The Book of Fate: The banned Iranian novel that became a bestseller
by Parinoush Saniee (Author) Format: Paperback
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (518)
A powerful story of friendship and passion, fear and hope - and a rare insider's view of Iranian society
Massoumeh is an ordinary girl, passionate about learning. On her way to school she meets a local man and falls in love - but when her family discover his letters they accuse her of bringing them into dishonour, beat her and hastily arrange a marriage to a man she's never met.
The years that follow Massoumeh's wedding prove transformative for Iran. Her husband Hamid is a political dissident and when the secret service arrest him, it is the start of a terrifying period for Massoumeh. Her fate, so long dictated by family loyalty and tradition, is now tied to the changing fortunes of her country.
'A powerful and personal look at Iranian society' Grazia
'Written with passion and anger from the inside, it's a compelling account' Independent on Sunday
'Memorable and nuanced' Guardian
The novel that became a huge bestseller in Iran, before it was banned by the government.
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The novel that became a huge bestseller in Iran, before it was banned by the government.
From the Publisher
Parinoush Saniee is a sociologist and psychologist. She was formerly manager of the research department at the Supreme Coordination Council for Technical and Vocational Education in Iran. Her first novel, The Book of Fate, won the Boccaccio Prize in Italy, Euskadi de Plata Prize in the Basque Country, and was selected as one of World Literature Today's 75 Notable Translations of 2013. I Hid My Voice is her second novel that has been translated into English.
About the Author
Parinoush Saniee is a sociologist and psychologist. She was formerly manager of the research department at the Supreme Coordination Council for Technical and Vocational Education in Iran. Her first novel, The Book of Fate, won the Boccaccio Prize in Italy, Euskadi de Plata Prize in the Basque Country, and was selected as one of World Literature Today's 75 Notable Translations of 2013. I Hid My Voice is her second novel that has been translated into English.
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The Book of Fate: The banned Iranian novel that became a bestseller
The Book of Fate: The banned Iranian novel that became a bestseller
Product details
Publisher : Abacus
Publication date : 26 August 2014
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From other countries
Lezlee Gunsolley
5.0 out of 5 stars Very enlightening!
Reviewed in the United States on 7 August 2022
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An amazing inside view of the life of oppressed women in Iran. This is not an easy read. It is well written and a very interesting story, but it is painful to follow. It brings home just how fortunate we are, here in the West.
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Yasmina Lokmanoglu
5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible story
Reviewed in Turkey on 8 August 2023
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I haven't been able to concentrate and read a book for a long time. Thanks to this book, I started reading again. The story of how the woman in the East did not even have a name. Very sad, but very real. Books are being written, but nothing changes. Buddha is another sad event.
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Translated from Turkish by Amazon
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PetKi
5.0 out of 5 stars No words.
Reviewed in India on 10 October 2018
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This is the third time I've purchased this book, and that says a lot.
Everytime I read it, I can just feel her pain, struggles.
This book has taught me a lot, I'm so happy I found this gem.
Over the years I read this book, I have developed an attachment with it. It's like nostalgia whenever I read this book. I just love the emotions and feelings I get when I read this book.
Ahh how I wish to find books similar to this.
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Cliente Amazon
4.0 out of 5 stars Begoña
Reviewed in Spain on 4 January 2017
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The handwriting is very small and the paper is quite bad. That's why it's a little uncomfortable to read, all the more so considering that it's in English, which is not my usual language.
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Lisa
5.0 out of 5 stars WOW
Reviewed in France on 16 January 2018
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What a story, great book and well written. The book kept me glued to it until I finished it. What an Incredible Story
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Translated from French by Amazon
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irene hansen
5.0 out of 5 stars I found the novel to be a very good read In that it provided an insight into another ...
Reviewed in Canada on 2 July 2014
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I found the novel to be a very good read In that it provided an insight into another culture and kept the reader in suspense, not wanting to put turn my Kindle off.
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J Thomas
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read and really interesting
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 April 2017
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I would never have chosen this book, due to the name and the cover, but it was recommended by a friend. I loved it! It was really interesting and gave a fascinating insight into family life in Iran. Great characters and easy to read - a very enjoyable book.
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scheherazade
4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant but frustrating
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 December 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I could not put this book down. From start to finish the story had me hooked. It was brilliant but frustrating - I write that because whenever it seems as though the main character, Massoumeh, has found some happiness, something will always go wrong.
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Bharani
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting story of the girl. This book depicts the ...
Reviewed in India on 30 September 2014
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Interesting story of the girl. This book depicts the society, politics of Iran. The plight of woman initially with family, sibling and after marriage with husband and children. Interesting and fast pacing book.
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Lynn Gottesman
4.0 out of 5 stars Unique, rare, beautifully translated.
