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The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines: The Emmy Award-Winning Actress's Memoir of Revolution, Faith, and Hope from Iran to America
Oscar nominee and Emmy Award–winning actress Shohreh Aghdashloo shares her remarkable personal journey—from a childhood in the Shah’s Iran to the red carpets of Hollywood—in The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines, a dazzling memoir of family, faith, and hope.
When Shohreh Aghdashloo was growing up in Teheran, stardom was a distant dream, especially since her parents had more practical plans for their daughter…
When revolution swept Iran in 1978, the Ayatollah Khomeini’s religious regime brought stifling restrictions on women and art. Shohreh Aghdashloo seized the moment and boldly left her husband for Europe and eventually, America, a vastly different culture.
Shohreh Aghdashloo writes poignantly about her struggles as an outsider in a new culture—as a woman, a Muslim, and a Persian—adapting to a new land and a new language, and shares behind-the-scenes stories about what it’s really like to be an actress in Hollywood.
The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines includes original color photographs from the author.
When Shohreh Aghdashloo was growing up in Teheran, stardom was a distant dream, especially since her parents had more practical plans for their daughter…
When revolution swept Iran in 1978, the Ayatollah Khomeini’s religious regime brought stifling restrictions on women and art. Shohreh Aghdashloo seized the moment and boldly left her husband for Europe and eventually, America, a vastly different culture.
Shohreh Aghdashloo writes poignantly about her struggles as an outsider in a new culture—as a woman, a Muslim, and a Persian—adapting to a new land and a new language, and shares behind-the-scenes stories about what it’s really like to be an actress in Hollywood.
The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines includes original color photographs from the author.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 16, 2020
- who the hell does she think she is?
- shohreh aghdashloo!
Loved this memoir, love shohreh, proud of her accomplishments, she is a great role model. She is Shohreh Aghdashloo.
- shohreh aghdashloo!
Loved this memoir, love shohreh, proud of her accomplishments, she is a great role model. She is Shohreh Aghdashloo.
May 29, 2013
Shohreh Aghdashloo burst onto the American cinema scene with the movie "House of Fog", but she had been quite the actor much before this in her home country of Iran, which she had to flee. This is her life - living in Iran, falling in love, being forced to leave, and struggling to find her place among foreigners, away from the ones she loves.
NOTE: I received this from the Amazon Vine Program.
The reason I chose to read this book was that I have several Iranian friends, whom I met in college. I wanted to better understand where they came from. And while yeah, I could just ask them, I thought maybe taking a peek into Ms. Aghdashloo's book might help. Unfortunately, I came out with a mixed bag.
If I had to list one thing that was the biggest problem with this memoirs, it would be that Ms. Aghdashloo does way too much telling and not enough showing. Lines like:
"Houshang was not only a great artist; he was also a handsome, kindhearted man. And of course, the sexual tension between us was palpable."
OR
"For our second date, Aydin wore a creamy white cotton suit like Dirk Bogarde in Visconti's Death in Venice. We talked for an hour or two, covering all subjects. He was observing me, watching me carefully from every angle, and asked many questions."
do not do justice to the story the author is trying to tell. SHOW how Houshang was a handsome, kindhearted man; don't just skim over the details and TELL us. SHOW us what you and Aydin talked about; don't do a flyby and TELL us that conversation happened.
And the fact is, cases like the above two happen quite frequently. I realize this is a memoirs, not a novel; I do not expect to have intricate details each and every anecdotes. But I would like to get to know the people she is talking about. I feel honestly like most of the people in the book are interchangeable names - unfortunate, because I know they are otherwise! Even the author herself comes across as flat and passive, when it is obvious that she is anything but. I mean, if she WERE passive, why would the Iranian government be so intent on capturing her?
Although much of the book was plagued with these flyby scenes (or irrelevant scenes, such as someone stealing Aydin's Playboy in Algerian), there were some scenes that Ms. Aghdashloo did a great job fleshing out. I rather liked reading about her attempt at running a flower shop - well done!! I also liked hearing about some of the process she underwent when acting (although these descriptions came far too late in the book - I overall barely got a feeling for her as an actress!). The scene where she is fleeing Iran for England were intense; I kept hoping she would make it out.
I really feel bad about all these criticisms. I think it is wonderful that Ms. Aghdashloo is sharing her story, and I appreciate what she has done. I guess I just want MORE. I want to see more of her acting life, feel her romance with the men in her life, understand the relationships to various people she meets (beyond being told their name, hair color, and eye color). If this book had added about 100 - 150 pages to flesh out these details, I more than likely would be a happy camper.
Although I've been harsh on this book, I think this book has some important points to share, and I do recommend checking it out, seeing if it is for you. While it doesn't do as good (in my opinion) a job of detailing the Iranian Revolution as, say, Persepolis, it gives us Americans a better perspective than we are likely to get from our media outlets.
*NOTE: I am uprating to 3 stars, because I just feel horrible about rating this anything less.
NOTE: I received this from the Amazon Vine Program.
The reason I chose to read this book was that I have several Iranian friends, whom I met in college. I wanted to better understand where they came from. And while yeah, I could just ask them, I thought maybe taking a peek into Ms. Aghdashloo's book might help. Unfortunately, I came out with a mixed bag.
If I had to list one thing that was the biggest problem with this memoirs, it would be that Ms. Aghdashloo does way too much telling and not enough showing. Lines like:
"Houshang was not only a great artist; he was also a handsome, kindhearted man. And of course, the sexual tension between us was palpable."
OR
"For our second date, Aydin wore a creamy white cotton suit like Dirk Bogarde in Visconti's Death in Venice. We talked for an hour or two, covering all subjects. He was observing me, watching me carefully from every angle, and asked many questions."
do not do justice to the story the author is trying to tell. SHOW how Houshang was a handsome, kindhearted man; don't just skim over the details and TELL us. SHOW us what you and Aydin talked about; don't do a flyby and TELL us that conversation happened.
And the fact is, cases like the above two happen quite frequently. I realize this is a memoirs, not a novel; I do not expect to have intricate details each and every anecdotes. But I would like to get to know the people she is talking about. I feel honestly like most of the people in the book are interchangeable names - unfortunate, because I know they are otherwise! Even the author herself comes across as flat and passive, when it is obvious that she is anything but. I mean, if she WERE passive, why would the Iranian government be so intent on capturing her?
Although much of the book was plagued with these flyby scenes (or irrelevant scenes, such as someone stealing Aydin's Playboy in Algerian), there were some scenes that Ms. Aghdashloo did a great job fleshing out. I rather liked reading about her attempt at running a flower shop - well done!! I also liked hearing about some of the process she underwent when acting (although these descriptions came far too late in the book - I overall barely got a feeling for her as an actress!). The scene where she is fleeing Iran for England were intense; I kept hoping she would make it out.
