This book is a far different book from the lighthearted books I have been reading. It is a true story and a very good, insightful book. Marina lived in Tehran during the brutal time of the Islamic Revolution. She was a Christian and spoke out against the government's brutal activities. At the age of 16, she becomes a political prisoner at Evin. Two guards interrogate her and being whipped is part of interrogations. She is brutally whipped on her feet. One of the guards, Ali, admires her courage and falls in love with her. She is tried in a court where she is not allowed to be present and found guilty. She is sentenced to be executed. Ali gets her sentenced reduced to life in prison. She does not find this comforting as death seems preferable to living a life in Evin.
At one point, she is forced to convert to Islam. She felt like she was turning her back on Christ and wondered if she was acting like Judas, who had also betrayed Jesus. She wondered if she was walking the same path and would she be forgiven. I admire her courage and in her heart she was still a Christian - she even spoke of Mary to others. I can't imagine the guilt that went with this and yet she was forced into this. It didn't change her faith or her heart but a step she had to take to survive. We are so fortunate to not have to make this kind of choice.
The book really speaks loudly to what conditions are like when living under a government where freedom is not allowed and where women are not treated well. I really gained a better insight into some of the political factions in Iran.
The book is extremely well written and quite an eye opener. I highly recommend reading this one. On this site you can listen to her tell her story from her own words --- listen and then read this book. Click here
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