Review of Ziba: A Novel Set in Iran During the Islamic Revolution

LOS ANGELES - April 16, 2025 - PRLog -- To buy the book please follow the link at end.

As seen on Goodreads, a review by Cathy Bertrand:

It took me a while to pick up the novel after reading Majidi's memoir. I was bracing myself for an emotional roller coaster like her real-life story but this is a short novel, a novella maybe, and it's a fast read. I knew a little about Iran prior to it becoming the Islamic Republic but not very much, so I let the details and politics just wash over me. It certainly gave the story a more authentic feel. Nasreen seems to be the same Nasreen we see in the memoir, Writing and Madness in a Time of Terror, the character Majidi began acting out in real life much to her detriment.

Without spoilers, this is a tear jerker but hopeful at the end in the form of Mina, the youngest daughter. It left me wanting a follow-up, with the family in the U.S. I want to see where it deviates from Majidi's real-life story. I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about Iran, who is into poetry and vigilantes. The cameo from Joe Strummer of the Clash and the grandmother's nickname, Sharif, are amazing details like so many peppered throughout. Sorry this review is kind of rambly.

Buy the book (https://www.amazon.com/Ziba-Novel-During-Islamic-Revoluti...)