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On the Enemy's Side
In 1980, as the world is captivated by the Iranian hostage crisis, aspiring doctor Hesam drops out of medical school in Rome and returns to Iran to serve his country. A member of the Revolutionary Guards Corps, he becomes a prison guard in Ahwaz, assigned to investigate and interrogate political prisoners. The more he learns about ethnic and religious tensions, however, the more he finds the concept of revolutionary justice questionable. Hesam finds solace in speaking with a defiant young prisoner with whom he develops a passionate bond. But when Hesam discovers damning evidence about the detainee, he has to choose between his political ideals and his conscience in a country where same-sex love is violently condemned.
On the Enemy’s Side is contemporary historical fiction, inspired by real events during a tumultuous period preceding the Iran Iraq war. Baika has crafted a memorable cast of characters of divergent and conflicting political allegiances, all who struggle to do the right thing in a morally complicated world. Astutely crafted, meticulously researched, and emotionally engaging, On the Enemy’s Side is a haunting modern classic about love during a civil war.
On the Enemy’s Side is contemporary historical fiction, inspired by real events during a tumultuous period preceding the Iran Iraq war. Baika has crafted a memorable cast of characters of divergent and conflicting political allegiances, all who struggle to do the right thing in a morally complicated world. Astutely crafted, meticulously researched, and emotionally engaging, On the Enemy’s Side is a haunting modern classic about love during a civil war.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2020
18 people are currently reading
962 people want to read
About the author
Hamour Baika
4 books16 followersHamour Baika was born in Iran and lived in Ahwaz during his teen years. He wrote his first novella, a fan fiction piece about the alien creature E.T. at age 12. Baika has a master’s degree in human rights. A painter and classical pianist, he now lives in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. On the Enemy’s Side is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 18, 2020
From 1980 to 1983 Iran was in the midst of the "Cultural Revolution" - "when the academia of Iran was purged of Western and non-Islamic influences (even traditionalist unpolitical Islamic doctrines) to bring it in line with the revolutionary and Political Islam" (Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian..., May 16, 2020). At the time, Hesam was studying medicine in Rome but he returned to Iran to serve his people.
Soon after he arrives, he begins working as a Revolutionary Guard and begins to see how different his views are from those surrounding him. He meets a prisoner named Bahram and is curious about him... from the first time he saw his "violin covered eyes" he was intrigued. As he becomes accustomed to his job he realizes that a lot of it encompasses things he isn't willing to do. He doesn't want to incarcerate and beat/torture innocent people. Bahram is one of the people that Hesam is supposed to be extracting a confession from. The problem is that Bahram says he is innocent.
The character in this book are interesting. I did think there were a few too many at the beginning of the book I had a little bit of difficulty keeping track. But the author does a good job of pulling their respective plotlines together.
Bahram was an interesting fellow. He hasn't lead an easy life by any stretch of the imagination. I won't go into detail as I appreciated the way that his past was laid out in the story. He has been through a lot of trials that have left him feeling as though he doesn't want to love anyone...because it will be torn away from him. Oddly enough, there are fiercely loyal characters in Bahram's life ... and that made me happy.
Hesam was also an interesting character. He seemed almost naive about his own Country when he returned from Rome. I found it frustrating that he didn't seem to know about anything that was going on in Iran...but perhaps that actually happened and was part of the problem.
As the two men get to know each other...things become complicated. Bahram wants to help Hesam but it's not until he does some investigating on his own that he discovers that Hesam has been lying to him. But why wouldn't he? Hesam might have an "interest" in Bahram, but how can either know that it comes from a genuine place?
One of the things I really liked about this book was that some of the significant characters were women. The gentle, quiet power of Iranian women in this story is remarkable. They work behind the scenes as they too search for justice.. and their male family members.
This is Hamour Baika's debut novel and I think it's quite good. I will be interested to see him explore his talent and technique in the future.
Soon after he arrives, he begins working as a Revolutionary Guard and begins to see how different his views are from those surrounding him. He meets a prisoner named Bahram and is curious about him... from the first time he saw his "violin covered eyes" he was intrigued. As he becomes accustomed to his job he realizes that a lot of it encompasses things he isn't willing to do. He doesn't want to incarcerate and beat/torture innocent people. Bahram is one of the people that Hesam is supposed to be extracting a confession from. The problem is that Bahram says he is innocent.