I really feel bad about all these criticisms. I think it is wonderful that Ms. Aghdashloo is sharing her story, and I appreciate what she has done. I guess I just want MORE. I want to see more of her acting life, feel her romance with the men in her life, understand the relationships to various people she meets (beyond being told their name, hair color, and eye color). If this book had added about 100 - 150 pages to flesh out these details, I more than likely would be a happy camper.
Although I've been harsh on this book, I think this book has some important points to share, and I do recommend checking it out, seeing if it is for you. While it doesn't do as good (in my opinion) a job of detailing the Iranian Revolution as, say, Persepolis, it gives us Americans a better perspective than we are likely to get from our media outlets.
*NOTE: I am uprating to 3 stars, because I just feel horrible about rating this anything less.
July 11, 2013
I was interested in Shohreh Aghdashloo, After seeing her in movies like House of Sand and Fog, and several TV appearances. I found her memoir good. She was born in Iran in 1952 and lived there until about 1979 when she witnessed the over throw of the government there. woman's rights were pretty much taken away and they could be killed for speaking their opinion. She escaped from Iran and made it to England. she was forced to leave her then husband and start a new life. she eventually took up acting again { a career she started in Iran} moved to the USA remarried.and began a successful acting career here in the USA. I was impressed by her bravery. Having to leave relatives to start a new life. Went to college in England. and began an acting career in America, she even had a Oscar nomination for House of Sand and Fog.I was impressed with her memoir. she showed how you can start over. be brave enough to do so. if anyone has seen her work. they may like this memoir.
July 7, 2013
I have to admit that I accepted this review copy from Harper Collins – without realising who Shohreh Aghdashloo is I can’t have read the synopsis I was sent very carefully). Had I realised she was an actress, I would have been less likely to want to read this memoir – as I frankly have no interest whatsoever in film, actresses and Hollywood. Shohreh Aghdashloo was in one series of the hit US TV show 24 (some of which I actually watched) and was academy award nominated for her role in The House of Sand and Fog – which I also saw years ago – but I had no memory of her as an actress and would have sworn I hadn’t heard of her.
Born in Iran in 1952 to a fairly upper middle class family, Shohreh Aghdashloo grew up during the years of the Shah’s rule. She was well educated and her family wanted her to become a doctor, however Shohreh discovered the wonder of theatre and cinema – thanks to Vivien Leigh and the film Gone with the Wind – and it became her dearest wish to become an actress. In the 1970’s Shohreh meets and marries her first husband artist Aydin. Aydin is happy for his wife to pursue her dream, and Shohreh joins a theatre group, and starts her long journey to the Hollywood star she would many years later become.
In 1979 revolution changed Iran, when the Shah went into exile. Under the new Islamist regime – Shohreh knew her acting career would be barely tolerated. Politicised and very much prodemocracy Shohreh fears her continued presence in Iran will bring danger from the regime to her family; she had already been hit on the head by a brick during a demonstration. Shohreh Aghdashloo makes the difficult decision to leave Iran – and live apart from her husband, they eventually divorce in order to protect him from being associated with her. Shohreh lived then in London, educating herself, working in shops and eventually working again as an actress with Iranian theatre groups and filmmakers. Her acting roles lead her to the US where she meets her second husband, finding great happiness with him, her work with Iranian filmmakers and her daughter Tara-Jane. The role that changed her life however was opposite Ben Kingsley in the film The House of Sand and Fog – read the book and saw the film, and seem to remember having enjoyed both a great deal.
Shohreh Aghdashloo’s story of her journey from Iran to Hollywood is certainly an interesting one. However I do have a few reservations – I never really felt fully engaged with Shohreh – she seems always to remain at a distance – I suspect that is the fault of the writing. The writing is fairly straightforward and for me at least – unemotional – never once did I feel what Shohreh must have gone through. I was told that she feared for her family because of her political beliefs – but I couldn’t really believe it – I’m not suggesting that it was untrue – I just didn’t feel it. I wasn’t convinced that she would have been seen as such a controversial figure so early into the new regime – I was just told, not shown, I didn’t feel it. Similarly when Shohreh chose to leave the husband she apparently loved so much – that must have been an absolutely heart-breaking decision – again I was told about it – and not really shown it – the reader needs to experience what the writer is trying to convey – and I’m afraid I didn’t. I understand that this a piece of non-fiction writing – however just because the process of non-fiction writing is maybe less creative than novel writing doesn’t mean that those rules of showing not telling can’t equally apply.
The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines is an interesting account of a woman fleeing the Iranian regime – following her dream, working hard to achieve her goals. Shohreh Aghdashloo never loses touch with her homeland – and does what she can to tell the stories of the people she left behind. She emerges as a tough intelligent woman, romantic quick witted, and a real survivor.
Born in Iran in 1952 to a fairly upper middle class family, Shohreh Aghdashloo grew up during the years of the Shah’s rule. She was well educated and her family wanted her to become a doctor, however Shohreh discovered the wonder of theatre and cinema – thanks to Vivien Leigh and the film Gone with the Wind – and it became her dearest wish to become an actress. In the 1970’s Shohreh meets and marries her first husband artist Aydin. Aydin is happy for his wife to pursue her dream, and Shohreh joins a theatre group, and starts her long journey to the Hollywood star she would many years later become.
In 1979 revolution changed Iran, when the Shah went into exile. Under the new Islamist regime – Shohreh knew her acting career would be barely tolerated. Politicised and very much prodemocracy Shohreh fears her continued presence in Iran will bring danger from the regime to her family; she had already been hit on the head by a brick during a demonstration. Shohreh Aghdashloo makes the difficult decision to leave Iran – and live apart from her husband, they eventually divorce in order to protect him from being associated with her. Shohreh lived then in London, educating herself, working in shops and eventually working again as an actress with Iranian theatre groups and filmmakers. Her acting roles lead her to the US where she meets her second husband, finding great happiness with him, her work with Iranian filmmakers and her daughter Tara-Jane. The role that changed her life however was opposite Ben Kingsley in the film The House of Sand and Fog – read the book and saw the film, and seem to remember having enjoyed both a great deal.
Shohreh Aghdashloo’s story of her journey from Iran to Hollywood is certainly an interesting one. However I do have a few reservations – I never really felt fully engaged with Shohreh – she seems always to remain at a distance – I suspect that is the fault of the writing. The writing is fairly straightforward and for me at least – unemotional – never once did I feel what Shohreh must have gone through. I was told that she feared for her family because of her political beliefs – but I couldn’t really believe it – I’m not suggesting that it was untrue – I just didn’t feel it. I wasn’t convinced that she would have been seen as such a controversial figure so early into the new regime – I was just told, not shown, I didn’t feel it. Similarly when Shohreh chose to leave the husband she apparently loved so much – that must have been an absolutely heart-breaking decision – again I was told about it – and not really shown it – the reader needs to experience what the writer is trying to convey – and I’m afraid I didn’t. I understand that this a piece of non-fiction writing – however just because the process of non-fiction writing is maybe less creative than novel writing doesn’t mean that those rules of showing not telling can’t equally apply.
