Tehran Moonlight

I enjoyed reading this book. I got confused with some of the language use. The main character started out being out spoken and strong will. Then changed into a loner. The ending was tearful joy.

I don’t know if this book is a phenomenon for the author or if she is a genius who understands a perfect formula for a classic novel. The reason I say this is because the story has everything in right proportion. If you examine tales that have stood the test of time like Great Gatsby, Othelo, Romeo and Juliet, they have an ending so different and memorable to the readers. So, for many years, authors thought that if they write a tragedy it will be a runaway success. Some even went to the extent of shocking the conscience of the readers but that never guaranteed a memorable book. The author Azin Sametipour has taken the readers to the edge of a tragedy and gently brought them back. It was truly a roller coaster ride. If you notice, these roller coasters are designed scientifically to provide the right thrill. If they are extreme and for too long, it could sicken us. I am person who hates to see or read about women who suffer but the story was so intriguing and I wouldn’t stop reading until Mahtab the protagonist finally makes it. That’s the genius of this author. On another note, I would say, it is important for Americans to read books about Iran and understand that Iranians are not from Mars. Majority of the Iranians are wonderful people who even like Americans.

This self-published debut novel is only remarkable in that it tells the tale - through its protagonist Mahtab - of many women who struggle to live life on their own terms in the Mideast. The story revolves around Mahtab, a beautiful, outspoken Iranian girl of twenty-three, born of a strictly religious family. The book is perceived as a love story, and it is that, although as if written for the middle-school crowd, complete with exclamation points in the text (not even just in the dialogue). The book could have done with some heavy editing, as English is not Sametipour's first language and this is her first novel. That may be more unimportant than the social context, which only confirms that the barbaric treatment of women in the Mideast continues while the rest of the world watches.

I enjoyed Azin Sametipour's novel very much. I shared aspects of her story with Iranian friends who identified with many aspects of the character's lives. Her portrayal of the "two Tehrans," the freewheeling rich upper class and the poorer, more socially conservative lower middle class, was well done, integrating well constructed characters into a story line that was fascinating and gripping. My biggest compliment would be the seamless introduction of Iranian/Persian cultural events such as chaharshanbeh soori and now ruz (Persian New Year) into the story line that was both educational yet relevant to the novel's narrative. The reader will even learn a bit of Persian language along the way. Some parts of the story were a bit hard to read, due to the violence involved, but no part felt excessive or pointless. It is a love story, plain and simple, with a healthy dose of modern Iranian feminism to boot. Well done!

Having lived in Saudi Arabi, this book is very true to what is still practiced in many Muslim families. It is difficult for people who have not having had the benefit of talking with some woman whose families practice Sharia Law. As a western woman, I feel we need to realize this practice goes on in the Middle East and in the western world. There are some Muslim people who have not assimilated in the world and many of those are people who practice Sharia Law. I liked this book because it brings home the fact of what goes on in certain sects of Muslim families. It was one of the, both fiction and non-fiction books, on of what some of the women of the work

There's very little to recommend in this book. It is a romance novel for the youth audience. Offers very little insight into the Iranian culture or what a real girl might think about her life and circumstances. Inconsistent characterization with a very intelligent young woman who just accepts everything her culture requires of her. The star is the boyfriend/hunk. So it goes.

A wonderful novel about a young women's journey in todays Iran to reach her dreams, passion and love, which we take for granted here in the west! Mahtad struggles between two worlds, the conservative religious world which her family clings to and the modern liberal forward moving Iran. You get to follow Mahtad in these two total polarized societies in Iran and see the suppression and hardships most Iranian women have to endure. It's a beautiful love story with a happy ending but one can't stop wondering how many young girls faith ends up in a tragic ending for each Mahtab!

Loved this book. The story was thought provoking, emotional and raw. The writing was so eloquent and vivid, I felt like I was transported to Tehran and witnessing everything first hand. There were many parts of the book that were so moving and powerful, that I could not stop thinking of them long after I set the book down. Highly recommend.

A great bookI loved this book interesting every day life in Tehran l have been there so l found it easy to read