The character in this book are interesting. I did think there were a few too many at the beginning of the book I had a little bit of difficulty keeping track. But the author does a good job of pulling their respective plotlines together.
Bahram was an interesting fellow. He hasn't lead an easy life by any stretch of the imagination. I won't go into detail as I appreciated the way that his past was laid out in the story. He has been through a lot of trials that have left him feeling as though he doesn't want to love anyone...because it will be torn away from him. Oddly enough, there are fiercely loyal characters in Bahram's life ... and that made me happy.
Hesam was also an interesting character. He seemed almost naive about his own Country when he returned from Rome. I found it frustrating that he didn't seem to know about anything that was going on in Iran...but perhaps that actually happened and was part of the problem.
As the two men get to know each other...things become complicated. Bahram wants to help Hesam but it's not until he does some investigating on his own that he discovers that Hesam has been lying to him. But why wouldn't he? Hesam might have an "interest" in Bahram, but how can either know that it comes from a genuine place?
One of the things I really liked about this book was that some of the significant characters were women. The gentle, quiet power of Iranian women in this story is remarkable. They work behind the scenes as they too search for justice.. and their male family members.
This is Hamour Baika's debut novel and I think it's quite good. I will be interested to see him explore his talent and technique in the future.
December 15, 2021
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free copy provided for a voluntary review
*
man, I'm gonna be honest, I didn't really care for this book. quite frankly, I kind of regret requesting it because I despise both politics and religion, which this is heavily centered around. so, I guess my apologies to the author. I should've known better.
for most of this book, I was zoning out because of how little I cared about what was happening. I wasn't a fan of any of the characters and there was some weird love situation that I completely didn't understand and which confused me.
nonetheless, I've decided to give it 2 stars and not 1 because I enjoyed some parts of the romance and thought the ending was solid as well.
if you like historical fiction especially one centered around war, conflict, politics, and religion, I would probably suggest picking this up, though!
man, I'm gonna be honest, I didn't really care for this book. quite frankly, I kind of regret requesting it because I despise both politics and religion, which this is heavily centered around. so, I guess my apologies to the author. I should've known better.
for most of this book, I was zoning out because of how little I cared about what was happening. I wasn't a fan of any of the characters and there was some weird love situation that I completely didn't understand and which confused me.
nonetheless, I've decided to give it 2 stars and not 1 because I enjoyed some parts of the romance and thought the ending was solid as well.
if you like historical fiction especially one centered around war, conflict, politics, and religion, I would probably suggest picking this up, though!
June 1, 2025
I wanted to love this. I think it's such an important thing to be able to read the experiences of gay men through time and across borders.
This story is set in Iran in the 1980's and is about a prison guard falling in love with a prisoner.
I wasn't sold on the romance. It felt more like lust and obsession, but I enjoyed exploring Iran through the pages. This is a new writer and I think this book needed more editing. It seemed too fast paced and could have done with expanding on certain scenes and conversations. Overall I still enjoyed it and I would read more from the author.
This story is set in Iran in the 1980's and is about a prison guard falling in love with a prisoner.
I wasn't sold on the romance. It felt more like lust and obsession, but I enjoyed exploring Iran through the pages. This is a new writer and I think this book needed more editing. It seemed too fast paced and could have done with expanding on certain scenes and conversations. Overall I still enjoyed it and I would read more from the author.
February 16, 2021
On the Enemy's Side (Kindle Edition) by Hamour Baika
This is a gay love story in the middle of the Iran-Iraq war of 1980.
Naser is an Iranian 22 y/o medical student in Rome. He has fallen in love with Umberto but tries to make an attempt to forget his sinful ways by returning to Iran in April 1980. He enlists as a Revolutionary guard and works in Karoun prison in Ahwaz.
The more he learns about ethnic and religious tensions, however, the more he finds the concept of revolutionary justice questionable. Hesam finds solace in speaking with a defiant young prisoner, Bahran (Foad) Karimi, with whom he develops a passionate bond. But when Hesam discovers damning evidence about the detainee, he has to choose between his political ideals and his conscience in a country where same-sex love is violently condemned.