The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines is an interesting account of a woman fleeing the Iranian regime – following her dream, working hard to achieve her goals. Shohreh Aghdashloo never loses touch with her homeland – and does what she can to tell the stories of the people she left behind. She emerges as a tough intelligent woman, romantic quick witted, and a real survivor.
February 19, 2014
I don't read a lot of biographies (or, in this case, autobiographies), but I was curious to read Shohreh Aghdashloo's. I've admired her as an actress in such films as (House Of Sand And Fog and Stoning Of Soraya M., and, of course, in an episode of Will & Grace in Season 8. She's a fantastic dramatic actress, but is also great at comedy, as witnessed in Will & Grace. And her deep, deep accented voice is seductive and beautiful to listen to.
Her autobiography begins at the 2003 Oscars, goes back to her beginnings in Iran, and eventually comes full circle to the Oscar ceremony where she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress (spoiler alert: she sadly didn't win).
In the book, we discover how political Shohreh is and how it influenced and charted her life to this point now. She always had the fever to be an actress, even though her father wanted her to become a doctor. The book wasn't as dramatic (with an manic escape from Iran) as I was imagining, though. Because her family was upper middle class (with maids, etc.), hers isn't a rags-to-riches tale. While it took some time for her to become a notable actress in Hollywood, she didn't seem to have that struggle that I expected to read. She was assisted many times from family and friends, first out of Iran, then to London, and finally to Los Angeles. She knew the right people and never seemed to "go without" for very long. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading about her life and learned a lot of about Iranian culture and recent history.
The book is also a little gossipy in a few places, as Shohreh dishes a little about Hollywood and other celebrities. Good: Sandra Bullock, Holly Hunter, Sir Ben Kingsley. Bad: Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger, Kiefer Sutherland.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I'm glad I read it. It gave me insight into Shohreh Aghdashloo, as well as Iran. It's a short, light read; there's nothing too heavy here.
Her autobiography begins at the 2003 Oscars, goes back to her beginnings in Iran, and eventually comes full circle to the Oscar ceremony where she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress (spoiler alert: she sadly didn't win).
In the book, we discover how political Shohreh is and how it influenced and charted her life to this point now. She always had the fever to be an actress, even though her father wanted her to become a doctor. The book wasn't as dramatic (with an manic escape from Iran) as I was imagining, though. Because her family was upper middle class (with maids, etc.), hers isn't a rags-to-riches tale. While it took some time for her to become a notable actress in Hollywood, she didn't seem to have that struggle that I expected to read. She was assisted many times from family and friends, first out of Iran, then to London, and finally to Los Angeles. She knew the right people and never seemed to "go without" for very long. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading about her life and learned a lot of about Iranian culture and recent history.
The book is also a little gossipy in a few places, as Shohreh dishes a little about Hollywood and other celebrities. Good: Sandra Bullock, Holly Hunter, Sir Ben Kingsley. Bad: Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger, Kiefer Sutherland.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I'm glad I read it. It gave me insight into Shohreh Aghdashloo, as well as Iran. It's a short, light read; there's nothing too heavy here.
April 16, 2014
This is interesting on many levels. Shohreh Aghdashloo was born in Tehran, Iran, in 1952. When she was a teenager in the late sixties, Tehran was known as "The Paris of The Middle East" due to its devotion to the arts, fashion and dining. But as the years went by, all of that changed. People gradually lost faith in the ruling party and the Shah, and in late 1978 revolution swept the land. The Shah was ousted, replaced by the Ayatollah Khomeini and the new Islamic Republic. Terrified by the changes this entailed, particularly in women's rights, Ms. Aghdashloo fled the country. Her riveting account of her life following this flight cannot help but make you wonder: is freedom sweeter when you have always known it, or when you experience it only after trial and tribulation? Shohreh Aghdashloo won an Emmy for Supporting Actress in HBO's House of Saddam, and was the only Iranian to ever be nominated for an Oscar.
April 6, 2015
Fascinating, well-written memoir by a unique actress. Highly recommend.
May 27, 2026
“I was too outspoken, daring, and idealistic for the Islamic regime that was determined to take Iran back into medieval times.” -- Shohreh Aghdashloo
I had an insightful and deeply immersive experience reading this memoir. It offers far more than a glimpse into the life of Shohreh Aghdashloo as an Iranian immigrant on her journey to Hollywood stardom. What surprised me most was how invested I became in Iran’s political history — a subject I sadly knew very little about beyond what I had seen in a few English-language films growing up.
Miss Shohreh is an exceptional storyteller. If I remember correctly, she once shared in an interview that she convinced her publisher at HarperCollins to let her write the memoir herself instead of using a ghostwriter. I’m incredibly glad they agreed. Knowing that made the reading experience feel even more personal and genuine. Every description of Iran — especially during the pre-Islamic Republic era — felt alive in her distinctive, captivating voice and accent.
Reading this memoir made me an even bigger fan of Miss Shohreh. I had already been a quiet admirer for years, thanks to the Sapphic community on Twitter that introduced me to her portrayal of the iconic and formidable Chrisjen Avasarala in the series 'The Expanse.' More recently, a lesbian fiction novel by Lee Winter featuring an ice queen (named Jasmine) inspired by Miss Shohreh reignited my fascination with her tenfold. That book sent me back into rewatching The Expanse, fangirling all over again, and finally exploring her full filmography.
By the time I picked up this memoir, I had already seen several of her works, including Chess of the Wind, The Report, Guests of Hotel Astoria, as well as her Hollywood projects like House of Sand and Fog, 24, and House of Saddam. Because of that familiarity, whenever she described filming a particular scene, I could vividly picture it while following her storytelling!
Of course, as a fan, I loved getting glimpses of Miss Shohreh’s life — as a teenager, an activist, a modern woman navigating a deeply patriarchal society, a lover, and an actor / artist. And as an Asian woman who still lives under many of many patriarchal expectations, I deeply admire her compassion, courage, and willingness to speak up. Even now, as I write this commentary, she continues to use her voice and influence through social media and beyond to advocate for the rights and freedom of the Iranian people.
I’m grateful that Miss Shohreh decided to write this memoir. I hope more aspiring human rights advocates get the chance to read this as well — especially women like me who were born into misogynistic and conservative societies…
I had an insightful and deeply immersive experience reading this memoir. It offers far more than a glimpse into the life of Shohreh Aghdashloo as an Iranian immigrant on her journey to Hollywood stardom. What surprised me most was how invested I became in Iran’s political history — a subject I sadly knew very little about beyond what I had seen in a few English-language films growing up.