Reviewed in the United States on 7 June 2015
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My wife and I both really enjoyed this book. It was a rare window into Iran, covering pre-Revolution through modern day periods. In first person, it presents the life of a woman living in Iran and the various challenges simply being a woman presents. The treatment of this difficult subject is nonetheless handled with full respect to Islam and to the people of Iran. It presents the various sour apples within their society as such, making sure to highlight all the good. This is a story of a mother and wife living in a very difficult place and time, under even more difficult circumstances, making continual sacrifices and, in fact, living her life for her family.
The book was written by an Iranian woman living in Iran, and in that sense is a very rare peak into the culture. It has been beautifully translated and is a joy to read. It is slightly disappointing that this is not truly auto-biographical but rather a work of fiction (and ironically it is also a relief to know that), but given the source of the writing and the censorship (and likely editing) this book has undergone multiple times, there is probably a lot of truth beyond the story.
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Zee
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in India on 2 February 2017
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Excellent read
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Amazons Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read
Reviewed in the United States on 27 November 2013
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A Great Read
This book gives an insight into the life of an Afghani girl and tells the story of determination of rising above the cultural chains that imprison many young woman. I couldn't wait to turn each page. I have read many books concerning the treatment of girls in the Islam faith and this is one of my favourites. I would recommend this book for adolescent girls to read as information and knowledge is power.
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PBdL
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 24 March 2016
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A must read in today's screwed-up world
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Bob WHP
5.0 out of 5 stars Parinoush Saniee is celebrated throughout Europe - with the exception ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 May 2015
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Parinoush Saniee is celebrated throughout Europe - with the exception, for some reason, of the UK. She writes with sensitivity and perception, portraying an exceptional woman's life through the turmoil of 20th century Iran. The events, attitudes, behaviours and dliemmas of this story are ones that I have heard of so many times as Iranians have talked (and speak now) of their lives and the lives of friends and relatives. A most gripping and engaging book that I'm sorry to be leaving.
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Catherine
5.0 out of 5 stars review
Reviewed in Canada on 1 February 2019
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Arrived on time and what I expected
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roxana tudorache
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best life stories!
Reviewed in the United States on 4 March 2019
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I love this book! In my opinion, the story represents the stages of a woman ‘s life in each every single woman can project on it.... Sacrifice, love, disappointment, hate, fight, oppression, patriarchal society, submission, fear, hope, faith... few of the words that can describe this wonderful book.
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Sumit Panchasara
4.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!!!
Reviewed in India on 31 October 2014
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Awesome!!!
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chills
3.0 out of 5 stars A missed opportunity to tell an interesting story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 April 2015
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This book is just ok in my opinion which was a disappointment having read the previous rave reviews. The style of writing is fairly basic and repetitive - maybe some of the nuance was lost in translation - and sometimes hysterical. An interesting premise but let down by a lack of depth regarding description of how the changes in social and political situation directly affected the characters' lives. Also I felt the main character's personality was inconsistent; one minute she's a radical, one minute a religous zealot. All in all, an interesting concept let down by distinctly average prose.
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Carol kleebaum
3.0 out of 5 stars The Book of Fate
Reviewed in Canada on 2 February 2014
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A woman of great strength and courage but always ruled by the men in her life. I was disappointed with the ending of the book and her selfish children who denied her happiness. She wasn't strong enough to put her own wishes first.
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Chris is Reston
3.0 out of 5 stars Decent effort, but not an earth-shattering result
Reviewed in the United States on 8 March 2015
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I thought this book got off to a powerful start, but it really started to drag about mid-way through. It felt like it was easily 1/3 longer than it needed to be. It didn't seem like the author was able to get outside of 'her own head' and try to see the world (and her life) through the lenses of those around her. It's an adequate attempt, but I think could have been so much more.
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Veronika
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!
Reviewed in the United States on 4 September 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I couldn't stop reading! Exciting book, with plenty of details about culture and life in Tehran.
You get to know a lot about the revolution, the people, their habits, beliefs. And of course, as every life, this book contains a lot of love, hate, drama, wisdom, kindness, betrayal and reward!
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Pindancer
4.0 out of 5 stars A women's life in Iran.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 February 2016
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This was a very moving book about a woman who lives in a male dominated society which at times is very brutal but who manages to live her life and bring up 3 children despite the tumultuous events she lives through. It is hard to read as a women but nevertheless it is worthwhile as it records a period in Iranian history and what it was like then for women. Overall I enjoyed it because it is well written and informative although a little bit of editing would have helped as sometimes it raced through parts of her story to no purpose.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Not normally my choice !!!!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 December 2023
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It was a book club choice. Was nervous in case it would be too sad or upsetting but it was so well written. I loved the main character she was great !!
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Madalina A. R. Azzam
4.0 out of 5 stars Good book disappointing printing
Reviewed in the United States on 19 January 2017
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The book is very nice, too bad the printing isn't at the same level. There are pages missing in the book, from page 35 to page 82 including. The first 34 pages are appearing twice. Very disappointing. Should I try to use my imagination on what has been written in the missing pages?