Beautifully narrated from the third person point of view, the book is a journey into the political terror of the Iranian Revolution of 1979. The prison cell becomes the canvas of Iran's ethnic, religious, and political diversity in a strangely intimate way. Two outcasts, one Kurdish, one a nonreligious Persian, navigate the political turmoil and zeal of their own prejudices and hatred trying to make sense of each other. They must navigate a way to trust and love in a country that would eliminate them if their secrets are known.
I enjoyed it and read it in about three hours.
Recommended!
This is a gay love story in the middle of the Iran-Iraq war of 1980.
Naser is an Iranian 22 y/o medical student in Rome. He has fallen in love with Umberto but tries to make an attempt to forget his sinful ways by returning to Iran in April 1980. He enlists as a Revolutionary guard and works in Karoun prison in Ahwaz.
The more he learns about ethnic and religious tensions, however, the more he finds the concept of revolutionary justice questionable. Hesam finds solace in speaking with a defiant young prisoner, Bahran (Foad) Karimi, with whom he develops a passionate bond. But when Hesam discovers damning evidence about the detainee, he has to choose between his political ideals and his conscience in a country where same-sex love is violently condemned.
Beautifully narrated from the third person point of view, the book is a journey into the political terror of the Iranian Revolution of 1979. The prison cell becomes the canvas of Iran's ethnic, religious, and political diversity in a strangely intimate way. Two outcasts, one Kurdish, one a nonreligious Persian, navigate the political turmoil and zeal of their own prejudices and hatred trying to make sense of each other. They must navigate a way to trust and love in a country that would eliminate them if their secrets are known.
I enjoyed it and read it in about three hours.
Recommended!
August 7, 2021
*Full disclosure, I won a free copy of this book on my Kindle via a giveaway.
Overall, the writing was beautiful at times and most of the character development was fairly complex, which are two things I really appreciate in a book. The plot felt slow a couple of times but nothing too bad. As someone who strongly believes in equal rights for the LGBTQIA+ community (and for everyone), the setting of this book, both in time and place, was so heart wrenching for these two men, and I feel like the author did a fantastic job making it feel relevant to me reading it in America in 2021. A very moving book.
Overall, the writing was beautiful at times and most of the character development was fairly complex, which are two things I really appreciate in a book. The plot felt slow a couple of times but nothing too bad. As someone who strongly believes in equal rights for the LGBTQIA+ community (and for everyone), the setting of this book, both in time and place, was so heart wrenching for these two men, and I feel like the author did a fantastic job making it feel relevant to me reading it in America in 2021. A very moving book.
June 3, 2021
B. Review
This story is occur During 1980 after the Iranian Revolution which has far reaching greatly impacts in current environment.
I thought this was going to be just a fun light read, but this book had so much more to it.
Hesam leave medical studies in Italy to return to Iran and serve his country so being a defender of revolutionary Guard he assigned to Interrogate the prisoner. He's interested to examine Bahram a prisoner and start to be mad about him.
The realities of harshness of life in Iran after the revolution are grim but highlight the buoyant love for life that surmounts all hardship.
Hesam and Bahram's relationship are discovered well. I loved this book so much! 100% recommend. It’s so rare to find a book with Iranian characters - especially dual nationalities. The characters are so endearing, it’s truly a heart warming book. The writer kept me engaged through the whole thing, nothing dragged for a moment.
The author gives us a glimpse of the rigidity and gender-biased system, the fears it engenders and the determination of the younger generation to challenge same system.
This story is occur During 1980 after the Iranian Revolution which has far reaching greatly impacts in current environment.
I thought this was going to be just a fun light read, but this book had so much more to it.
Hesam leave medical studies in Italy to return to Iran and serve his country so being a defender of revolutionary Guard he assigned to Interrogate the prisoner. He's interested to examine Bahram a prisoner and start to be mad about him.
The realities of harshness of life in Iran after the revolution are grim but highlight the buoyant love for life that surmounts all hardship.
Hesam and Bahram's relationship are discovered well. I loved this book so much! 100% recommend. It’s so rare to find a book with Iranian characters - especially dual nationalities. The characters are so endearing, it’s truly a heart warming book. The writer kept me engaged through the whole thing, nothing dragged for a moment.