Miss Shohreh is an exceptional storyteller. If I remember correctly, she once shared in an interview that she convinced her publisher at HarperCollins to let her write the memoir herself instead of using a ghostwriter. I’m incredibly glad they agreed. Knowing that made the reading experience feel even more personal and genuine. Every description of Iran — especially during the pre-Islamic Republic era — felt alive in her distinctive, captivating voice and accent.
Reading this memoir made me an even bigger fan of Miss Shohreh. I had already been a quiet admirer for years, thanks to the Sapphic community on Twitter that introduced me to her portrayal of the iconic and formidable Chrisjen Avasarala in the series 'The Expanse.' More recently, a lesbian fiction novel by Lee Winter featuring an ice queen (named Jasmine) inspired by Miss Shohreh reignited my fascination with her tenfold. That book sent me back into rewatching The Expanse, fangirling all over again, and finally exploring her full filmography.
By the time I picked up this memoir, I had already seen several of her works, including Chess of the Wind, The Report, Guests of Hotel Astoria, as well as her Hollywood projects like House of Sand and Fog, 24, and House of Saddam. Because of that familiarity, whenever she described filming a particular scene, I could vividly picture it while following her storytelling!
Of course, as a fan, I loved getting glimpses of Miss Shohreh’s life — as a teenager, an activist, a modern woman navigating a deeply patriarchal society, a lover, and an actor / artist. And as an Asian woman who still lives under many of many patriarchal expectations, I deeply admire her compassion, courage, and willingness to speak up. Even now, as I write this commentary, she continues to use her voice and influence through social media and beyond to advocate for the rights and freedom of the Iranian people.
I’m grateful that Miss Shohreh decided to write this memoir. I hope more aspiring human rights advocates get the chance to read this as well — especially women like me who were born into misogynistic and conservative societies…
July 2, 2013
This book was a fun, quick read shedding some light on life in Iran pre and post the 1979 political change. Aghdashloo also shares her memories of her early days in a Western culture, both in England and the USA. This is one of the things that I really enjoyed about this book. I love seeing American culture through foreign eyes. It gives me new appreciation for the beauty outsiders find and what I might, perhaps, be taking for granted. Thinking back on the book, there are several things that stood out for me. Let me share those with you.
As a child, Shohreh Vaziritabar (family name) and her siblings were surrounded by family and one servant. This servant was passed on to the family from another family. She and her sister had been stolen from their family’s boat before they were teens and sold separately on the human slavery market. It was unclear to me if her status was as a paid servant or as a well treated slave by the time she was given to the Vaziritabars. I have never, to my knowledge, known anyone who has been a slave and my mind stumbles a bit trying to grasp onto what that is truly like, especially long term, in a society that was moving away from it.
As Shohreh passes into teenhood, she was fascinated with fashion and eventually theater. However, modeling and acting were not well reputed careers for women at that time. Her parents forbade her acting, except at the occasional family play, and she was stuck. However, a successful and polite man (Aydin Aghdashloo) courting her shows interest in movie and theater actors, providing a basis on which to build a friendship that blossoms into a marriage. the marriage was not arranged, but did start off with a formal courtship. Also, Shohreh was 19 and Aydin in his mid to late 30s. I know that such an age difference has not been uncommon for much of written human history, but still my cultural upbringing quirks my eyebrow over it. Age differences aside, it appears to have been a loving and mutually respectful marriage even up to it’s ending.
With her successful acting career, Shohreh goes from comfortable middle class to a luxuriant living, complete with maid and driver. I was surprised by how honest the author was about her sudden fall from her lavish (to some) lifestyle upon leaving Iran during the political upheaval. She had temporary living quarters, had to learn to drive, hand to clean and cook for herself, and had to get a job that paid the rent (shopgirl). These parts of the book were the most human and connected the most with me.
I was actually surprised at how little was said about the politics of Iran. We learn more about the author’s feelings on movies, fashion, and her two husbands than we do about the politics of her home country. We do read how she has been active both before and since leaving Iran in political demonstrations and theatrical pieces that portray the plight of Iran’s people, but she skirts short of stated her beliefs clearly. Perhaps because she has made them public elsewhere? As a talk show host and radio show host, she spoke on Iran’s politics for a number of years.
I also found the descriptions of the denizens of Hollywood a little lean, with the bulk of the descriptions being happy and rosy. Any negative comments are left vague and for the reader to fill in or dig up on the internet. In some ways, I respect this as so many books are full of trash talking. On the other hand, I don’t think any career could have so few bumps and negative personal interactions. Still, the author is allowed her privacy just like the rest of us.
Over all, the book was an interesting read, showing a melding of not just Persian and American cultures, but also that it is possible to walk back and forth between theater and movie acting careers. It made me grateful that the USA doesn’t have enforced curfews, that we can get married right away, and that folks can openly discuss politics over icecream at any time.
As a child, Shohreh Vaziritabar (family name) and her siblings were surrounded by family and one servant. This servant was passed on to the family from another family. She and her sister had been stolen from their family’s boat before they were teens and sold separately on the human slavery market. It was unclear to me if her status was as a paid servant or as a well treated slave by the time she was given to the Vaziritabars. I have never, to my knowledge, known anyone who has been a slave and my mind stumbles a bit trying to grasp onto what that is truly like, especially long term, in a society that was moving away from it.
As Shohreh passes into teenhood, she was fascinated with fashion and eventually theater. However, modeling and acting were not well reputed careers for women at that time. Her parents forbade her acting, except at the occasional family play, and she was stuck. However, a successful and polite man (Aydin Aghdashloo) courting her shows interest in movie and theater actors, providing a basis on which to build a friendship that blossoms into a marriage. the marriage was not arranged, but did start off with a formal courtship. Also, Shohreh was 19 and Aydin in his mid to late 30s. I know that such an age difference has not been uncommon for much of written human history, but still my cultural upbringing quirks my eyebrow over it. Age differences aside, it appears to have been a loving and mutually respectful marriage even up to it’s ending.
With her successful acting career, Shohreh goes from comfortable middle class to a luxuriant living, complete with maid and driver. I was surprised by how honest the author was about her sudden fall from her lavish (to some) lifestyle upon leaving Iran during the political upheaval. She had temporary living quarters, had to learn to drive, hand to clean and cook for herself, and had to get a job that paid the rent (shopgirl). These parts of the book were the most human and connected the most with me.
I was actually surprised at how little was said about the politics of Iran. We learn more about the author’s feelings on movies, fashion, and her two husbands than we do about the politics of her home country. We do read how she has been active both before and since leaving Iran in political demonstrations and theatrical pieces that portray the plight of Iran’s people, but she skirts short of stated her beliefs clearly. Perhaps because she has made them public elsewhere? As a talk show host and radio show host, she spoke on Iran’s politics for a number of years.
I also found the descriptions of the denizens of Hollywood a little lean, with the bulk of the descriptions being happy and rosy. Any negative comments are left vague and for the reader to fill in or dig up on the internet. In some ways, I respect this as so many books are full of trash talking. On the other hand, I don’t think any career could have so few bumps and negative personal interactions. Still, the author is allowed her privacy just like the rest of us.
