I want to begin by expressing my deep admiration for the extraordinary bravery exhibited by individuals like Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh as they courageously share their harrowing stories from Evin Prison, one of the most notorious prisons in Tehran. The horrific atrocities sanctioned by the Iranian government are utterly indefensible. The unimaginable suffering inflicted on innocent victims—particularly children and women coerced into marriage and subjected to unspeakable hardships—is truly heart-wrenching.

Equally alarming is the fact that these courageous individuals endured relentless interrogations throughout their nine months of detention. The most frequent question thrown at them during these arduous sessions was, "What are your charges?" Their resolute response, "Our belief in Christ," encapsulated their struggle and conviction. Their arrests were a direct result of their commitment to Christianity, a profound act that the Iranian regime criminalizes with the threat of death. This reality represents a staggering injustice that deserves our unwavering attention.

While I may not be a religious scholar, I firmly believe—like so many others—that the choice of one's own is a profoundly personal matter. No individual should ever endure persecution for their beliefs.

In closing, I am grateful for the exceptional courage these individuals have shown in sharing their experiences. Their stories shed crucial light on the brutal realities faced by those living under tyrannical regimes. Violence can never be justified; yet, their steadfast commitment to extend love and compassion to others in desperate circumstances is profoundly inspiring. It serves as a potent reminder that even in the darkest moments, we must choose kindness and extend a helping hand to those in need.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who seeks to understand the awe-inspiring courage of individuals who refused to submit to an unjust regime, willing to confront the ultimate sacrifice in the name of their beliefs.