The author gives us a glimpse of the rigidity and gender-biased system, the fears it engenders and the determination of the younger generation to challenge same system.
August 4, 2021
'On the Enemy's Side by Hamour Baika is a deceptively simple love story, set in a Iranian Prison during a complex war torn period.
I say simple, because the plot is tighly focussed the story of two men who fall in love and crave a happily ever after with each other.
It's complex, because it's set mid civil war and one lead character is a political prisoner and the other lead is his jailer tasked with beating the "truth" out of his prisoner to validate the arrest.
The story is tense and highly emotional. So I was glad the chapters were short and I there were spaces to breathe between plot twists. That said I couldn't put it down for long.
Baika's research and storytelling did a great job filling the reader in on the Iranian political background during the 1980's, and unearthing the hidden story of gay men in a place and time where death is the penalty for being gay.
Queer history is at best overlooked and worst systematically erased. Thank you Hamour Baika for writing this book.
I say simple, because the plot is tighly focussed the story of two men who fall in love and crave a happily ever after with each other.
It's complex, because it's set mid civil war and one lead character is a political prisoner and the other lead is his jailer tasked with beating the "truth" out of his prisoner to validate the arrest.
The story is tense and highly emotional. So I was glad the chapters were short and I there were spaces to breathe between plot twists. That said I couldn't put it down for long.
Baika's research and storytelling did a great job filling the reader in on the Iranian political background during the 1980's, and unearthing the hidden story of gay men in a place and time where death is the penalty for being gay.
Queer history is at best overlooked and worst systematically erased. Thank you Hamour Baika for writing this book.
April 5, 2021
*I am voluntarily leaving this review after having received a free copy of this book.*
Wow. This book is a page-turner that had me guessing at the main characters' fates until literally the last page. As is mentioned in at least one other review, the writing style is somewhat simplistic, but I certainly don't consider that a bad thing. It was elegant in its sparseness and honesty. I was completely immersed in the time and place of this novel--the amount of research that went into it is clear and makes for compelling historical fiction. Hesam and Bahram are both beautifully complex, conflicted characters whose incredibly sweet relationship is a light in the bleak darkness of prison. But the side characters very much hold their own, too; Saeed's small but highly meaningful gestures of kindness and Esmat's courage and dedication to her moral code really stood out to me. I would gladly read another book by this author.
Wow. This book is a page-turner that had me guessing at the main characters' fates until literally the last page. As is mentioned in at least one other review, the writing style is somewhat simplistic, but I certainly don't consider that a bad thing. It was elegant in its sparseness and honesty. I was completely immersed in the time and place of this novel--the amount of research that went into it is clear and makes for compelling historical fiction. Hesam and Bahram are both beautifully complex, conflicted characters whose incredibly sweet relationship is a light in the bleak darkness of prison. But the side characters very much hold their own, too; Saeed's small but highly meaningful gestures of kindness and Esmat's courage and dedication to her moral code really stood out to me. I would gladly read another book by this author.
July 26, 2021
On the Enemy’s Side is a contemporary historical fiction, inspired by real events during a tumultuous period preceding the Iran-Iraq war.
Protagonist Hesam drops out of medical school in Rome and returns to Iran to serve his country. A member of the Revolutionary Guards Corps, he becomes a prison guard in Ahwaz, assigned to investigate and interrogate political prisoners.
There Hesam met a prisoner named Bahram and he was supposed to be extracting a confession from him. But the problem is that Bahram says he is innocent. He doesn't want to capture and torture innocent people. Will Hesam be able to make Bahram to confess or Bahram is really innocent? Do read to know more about their journey!
The cover of the book is gorgeous and the title of the book is apt to the content.
Language used by the poetess is lucid and impressive. I would not spoil your experience telling anything, I would recommend this book simply because it has piqued an interest for anyone reading this.
Protagonist Hesam drops out of medical school in Rome and returns to Iran to serve his country. A member of the Revolutionary Guards Corps, he becomes a prison guard in Ahwaz, assigned to investigate and interrogate political prisoners.