Over all, the book was an interesting read, showing a melding of not just Persian and American cultures, but also that it is possible to walk back and forth between theater and movie acting careers. It made me grateful that the USA doesn’t have enforced curfews, that we can get married right away, and that folks can openly discuss politics over icecream at any time.
June 8, 2013
I've always liked Shohreh Aghdashloo; I like her voice and her acting, and she's also a gorgeous woman. I was intrigued when I was invited to read her new memoir, and I was pleased since I had been looking for something a little bit different to read.
Shohreh's life was, for sure, filled with adventure! Moving around the world, meeting tons of different people, building a career in theater and then in cinema; we get to explore the actress' life from many points of view through time. For me, the most interesting part was, without a doubt, her life in Iran. Not to say that anything happening after was uninteresting, but it was a life so different from everything I have known that I flew through the pages that took place in this far-away place. I can't say I understood everything that happened there (it's something I'm still learning about), but seeing it through her eyes helped make it more personal, more human.
Even once she moved away, Iran was still never far from Shohreh's heart. Her friends and her family were left there, as well as her memories and all her hopes for her country. It is heartbreaking to read about, yet I was amazed by how strong Shohreh was and how dedicated she was to her ideals of democracy as well as her career.
I also enjoyed seeing how she built her career in Hollywood! Her enthusiasm for actors and movie directors was charming, and though I'm not one to be super intrigued by celebs gossips, I found it entertaining to read her point of view on the Hollywood scene.
Sometimes memoirs read like rich pieces of fiction; I didn't feel it was the case here. This can be good or bad depending on your preferences, but I do know that I felt a bit of a distance from the author. I really felt like she opened her heart to the readers though, so I think the distance I felt had more to do with the writing, which at times felt a bit clinical.
Overall, a very nice experience. I believe readers who are not familiar with Iran's history or Shohreh Aghdashloo will still appreciate the memoir. I'll admit I googled a few things along the way, but I never felt lost in this strange country. The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines is an inspiring memoir that offers a pleasant and easy reading, despite its sometimes difficult themes.
Shohreh's life was, for sure, filled with adventure! Moving around the world, meeting tons of different people, building a career in theater and then in cinema; we get to explore the actress' life from many points of view through time. For me, the most interesting part was, without a doubt, her life in Iran. Not to say that anything happening after was uninteresting, but it was a life so different from everything I have known that I flew through the pages that took place in this far-away place. I can't say I understood everything that happened there (it's something I'm still learning about), but seeing it through her eyes helped make it more personal, more human.
Even once she moved away, Iran was still never far from Shohreh's heart. Her friends and her family were left there, as well as her memories and all her hopes for her country. It is heartbreaking to read about, yet I was amazed by how strong Shohreh was and how dedicated she was to her ideals of democracy as well as her career.
I also enjoyed seeing how she built her career in Hollywood! Her enthusiasm for actors and movie directors was charming, and though I'm not one to be super intrigued by celebs gossips, I found it entertaining to read her point of view on the Hollywood scene.
Sometimes memoirs read like rich pieces of fiction; I didn't feel it was the case here. This can be good or bad depending on your preferences, but I do know that I felt a bit of a distance from the author. I really felt like she opened her heart to the readers though, so I think the distance I felt had more to do with the writing, which at times felt a bit clinical.
Overall, a very nice experience. I believe readers who are not familiar with Iran's history or Shohreh Aghdashloo will still appreciate the memoir. I'll admit I googled a few things along the way, but I never felt lost in this strange country. The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines is an inspiring memoir that offers a pleasant and easy reading, despite its sometimes difficult themes.
July 10, 2013
When I was asked to read and review Shohreh Aghdashloo's memoir, The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines, I was very excited. In particular, I was looking forward to reading an account of an actress of color who is also an immigrant managing the American film industry. I first remember seeing her in the movie House of Sand and Fog which I enjoyed.
The first chapter of the book drew me in; reading about the Oscar night prep and experience was fun. Her experience with Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellweger showed that not everyone can be gracious at all times. In spite of that knowledge, I was annoyed that they did not even smile or nod at Aghdashloo. For the record, I did not enjoy Cold Mountain and would have preferred if Aghdashloo had won.
Anyway, I loved the lyrical descriptions of Iran and her childhood. The description of her family and the ways she tried to hide her modeling from her dad made me smile. Her courtship and marriage to her first husband was sweet. Some of the political events in Iran made my jaw drop. Some of the chapters were choppy and I found myself wanting more details of the specifics of how she became involved in the demonstrations. The pace of the book made it seem like her decision to leave Iran was sudden. The way she came to her decision to divorce her husband was also surprising and sad.
I also wanted more details on her breaking into the Hollywood scene. In particular, I wanted to learn more about her transition from performing to mostly Iranian audience to a broader base. From other things I have read and heard, I know that there is a tendency to type cast women of color. I was hoping to get more of Aghdashloo's perspective on finding substantive roles and balancing acting with her passion for politics.
The first chapter of the book drew me in; reading about the Oscar night prep and experience was fun. Her experience with Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellweger showed that not everyone can be gracious at all times. In spite of that knowledge, I was annoyed that they did not even smile or nod at Aghdashloo. For the record, I did not enjoy Cold Mountain and would have preferred if Aghdashloo had won.
Anyway, I loved the lyrical descriptions of Iran and her childhood. The description of her family and the ways she tried to hide her modeling from her dad made me smile. Her courtship and marriage to her first husband was sweet. Some of the political events in Iran made my jaw drop. Some of the chapters were choppy and I found myself wanting more details of the specifics of how she became involved in the demonstrations. The pace of the book made it seem like her decision to leave Iran was sudden. The way she came to her decision to divorce her husband was also surprising and sad.
I also wanted more details on her breaking into the Hollywood scene. In particular, I wanted to learn more about her transition from performing to mostly Iranian audience to a broader base. From other things I have read and heard, I know that there is a tendency to type cast women of color. I was hoping to get more of Aghdashloo's perspective on finding substantive roles and balancing acting with her passion for politics.
October 31, 2013
This slim volume by the Iranian actress with an unpronouncable (to me, at least) name takes one through a life still young but marked by considerable accomplishments. She was born to wealth and privilege in Iran. The revolution that ended the Shah's rule and ushered in a religious dictatorship forced her into exile. To Shohreh's credit, she coped with her reduced financial situation and her interrupted marriage by emigrating to England, learning the language and earning a bachelor's degree. She is an accomplished actress and one can certainly not hold it against her that she was born beautiful as well. The lady has a lot of grit and deserves continued success in her chosen profession.
