing up in Iran , under the Shah, through the revolution, and finally under Ayatolla Khomeini. Being engaged to an Iranian at the time of the revolution, I was quite involved in the situation from the distance of the US. This book opened my eyes to many things I wasn't aware of. In spite of the losses she suffered, the author loves her country. Her point of view is broad-minded and compassionate toward all of Iran's diverse religions and cultures. I had the privilege of meeting meeting her while she was in Hawaii. She's an interesting and delightful person to know. This book is a must read! - StephsAlwaysReadingReviewed in the United States on 27 April 2023
An Absolutely Fascinating Story!
📚 - 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒓𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝑯𝒊𝒋𝒂𝒃 - 5/5 🌟- I loved this story of the author’s true experiences as a Jewish woman in Iran in the politically and socially tumultuous 70s and 80s. Our book club chose this, and we were all completely astounded by Saper’s intelligence and resilience in the face of such challenging circumstances. This is a must read! - Norman GReviewed in the United States on 15 January 2021
Compelling Story about a very timely subject matter
I've always been fascinated with Iran, especially it's transition (Revolution) from a liberal western type society to a conservative Islamic one. Jacqueline Saper has used this time period as a background for her story, of how it was to be Jewish in such a turbulent time. I really enjoyed Jacqueline's story, which was written in a very straightforward, easy to understand way. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a personal account of how the Iranian Revolution affected not only Jewish families, but the overall Muslim population too. - shahla mokhtarianReviewed in the United States on 31 October 2019
A must read
Absolutely loved the book and could not put it down as soon as I started reading it. I left Iran in 1971 pre revolution. I had heard about the events happening at time of revolution and afterwards and yet this book was able to bring it to life for me. At the end it brought tears to my eyes thinking about the country that I was born in and raised. This book is a must read. The author has done a marvelous job and it was an honor to read it. Looking forward to reading her next book.
- Andee G.Reviewed in the United States on 27 January 2021
A real eye opener to the Iranian revolution
The only way to know the truth about the Iran Revolution is by reading From Miniskirts to Hijab. As a minority having your rights taken away from you, and to survive living a life so foreign to what you are accustomed to living. I had to keep telling myself I was not reading a novel, but a true story about survival. Excellently written, and should be shared with high school and university students. - Tony GalatiReviewed in the United States on 19 January 2020
A marvelous memoir.
Jacqueline Saper has done a marvelous job of telling her story of life in post-revolution Iran. Her revealing memoir is a well written narrative that is as personal and entertaining as it is informative. While reading it, I felt that I had been transported back in time and half way around the world, to spend time with a dear friend, who I hadn't yet met.
I hope she's working on another book. I'd buy it in a heartbeat. - Rena CitrinReviewed in the United States on 15 February 2023
Great Book Group Selection
From Miniskirt to Hijab is a superb selection for book groups. Saper keeps the reader riveted throughout the telling of her journey before and after the Iranian revolution. The book has so many contemporary connections; lots to discuss. Highly recommended. - Jill RabinReviewed in the United States on 25 May 2020
Fascinating story about a brave woman’s journey to freedom
I really enjoyed this book. It was so interesting to learn the history of Iran through the eyes someone who lived through it and saw firsthand how the political regime changed the country she knew and lived. This was a lovely story of a brave woman who was forced to leave an oppressive society to make a better life for her family. - jeri sadegiReviewed in the United States on 20 November 2019
REVIEW OF THE BOOK
I LOVED THE BOOK. I FOUND IT VERY EASY TO READ AND INFORMATIVE ABOUT THE SITUATION IN IRAN.
THE AUTHOR ALLOWED ONE TO UNDERSTAND HOW EASY IT IS FOR A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY TO BE TAKEN OVER BY A RADICAL RELIGIOUS RELIGION AND TURN THAT COUNTRY INTO A SLAVE COUNTY WHERE TALENTED IRANIANS HAVE DIED AND BEEN DESTROYED.
WELL DONE - Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United States on 17 December 2021
A great story...
I really enjoyed the book and her very private story now told. Life changed for so many of her generation in Iran, and this was a great read. Thank you for sharing. - DalSapReviewed in the United States on 7 January 2021
I'm not surprised this book has won an award
This book is well written, a page-turner, and informative. I have recommended it to everyone I know.
I'm not surprised that From Miniskirt to Hijab is the winner of the Chicago Writers Association 2020 Book of the Year Award. - Marsha R.Reviewed in the United States on 14 March 2021
Highly Recommended!
This is a fascinating and well written memoir. Everyone in my book group enjoyed reading this informative and compelling book. We learned so much and had a great discussion. It is a must read! - ila corettiReviewed in the United States on 27 April 2023
Read This Book
Such a fascinating story, told from a perspective that you never hear about. - Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United States on 24 January 2020
MUST READ!!
