For the Love of Mohammad A Memoir: With Mohammad Khordadian

by Jean Beaini, Kerry Newman (Editor)

The memoir of two young dancers from vastly different cultures, tells of their ill-fated marriage during Iran’s Islamic Revolution. For several years Mohammad and I had wanted to write about a significantly dramatic part of our personal journey through life. We eventually put pen to paper after meeting up again in England. 'For the Love of Mohammad A Memoir' is a true story of love and all its complexities. It is also the story of a young English girl living in a Middle Eastern country which is torn apart by an Islamic revolution and war, and the story of a young Iranian man struggling to come to terms with his homosexuality after being manipulated into marriage whilst being deeply in love with another man. Mohammad and I feel our story is also more than just a story of our love. As the world continues to struggle with human rights issues, in particular the human rights of the LGBTQ communities in such countries as Iran, Uganda, Pakistan, Nigeria, India, Russia and often in our own backyard; Mohammad and I believe that our story speaks out for those who have their voices silenced; contributes to the awareness of their situation; and carries with it a message of hope and courage by demonstrating how, with the power of love, courage and understanding, life's adversities can be overcome.

248 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2014

Reviews

[Claire Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall I loved this book. If you are at all concerned for LGBT rights worldwide, have any interest in Iranian history and dance or just want to read a great true story then read this book. It has opened my eyes to a culture I know nothing about and has made me have greater empathy with those facing persecution just because of their sexuality. 5/5 just get the tissues ready!

[Sina.Mob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Compelling story of joy and sorrow in life, and a reminder that “Zendegi Migzara” (life shall pass). This story grabs your hand and walks you through the streets of Tehran in the 70’s, gets you in the heads of a married couple struggling with survival amid multiple political and economical crises and all the while, confused with sexual identity. I felt their joy when they were happy, and shed tears with their sorrow.

An accurate story of how a movement for social justice and democracy turned against its very own people and ruined countless lives and suppressed the culture of a whole nation for many generations. This is a must read for anyone from an Iranian background, an interest in the Iranian revolution history (which to this day is relevant to most people worldwide with the crises brought about by that very regime), interested in LGBT matters and frankly, it will strike a note with anyone interested in, life.

This book will be on my gift list to those I love!!

[Ghazaal B. · Rating 1 out of 5]

جین بینی، همسر سابق محمد خردادیان، از خاطراتش از ازدواجش و روزهای زندگیش در ایران، از زمان شاه و رفصیدن در اپرای ملی، تا انقلاب و روزهای جنگ و برگشتنشون به انگلیس و مهاجرتشون به آمریکا نوشته.
جین بینی نویسنده نیست. منتقد و تحلیلگر هم نیست. خاطراتش کاملا رواییه و مشاهده‌ی بی هیچ تحلیل و قضاوتش از وقایع.
کتاب با اینکه یه اتوبیوگرافی صادقانه‌ست، همچنان به نظرم اونقدرها هم صادقانه نیست. به‌خصوص بخش‌هایی که توسط خردادیان نوشته شده.
من به این چشم شروع به خوندن کتاب کردم که از زبان خود جین، سیر احساسات و عواطفش رو بشنوم. بخونم که چه گذشته بهش و چطوری کنار اومده. چطور فکر کرده و طوری زیسته این بحران و گذار رو. ولی خب همونطور که گفتم، جین نویسنده نیست و به بیان خیلی مختصر چه شد و چه گذشت اکتفا کرده.
من چیزی که دنبالش بودم رو پیدا نکردم در این کتاب.

[Elizabeth Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving, thought-provoking and compelling read. This is a story of passion for dance, bravery in the face of the Iranian revolution and in terms of sexuality, and the love and humanity of two idealistic young people. Highly recommended.