April 13, 2024
Yep, know her best from 'The Expanse but of course Shohreh Aghdashloo is known for her work from movies like 'The House of Sand and Fog', and won an Emmy for 'House of Saddam', etc. I didn't know she had a memoir out but randomly found it via my library's Hoopla system. I know she was recently (as of this review) in Assassin's Creed: Mirage game, so I thought I'd pick this up.
It's a memoir of living in and growing up in Iran, her career, etc. I don't know much about Iran (which, ironically, is in the news...), so was curious what her life was like, etc. It was interesting to read her childhood and family, how she eventually came to acting, etc. I wasn't necessarily picking this up specifically for her acting career, so this was a good read anyway.
I'll admit, once she reaches adulthood I found it a little boring. I haven't seen stuff like either House movie and this doesn't cover the Expanse show (it was published before the show came out). Still, it was interesting some of the interesting bits here and there like working with Keanu Reeves and the like. And I would love to see her in more things (if you like sci-fi, I recommend the show! Her character shows up sooner than in the book series, but it's only good for the show).
I think if you're a big fan, this is definitely the memoir for you. If you have a specific interest in certain works (as I said, it only goes so far and The Expanse *might* be the work she is currently best known for as of now?), this may be hit or miss. But I got it via a library borrow so I did not mind.
Definitely recommend it as a library borrow first but only go bargain buy if you're really interested.
It's a memoir of living in and growing up in Iran, her career, etc. I don't know much about Iran (which, ironically, is in the news...), so was curious what her life was like, etc. It was interesting to read her childhood and family, how she eventually came to acting, etc. I wasn't necessarily picking this up specifically for her acting career, so this was a good read anyway.
I'll admit, once she reaches adulthood I found it a little boring. I haven't seen stuff like either House movie and this doesn't cover the Expanse show (it was published before the show came out). Still, it was interesting some of the interesting bits here and there like working with Keanu Reeves and the like. And I would love to see her in more things (if you like sci-fi, I recommend the show! Her character shows up sooner than in the book series, but it's only good for the show).
I think if you're a big fan, this is definitely the memoir for you. If you have a specific interest in certain works (as I said, it only goes so far and The Expanse *might* be the work she is currently best known for as of now?), this may be hit or miss. But I got it via a library borrow so I did not mind.
Definitely recommend it as a library borrow first but only go bargain buy if you're really interested.
December 31, 2019
I’ve been a fan of Shohreh Aghdashloo for quite a while now. I have loved her work in many different films and TV shows and this memoir spent literally minutes in my TBR pile before I could take it no longer and had to read it.
I was not disappointed. Iran has been in the news for as long as I can remember, although my knowledge of the country, its culture and its people has been something of a mystery to me. This is largely because I always prefer a story told by someone who has lived it over a textbook.
In The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines, Shohreh Aghdashloo writes compellingly and with the lightest of touches about family’s life in the days of the Shah, as well as the growing political unease of her young adult life. She writes so beautifully about her first ventures into modelling, acting and romance, as well as her escape from Iran to the freedom and educational opportunities of the United Kingdom, and her subsequent relocation to the United States.
I really loved this book.
I was not disappointed. Iran has been in the news for as long as I can remember, although my knowledge of the country, its culture and its people has been something of a mystery to me. This is largely because I always prefer a story told by someone who has lived it over a textbook.
In The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines, Shohreh Aghdashloo writes compellingly and with the lightest of touches about family’s life in the days of the Shah, as well as the growing political unease of her young adult life. She writes so beautifully about her first ventures into modelling, acting and romance, as well as her escape from Iran to the freedom and educational opportunities of the United Kingdom, and her subsequent relocation to the United States.
I really loved this book.
August 19, 2017
I wanted to give this book a 2.5 because the autobiography was well written with no apparent ghost writer. I learned more about the Shah and the overthrow of The Allytollah. Many people lost all they had over political differences, only demonstrating how being unable to work together is a dangerous situation. I was not familiar with the work if this actress although I read the book House of Sand and Fog with The Oprah book club. She received an Emmy for her performance in this movie.
July 18, 2021
An interesting background of an actress I love - this story leads you through Shohreh's childhood in Iran, leaving the country, and how she got started in Hollywood. I loved the pictures of her, particularly as I mostly know her as a mature woman - my favorite actress in The Expanse tv show! Nothing hard hitting, no dirty laundry, but an in depth picture of a woman who has been through a lot. If you are a fan of hers, absolutely with the read.
December 21, 2022
Shohreh aghdashloo taught me to be strong and never be disappointed with yourself just try harder to follow your dreams 🕊️🤍
The book was so inspirational if you need some inspiration ، so proud of her as a iranian woman.
And I must say that while reading the book, her wonderful voice was forming in my mind,if you don’t know our shohreh beside of her great acting skills,she also has a rare and beautiful voice which she didn’t mention it in the book
The book was so inspirational if you need some inspiration ، so proud of her as a iranian woman.
And I must say that while reading the book, her wonderful voice was forming in my mind,if you don’t know our shohreh beside of her great acting skills,she also has a rare and beautiful voice which she didn’t mention it in the book
June 13, 2019
Shihreh Asgdashloo is probably one of my favourite actresses ever so I was super looking forward to this book and while it didn't disappoint, it also wasn't as in depth or detailed as I would have liked it to be - however I can completely understand why. Try not to read it in her voice ;)
May 30, 2021
Easy to read. Read it in one sitting. Sadly it ends in 2013, right before she started doing her more interesting stuff. I hope she does a follow up memoir covering what she's doing now. She is creating an interesting variety of work.
January 8, 2022
What an inspiring life and career! The power and energy of this artist are only second to her sheer brilliance, in every respect. And happily, her articulate voice resembles her Expanse character only through her frank message.
April 28, 2018
I absolutely love this book, written by one of my favorite actors - Shohreh Aghdashloo. It’s something really beautiful and amazing. Every chapter is full of love.
January 22, 2019
It’s disjointed and no harmony. Lack details.
May 11, 2019
What even is her life. I think if I lived through 1/8 of what she's lived through, I'd end up sleeping for a century.
May 3, 2020
Aghdashloo is a privileged actress who makes it out of Iran just in time. Her piece is flat and does not evoke empathy.
December 30, 2024
The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines by Shohreh Aghdashloo was the first memoir I have ever read; I have to say that I never thought reading about other people’s lived experiences could be such an engaging and eye-opening experience. Being half-Persian, I have always loved Shohreh’s work as an actress and artist; for this reason, I connected with this story and the themes of love and displacement it presented. I know a lot about the Iranian Revolution of 1979, specifically what my family went through, so going into reading this book, I was curious to hear about another type of story and person’s experience during the revolution.
The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines is a recounting of Shohreh’s childhood, first marriage, life during the Iranian Revolution, and ultimately, what her artist’s journey has been like when she came to America, how she had to start over in many ways, and her second marriage to Houshang Touzie. This memoir starts with a scene of her getting ready for the Oscars; she then flashes back to her childhood in Iran and gradually shows how she came to be in the position where she was nominated for her role in the House of Sand And Fog.
This memoir is creatively framed to focus on the presence of love. It is often thought that in the face of revolution and other hardships, love and hope have no room to flourish; in this memoir, Shohreh Aghdashloo proves those notions wrong by using the presence of romantic, familial, friendly, and love of one’s career are a throughline in her story. In the face of her travels and impending displacement, Shohreh’s love of acting and education guide her to Europe and eventually to America.
This book made me reflect on the fact that love can be defined in many different ways and that if you have goals in life, are you ever truly lost? In the face of this life-changing event where she had to leave most of her family behind, including her first husband, Shohreh demonstrates bravery and complete faith as she decides to start her new life in an unknown world. It is because of her immigration that she grows even more fond and attached to the old and new connections she makes. Before leaving Iran, Shohreh is told, "Exile is not just about leaving a place; it is about carrying that place within you forever" by her father (Aghdashloo). In the context of this book, this quote is meant to subside Shohreh’s nerves about leaving the home she had known for twenty years, while on the broader scheme, this quote encourages her to embark on her journey and reminds her that Iran is a part of her because of her memories and the people she has formed connections with over the years.
In this memoir, Shohreh Aghdashloo makes a life for herself in the art sphere by unapologetically believing in love and making herself a home in the people she meets rather than the physical places she resides in. The quote, “I will be behind you like a mountain,” speaks to the support, trust, and love Shohreh finds in her second husband, Houshang (Aghdashloo). Houshang is also an artist, and throughout the book, he and Shohreh work on several projects together; this quote is significant to the idea of making a home with the people she meets. As an immigrant, Shohreh realizes this importance and uses this mentality that home can be found in a person rather than a place to frame her relationships and outlook on love throughout this book.
Shohreh Aghdashloo’s story taught me that love can be found anywhere as long as you look for it. In The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines, Shohreh moves through her life by accepting the impermanence of place, thus looking for the permanence of love in herself and the company of others. Reading about someone else’s story and formative memories has shown me that creative nonfiction and memoirs are more about forming human connections than telling a story. While creative nonfiction and memoirs do use storytelling techniques, they primarily focus on ideas of perspective and perceptions. In this way, reading a memoir has been a lot like having an intimate conversation with the author in which I learn about a new perspective and way of looking at life. Specifically, when thinking about The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines, Shohreh’s emphasis on love and connection effectively works in conjunction with the genre of memoir to give the reader a similar experience.
The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines is a recounting of Shohreh’s childhood, first marriage, life during the Iranian Revolution, and ultimately, what her artist’s journey has been like when she came to America, how she had to start over in many ways, and her second marriage to Houshang Touzie. This memoir starts with a scene of her getting ready for the Oscars; she then flashes back to her childhood in Iran and gradually shows how she came to be in the position where she was nominated for her role in the House of Sand And Fog.
This memoir is creatively framed to focus on the presence of love. It is often thought that in the face of revolution and other hardships, love and hope have no room to flourish; in this memoir, Shohreh Aghdashloo proves those notions wrong by using the presence of romantic, familial, friendly, and love of one’s career are a throughline in her story. In the face of her travels and impending displacement, Shohreh’s love of acting and education guide her to Europe and eventually to America.
This book made me reflect on the fact that love can be defined in many different ways and that if you have goals in life, are you ever truly lost? In the face of this life-changing event where she had to leave most of her family behind, including her first husband, Shohreh demonstrates bravery and complete faith as she decides to start her new life in an unknown world. It is because of her immigration that she grows even more fond and attached to the old and new connections she makes. Before leaving Iran, Shohreh is told, "Exile is not just about leaving a place; it is about carrying that place within you forever" by her father (Aghdashloo). In the context of this book, this quote is meant to subside Shohreh’s nerves about leaving the home she had known for twenty years, while on the broader scheme, this quote encourages her to embark on her journey and reminds her that Iran is a part of her because of her memories and the people she has formed connections with over the years.
In this memoir, Shohreh Aghdashloo makes a life for herself in the art sphere by unapologetically believing in love and making herself a home in the people she meets rather than the physical places she resides in. The quote, “I will be behind you like a mountain,” speaks to the support, trust, and love Shohreh finds in her second husband, Houshang (Aghdashloo). Houshang is also an artist, and throughout the book, he and Shohreh work on several projects together; this quote is significant to the idea of making a home with the people she meets. As an immigrant, Shohreh realizes this importance and uses this mentality that home can be found in a person rather than a place to frame her relationships and outlook on love throughout this book.
Shohreh Aghdashloo’s story taught me that love can be found anywhere as long as you look for it. In The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines, Shohreh moves through her life by accepting the impermanence of place, thus looking for the permanence of love in herself and the company of others. Reading about someone else’s story and formative memories has shown me that creative nonfiction and memoirs are more about forming human connections than telling a story. While creative nonfiction and memoirs do use storytelling techniques, they primarily focus on ideas of perspective and perceptions. In this way, reading a memoir has been a lot like having an intimate conversation with the author in which I learn about a new perspective and way of looking at life. Specifically, when thinking about The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines, Shohreh’s emphasis on love and connection effectively works in conjunction with the genre of memoir to give the reader a similar experience.
December 17, 2013
Taken from my blog at www.takemeawayreading.com
I've always enjoyed a good celebrity memoir, and I was curious when I found out Shohreh Aghdashloo had written one. I knew her originally as the woman from 24 but have also seen her in various other shows/movies; I always recognize her distinct voice. Her memoir has the added intrigue due to her living as an adult through the revolution in Iran, even causing her to escape to another country.
One of the things I always find interesting is how much work actors put into their craft before they come onto a scene that we are familiar with. The same is true for Shohreh; she acted in many plays and even Iranian movies before acting in America. She really has spent her lifetime building up to acting and acting. I was interested in her observations as she
I will say there were some parts where I just didn't get her decision making or really understand the circumstances she was in. Some of this is certainly from her being in a different country, culture, and time but was probably because she was limited in space in her memoir to truly describe in depth what she went through during the Iranian revolution. Though it seems like Shohreh lived a life of privilege in Iran, she also clearly possesses extreme bravery and is a strong woman.
Something I loved was Shohreh's brutal honesty about Hollywood and some very well known actors. It's always interesting to see what people are like behind the scenes, and I was surprised by every person that she called out in this book! Very interesting.
Overall, this was an easy read about an actress with an interesting background. It added a lot to my netflix queue! Recommended if you enjoy celebrity memoirs and/or have an interest in Iran's recent history.
I've always enjoyed a good celebrity memoir, and I was curious when I found out Shohreh Aghdashloo had written one. I knew her originally as the woman from 24 but have also seen her in various other shows/movies; I always recognize her distinct voice. Her memoir has the added intrigue due to her living as an adult through the revolution in Iran, even causing her to escape to another country.