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Helen McNamara
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read!
Reviewed in the United States on 1 November 2013
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This book is entirely believable as these horrific things really have happened (and still do) in Iran, especially the brain-washing by family members.
I couldn't put "Book of Fate" down and highly recommend it to anyone who likes an authentic story based on real-life situations.
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Benita Matofska
5.0 out of 5 stars The Book of Fate - extraordinary
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 October 2013
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The Book of Fate is an extraordinary book that stays with you·
A compelling, deeply emotional story that delves into the complex web of religious intolerance, political extremism and misogyny. Read it,you won't forget it.
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alex
4.0 out of 5 stars A very sad story about a woman's life who wasn't allowed to ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 November 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book took my breath away from the beginning to the end. A very sad story about a woman's life who wasn't allowed to make any choices.
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Elizabeth Heller
5.0 out of 5 stars The book describes the life of a woman in modern ...
Reviewed in the United States on 28 January 2016
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The book describes the life of a woman in modern day Iran starting when she is a young girl up to middle age. It shows the changes that happened in the country and how they affected the population, especially the females, and how little things have really changes over the years.
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Javad Tabaee
4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful work. Highly recommend it to those interested in ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 August 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Beautiful work.
Highly recommend it to those interested in Persian history of the past 50 years and in Persian culture.
JT
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Miss M Rea
3.0 out of 5 stars Not a bad read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 December 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Not bad at all - not anything particularly amazing about it though, worth a read if you don't have anything else.
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Maria Teresa Sanzberro
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 6 August 2014
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A good read. Keeps you interested even if at times it becomes a little slow. I really enjoyed it.
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Michele Jones
4.0 out of 5 stars The strength if this woman was amazing.
Reviewed in the United States on 4 December 2014
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I read this book and could not put it down. The strength if this woman was amazing.
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K H-Bevan
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 May 2013
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Enlightening and at times inspiring but ultimately frustrating. A well told life story that covers all emotions. Worth a read.
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Steven J. Rice
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 21 July 2015
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Great novel depicting the life of a woman in Iran pre-revolution.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A captivating first-person account of mentalities and family life in Iran
Reviewed in the United States on 10 January 2017
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This was a great read indeed. You get easily immersed in the local atmosphere and the characters are really well defined. Amazing and instructive read on Shia traditions, mentality and family life over half a century.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story
Reviewed in the United States on 18 March 2018
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I could’t stop reading. It is such an interesting story about culture, religion , believes and live. As a person from the west I could barely understand a lot of theirs religious drivers.
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Jose Rodrigo Azcui
1.0 out of 5 stars BOOK MISSPRINTED
Reviewed in the United States on 1 May 2020
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At the time of receipt, the book seemed to be in great condition. When finally got to it, the book ran til page 80 and started again at the beginning. It has a major error in the printing. When tried to return it, the time frame allowed was passed and now I am stuck with a book that I cannot read as intended.
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Claire Halstead
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read
Reviewed in the United States on 25 August 2018
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I found this book very interesting and insightful to the joy and sadness of the characters. I could not put it down
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Rula
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Interesting. one of the best book ever read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 December 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book wasne ofte boks tha Irealylove.Ilived into the story and couldnopu h book down it I finised it.
IT tells you alot about the life in iran.
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M Mathew
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
Reviewed in the United States on 13 April 2016
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Simply put: I was enchanted and intoxicated by this book. It was beautiful and heartbreaking, all at the same time. A fantastic book that leaves me aching for more from Saniee.
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Isabel
5.0 out of 5 stars The book Did met my expectention in every sense It ...
Reviewed in the United States on 20 May 2016
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
The book Did met my expectention in every sense
It is so well written and it helps to understand the life and struggle of women in the Middle East
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maria adriana cortes-monroy
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 20 June 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Excelent
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E Canton
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 August 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
very enjoyable
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super amazing!!
2.0 out of 5 stars Horrible story
Reviewed in the United States on 18 January 2018
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This story is not well told. Thoughts are all over the place. Terrible ending. Don't waste your time or money.
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Mr D L Walker
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 March 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Interesting
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars fab
Reviewed in the United States on 11 May 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Great book, couldn, t put book down, as a women in a western world we take our freedom and rights for granted, thank god I was born in ireland
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Amazon Customer
2.0 out of 5 stars Two Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 15 March 2015
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Could not get interested in book.
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Drpatt42
5.0 out of 5 stars Great personal/historical read
Reviewed in the United States on 21 July 2015
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This novel is excellent -- a sort of Iranian Dr. Zhivago, but narrated first-person from a woman's point of view.
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Beebs
5.0 out of 5 stars Iranian life as seen by a young girl
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 May 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Wonderful read couldn't put it down. A highly interesting view of life in Iran. A young girl growing up in a strict Muslim society.
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Rachel SALMAN
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 May 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Excellent really interesting insight into life in Iran and the hypocrasy of the men! Couldn't put it down.
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