There Hesam met a prisoner named Bahram and he was supposed to be extracting a confession from him. But the problem is that Bahram says he is innocent. He doesn't want to capture and torture innocent people. Will Hesam be able to make Bahram to confess or Bahram is really innocent? Do read to know more about their journey!
The cover of the book is gorgeous and the title of the book is apt to the content.
Language used by the poetess is lucid and impressive. I would not spoil your experience telling anything, I would recommend this book simply because it has piqued an interest for anyone reading this.
May 31, 2021
This is a story of love and war..... literally. This books follows the lives of two young men, one a prisoner and the other his guard. They end up falling in love under stressful and dangerous circumstances. Both men have been in relationships that were unhealthy for them in the past and start to realize that this relationship is the best for both of them. The story takes them through figuring out how to escape from the prison and learning how to love each other fully.
I really enjoyed this story. I can only imagine how many countries in war have similar stories that do not end up as happy. Love is love no matter where you find it!
I really enjoyed this story. I can only imagine how many countries in war have similar stories that do not end up as happy. Love is love no matter where you find it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2021
A confronting look behind the scenes....
New author for me and I plan on reading more. This story opened my eyes to the injustice and cruelty of human behaviour in war time. Theoretically, you know it happens, but this makes it far too real and very confronting. I was sitting on the edge of my seat for alot of it, and railing against the BS of religion and homophobic societies in Iran and everywhere else it exists (far too many countries). The bravery of some in the midst of unknown, but generally inhuman punishment if you stand up to the wrong megolamaniac, shone light on the strength and decency that does exist despite the situation. An amazing, emotional, heartful read.
New author for me and I plan on reading more. This story opened my eyes to the injustice and cruelty of human behaviour in war time. Theoretically, you know it happens, but this makes it far too real and very confronting. I was sitting on the edge of my seat for alot of it, and railing against the BS of religion and homophobic societies in Iran and everywhere else it exists (far too many countries). The bravery of some in the midst of unknown, but generally inhuman punishment if you stand up to the wrong megolamaniac, shone light on the strength and decency that does exist despite the situation. An amazing, emotional, heartful read.
June 17, 2021
A complicated story that takes place in and around an Iranian prison. I enjoyed learning more about Iran and the events from the late '70s and early '80s. Hasem is an idealist who has returned to Iran in order to help his countrymen during the revolution. He becomes a prison guard and witnesses atrocities committed on the very people he hoped to help. In this difficult place, Hasem falls for an inmate creating an extremely dangerous situation for both of them.
POV and the timeline change periodically, allowing for character development and depth.
POV and the timeline change periodically, allowing for character development and depth.
April 14, 2022
*I won this finished ebook as a part of a Goodreads giveaway sponsored by the author, Hamour Baika. Thank you to any and all parties involved for sending this book my way!*
If I am being honest, I was pretty skeptical on whether or not I would like this story but I really did! The story was quite interesting and I was captivated the whole time! I would definitely give some of his other works a read!
If I am being honest, I was pretty skeptical on whether or not I would like this story but I really did! The story was quite interesting and I was captivated the whole time! I would definitely give some of his other works a read!
August 30, 2022
This novel deals with the “love that dare not speak its name”, during the civil war in Iran. Emotionally engaging and against the backdrop of religious and political tensions, the book accurately and authentically deals with complex moral issues in a Muslim country, and the dilemma of doing the right thing. This well crafted book, should be on everyone’s reading list! Don’t miss this addictive, informative, emotionally charged book.
January 1, 2021
The novel takes place in Iran during 1980 after the Iranian revolution. There is still civil unrest in the country. Many groups of people are being arrested as supposed enemies be it for their political affiliation, their ethnicity, or their religion if it was deemed against Islamic principles. Hesam abandoned his medical studies in Italy to return to Iran and serve his country. Now a member of the Revolutionary Guards Corps, he is assigned to interrogate the prisoners. He takes a keen interest in Bahram, a prisoner, and starts to fall in love with him. As the situation in the prison progresses and secrets are revealed, it becomes harder to free Bahram and himself.
Going into this novel, I had no knowledge of the Iranian revolution and its aftermath. Baika allows the reader to learn about the political and social climate as the novel progresses without info dumping. I learned a lot throughout the novel and by researching online to understand the greater context of the events that took place in Iran during this time period.