Nicely narrated. Saper took me to the Iran pre, during and post revolution . I could not put down the book once I started it.I could only imagine what she went thru during those years!! Highly recommend this book to anyone. Thank you.
- Dana LabibReviewed in the United States on 18 June 2020
Do not hesitate to buy this book. You will be impressed!
I highly recommend this amazing read. Author did such a great job being descriptive. I was not able to put the book down. I felt like I was waking down the streets of Iran with her. - Sima LalezReviewed in the United States on 18 November 2019
Highly recommended
Well written book, easy to read and very informative.
The way the author describes the locations and events made me feel I was there with her. - Newsman78Reviewed in the United States on 5 February 2020
Incredible memoir
What a fantastic memoir of Saper's experiences in Iran at the time of the revolution. Readable and gripping like a suspense story! - Val HakimiReviewed in the United States on 5 October 2019
how changes will effect the world's security
Loved it,
I learned a lot of history was very true about what happened, and so many people have been effected - Sheila E LebovitzReviewed in the United States on 19 February 2021
That you can survive
This book gave me an insight onto another world it is magnificent - EReviewed in the United States on 22 November 2020
Riveting
This is a fascinating, well-written memoir. I had trouble putting it down! - Benet RReviewed in the United States on 7 October 2019
Loved this book!
Absolutely enjoyed reading every page of this book. Would highly recommend this book. - Stephanie LevyReviewed in the United States on 16 November 2020
Outstanding personal historical.
Excellent!! Highly recommend. - AVReviewed in the United States on 8 November 2019
An amazing story.
What an amazing story. Loved this book.
'/%3E%3Cpath%20d='M16.0001%207.9996c0%204.418-3.5815%207.9996-7.9995%207.9996S.001%2012.4176.001%207.9996%203.5825%200%208.0006%200C12.4186%200%2016%203.5815%2016%207.9996Z'%20fill='url(%23paint1_radial_15251_63610)'/%3E%3Cpath%20d='M16.0001%207.9996c0%204.418-3.5815%207.9996-7.9995%207.9996S.001%2012.4176.001%207.9996%203.5825%200%208.0006%200C12.4186%200%2016%203.5815%2016%207.9996Z'%20fill='url(%23paint2_radial_15251_63610)'%20fill-opacity='.5'/%3E%3Cpath%20d='M7.3014%203.8662a.6974.6974%200%200%201%20.6974-.6977c.6742%200%201.2207.5465%201.2207%201.2206v1.7464a.101.101%200%200%200%20.101.101h1.7953c.992%200%201.7232.9273%201.4917%201.892l-.4572%201.9047a2.301%202.301%200%200%201-2.2374%201.764H6.9185a.5752.5752%200%200%201-.5752-.5752V7.7384c0-.4168.097-.8278.2834-1.2005l.2856-.5712a3.6878%203.6878%200%200%200%20.3893-1.6509l-.0002-.4496ZM4.367%207a.767.767%200%200%200-.7669.767v3.2598a.767.767%200%200%200%20.767.767h.767a.3835.3835%200%200%200%20.3835-.3835V7.3835A.3835.3835%200%200%200%205.134%207h-.767Z'%20fill='%23fff'/%3E%3Cdefs%3E%3CradialGradient%20id='paint1_radial_15251_63610'%20cx='0'%20cy='0'%20r='1'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%20gradientTransform='rotate(90%20.0005%208)%20scale(7.99958)'%3E%3Cstop%20offset='.5618'%20stop-color='%230866FF'%20stop-opacity='0'/%3E%3Cstop%20offset='1'%20stop-color='%230866FF'%20stop-opacity='.1'/%3E%3C/radialGradient%3E%3CradialGradient%20id='paint2_radial_15251_63610'%20cx='0'%20cy='0'%20r='1'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%20gradientTransform='rotate(45%20-4.5257%2010.9237)%20scale(10.1818)'%3E%3Cstop%20offset='.3143'%20stop-color='%2302ADFC'/%3E%3Cstop%20offset='1'%20stop-color='%2302ADFC'%20stop-opacity='0'/%3E%3C/radialGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient%20id='paint0_linear_15251_63610'%20x1='2.3989'%20y1='2.3999'%20x2='13.5983'%20y2='13.5993'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3E%3Cstop%20stop-color='%2302ADFC'/%3E%3Cstop%20offset='.5'%20stop-color='%230866FF'/%3E%3Cstop%20offset='1'%20stop-color='%232B7EFF'/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3C/defs%3E%3C/svg%3E)
No comments:
Post a Comment