One of the things I always find interesting is how much work actors put into their craft before they come onto a scene that we are familiar with. The same is true for Shohreh; she acted in many plays and even Iranian movies before acting in America. She really has spent her lifetime building up to acting and acting. I was interested in her observations as she
I will say there were some parts where I just didn't get her decision making or really understand the circumstances she was in. Some of this is certainly from her being in a different country, culture, and time but was probably because she was limited in space in her memoir to truly describe in depth what she went through during the Iranian revolution. Though it seems like Shohreh lived a life of privilege in Iran, she also clearly possesses extreme bravery and is a strong woman.
Something I loved was Shohreh's brutal honesty about Hollywood and some very well known actors. It's always interesting to see what people are like behind the scenes, and I was surprised by every person that she called out in this book! Very interesting.
Overall, this was an easy read about an actress with an interesting background. It added a lot to my netflix queue! Recommended if you enjoy celebrity memoirs and/or have an interest in Iran's recent history.
May 6, 2015
As an Iranian-American , who was a bit familiar with Mrs. Aghdashloo's movies, I thought that this book would be interesting, but over the course of the book, I felt no connection at all with the writer. The book was written with a fairly removed, cold tone and overall poorly written.
I also found her unapologetic devotion to the deposed Iranian monarchy tiresome and one sided and was greatly saddened by her again, one sided views of the current regime. For most Americans, who know absolutely nothing about this regime and only know the scary stories that are communicated through CNN, she further contributes to this fear and ignorance. I feel that she had a great opportunity to educate Americans and the Western world about the beauty that is Iran but instead every time she had a chance to talk about her home country, she talked about the continued torture tactics and fear tactics that the current government uses but never mentions that the deposed Shah of Iran, did not respect basic human rights and also jailed and tortured his countrymen without a fair trial on a regular basis to hold onto his throne.
I am not protecting the current Islamic regime but I am saying that it is not as fearful as she portrays. She makes it seem like everybody walks around in a constant state of repression and fear and this is not the case. She has not been back in 30 years so she is not a trusted source and everything that she says about the current regime is all through hearsay!
I also found her unapologetic devotion to the deposed Iranian monarchy tiresome and one sided and was greatly saddened by her again, one sided views of the current regime. For most Americans, who know absolutely nothing about this regime and only know the scary stories that are communicated through CNN, she further contributes to this fear and ignorance. I feel that she had a great opportunity to educate Americans and the Western world about the beauty that is Iran but instead every time she had a chance to talk about her home country, she talked about the continued torture tactics and fear tactics that the current government uses but never mentions that the deposed Shah of Iran, did not respect basic human rights and also jailed and tortured his countrymen without a fair trial on a regular basis to hold onto his throne.
I am not protecting the current Islamic regime but I am saying that it is not as fearful as she portrays. She makes it seem like everybody walks around in a constant state of repression and fear and this is not the case. She has not been back in 30 years so she is not a trusted source and everything that she says about the current regime is all through hearsay!
February 5, 2016
Shohreh Achdashloo is most famously known for her Academy Award-nominated role in "The House of Sand and Fog," as well as her appearance in TV's "24." As a Persian exile and artist from the Iranian Revolution, her memoir explores a life filled with twists and turns, heartaches and celebrations. It certainly is a story worth telling, but greatly flawed in its present state.
While it would give infinite pleasure to highly recommend this book (for the author has led a life worth examining), what is missing from the book is a really good editor to streamline the story and pull it together. There's lots of florid descriptions of individuals along with their names (particularly of individuals in the actress' early life, most of whom mean nothing to the average reader). There's repetition. There's intense detail of some scenes and fuzzy overviews about large pieces of other parts of her life. The whole is not greater than the parts, and that is the problem.
While a memoir should reflect the author's voice and experiences, there's no shame in having a substantive edit of a book pre-publication. In this work, the author is selling herself short by not allowing an editor to help her mold it into something finer or not having a publishing house willing to undertake the task. In the end, Achdashloo loses out: She has a story worth sharing, but this is not her finest work. There's more enjoyment to be gained from her acting, so this reader would suggest buying her DVDs instead.
While it would give infinite pleasure to highly recommend this book (for the author has led a life worth examining), what is missing from the book is a really good editor to streamline the story and pull it together. There's lots of florid descriptions of individuals along with their names (particularly of individuals in the actress' early life, most of whom mean nothing to the average reader). There's repetition. There's intense detail of some scenes and fuzzy overviews about large pieces of other parts of her life. The whole is not greater than the parts, and that is the problem.
While a memoir should reflect the author's voice and experiences, there's no shame in having a substantive edit of a book pre-publication. In this work, the author is selling herself short by not allowing an editor to help her mold it into something finer or not having a publishing house willing to undertake the task. In the end, Achdashloo loses out: She has a story worth sharing, but this is not her finest work. There's more enjoyment to be gained from her acting, so this reader would suggest buying her DVDs instead.
June 18, 2013
I've been a fan of Shohreh Aghdashloo since her amazing appearances on "24," so I was thrilled to be able to read and review her memoir. I certainly wasn't disappointed - this is a fascinating book!
Shohreh takes her readers into her life and gives them the grand tour, from her childhood growing up in a mostly peaceful Iran to the turmoil of the late 1970s in her home country to her present-day life in the United States. I was intrigued at how her acting career advanced over the years from being a stage actress to becoming a popular movie actress to having to restart when she came to the U.S.
Reading this book, I could hear Shohreh's melodious voice in my head, as if she was reading to me. She is quite the storyteller and it was a pure joy reading this memoir of her life.
I highly recommend it!
Shohreh takes her readers into her life and gives them the grand tour, from her childhood growing up in a mostly peaceful Iran to the turmoil of the late 1970s in her home country to her present-day life in the United States. I was intrigued at how her acting career advanced over the years from being a stage actress to becoming a popular movie actress to having to restart when she came to the U.S.
Reading this book, I could hear Shohreh's melodious voice in my head, as if she was reading to me. She is quite the storyteller and it was a pure joy reading this memoir of her life.
I highly recommend it!
July 6, 2013
Shohreh A. is an enthusiast-- a romanticist-- and a survivor. Quick witted, and courageous, she followed her dream to be an actress, leaving her beloved husband and family when she could no longer live under the repressive Ayatollah K's regime in Iran, she made her way eventually to the U.S. and new life. Obstacles along the way were overcome--often with the help of family and friends.
I have tried to reconcile some of the issues I had with her choices by reminding myself of the situations in which she found herself, but some of the reasoning did not ring true to me. There were gaps in the explanations that left me wondering how she came to many of those decisions.
I have tried to reconcile some of the issues I had with her choices by reminding myself of the situations in which she found herself, but some of the reasoning did not ring true to me. There were gaps in the explanations that left me wondering how she came to many of those decisions.
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