I appreciated how Baika included the perspective of characters in and outside the prison. This gives a broader view as to what's happening in Iran but also helps to develop the plot and the character dynamics. Although I wish certain scenes were lengthened to provide better development of the plot and characters.
I was really invested in the characters and the development of Hesam and Bahram's relationship. It was really interesting to read how Baika slowly reveals Bahram's past and how he came to be at the prison. The author also does a good job of exploring Hesam's character and his motivation to serve his country and its people. It was compelling seeing how Hesam wrestles with his beliefs and those of the new government.
I had a great time reading On the Enemy's Side, enjoying the memorable characters and also learning about this period in Iran's history. Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy (this in no way affected my review of the book).
Going into this novel, I had no knowledge of the Iranian revolution and its aftermath. Baika allows the reader to learn about the political and social climate as the novel progresses without info dumping. I learned a lot throughout the novel and by researching online to understand the greater context of the events that took place in Iran during this time period.
I appreciated how Baika included the perspective of characters in and outside the prison. This gives a broader view as to what's happening in Iran but also helps to develop the plot and the character dynamics. Although I wish certain scenes were lengthened to provide better development of the plot and characters.
I was really invested in the characters and the development of Hesam and Bahram's relationship. It was really interesting to read how Baika slowly reveals Bahram's past and how he came to be at the prison. The author also does a good job of exploring Hesam's character and his motivation to serve his country and its people. It was compelling seeing how Hesam wrestles with his beliefs and those of the new government.
I had a great time reading On the Enemy's Side, enjoying the memorable characters and also learning about this period in Iran's history. Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy (this in no way affected my review of the book).
March 24, 2021
My heart is in my throat. Tears settle at the edges of my eyes. My ears roar with the beat of my heart, and I am sad. The idea that people cannot have the freedom to love who they want or act in the way that we take for granted is just wrong. This author makes you think and feel.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
May 13, 2022
This is very simply written book, sent in an interesting time and location. It has a filmic quality which is in part due to the setting but also the author's voice. It won't win a Pulitzer, but it's a worthwhile read.
February 26, 2021
A nail biter
The writing is somewhat simplistic but the storyline is totally engrossing. You will be on the edge of your seat.
The writing is somewhat simplistic but the storyline is totally engrossing. You will be on the edge of your seat.
Read
June 23, 2021Throughly enjoyed the storyline and read
August 11, 2021
This ought to be 100% my jam, and yet
March 23, 2022
Couldn’t put it down
I enjoyed the story, and the characters were well written. Had to finish it before I could go to sleep!
I enjoyed the story, and the characters were well written. Had to finish it before I could go to sleep!
May 31, 2023
not boring exactly but in general just was not my style
July 14, 2021
I won a copy in a Goodreads getaway.
I would love to see this novel turned into a movie! The interwoven POVs really worked for me, and Baika builds interesting, arresting characters in short, emotional passages. I'll try not spoil anything, but for the two MCs (the lopsided romance), I was really rooting for one with all my heart and screaming at the other with all my might. This is a dark, thrilling story with a HFN ending (or as HFN as any story set in war can be).
I really recommend this story to anyone but especially if you want a nail biting love (ish???) story!
I would love to see this novel turned into a movie! The interwoven POVs really worked for me, and Baika builds interesting, arresting characters in short, emotional passages. I'll try not spoil anything, but for the two MCs (the lopsided romance), I was really rooting for one with all my heart and screaming at the other with all my might. This is a dark, thrilling story with a HFN ending (or as HFN as any story set in war can be).
I really recommend this story to anyone but especially if you want a nail biting love (ish???) story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2021
Heartfelt and griping. I wasn’t sure I would get into this book when I had started, but before I knew it I was sneaking in chapters whenever I could.
Also note: If you are concerned about having a lack of knowledge of Iran going into this book I wouldn’t be! I was concerned myself before starting but the author did a wonderful job of informing the reader of the political situation without info dumping at the beginning!
Also note: If you are concerned about having a lack of knowledge of Iran going into this book I wouldn’t be! I was concerned myself before starting but the author did a wonderful job of informing the reader of the political situation without info dumping at the beginning!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews