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Fighting For A Future Trapped Behind the Border
Discover through one women's memoir detailing a happy and carefree life was shattered following the Iranian 1979 revolution.
Trapped in a marriage, ruled by a government that denied her dream as a female to study at university, and discriminated against for her Bahá'i faith, she made a harrowing attempt to cross the Turkish border through the mountains with her two sons.
Captured and imprisoned back in Iran only made her more determined to escape her confinement. Follow her journey and understand the obstacles she overcame that helped her formulate 10 self-made rules to merge into a new society, reach her dreams and fight for a better future.
Trapped in a marriage, ruled by a government that denied her dream as a female to study at university, and discriminated against for her Bahá'i faith, she made a harrowing attempt to cross the Turkish border through the mountains with her two sons.
Captured and imprisoned back in Iran only made her more determined to escape her confinement. Follow her journey and understand the obstacles she overcame that helped her formulate 10 self-made rules to merge into a new society, reach her dreams and fight for a better future.
252 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2021
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3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 17, 2022
Inspiring story of how a woman persisted to fight and overcame all the challenges on her way to escape the torments and uncertainty. Fighting For A Future is an amazing book that draws you to the situation of every word written. Based on a true story of an inspiring and resilient woman, this book wants you to read more and more with every page and makes you feel proud and inspired how capable a woman can be. Amazing work Shab!
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December 17, 2021This is truly an inspirational story written by an inspirational woman . Shabnam never lost sight of her goal of living a life free of discrimination and persecution and her journey to achieve that life is an amazing one fraught with challenges most people would have difficulty comprehending. Escaping from Iran with her two young sons and little else and arriving in a country so foreign to her ,Shabnam goes on to build the future that she dreamt of for herself and her sons. While building that future Shabnam discovers there are self-made rules which helped her succeed in creating that future and rules that she continues to live by.
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December 21, 2021This book is such a great read. Heartfelt and emotional. Totally admire the author for what she's been through and how she got through it. It takes so much strength and courage. Well done, Shabnam!
November 10, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. It was easy to read and I couldn’t put it down, I read it just too quickly. The fact that it’s a true story is even more amazing, she went through so much and it’s amazing that through grit and determination she has made an amazing life here in Sydney for her and her family.
The life lessons that Shab gives at the end will help everyone.
The life lessons that Shab gives at the end will help everyone.
December 16, 2021
I enjoyed reading “fighting for a future “ written by Shabnam Ighani. An extremely powerful story of a young woman and her two kids. I could see the power of a strong woman in every single page.
I would highly recommend this book.
I would highly recommend this book.
December 10, 2021
Strongly recommend this book!! I was so much inspired by reading this book which shows how strong a woman can be.
I truly enjoyed the book and this story gives me a motivation of living a life with courage and confidence.
I am so sure that this book would challenge people regardless of gender or age and it is definitely worth it to buy and share with your friends and family.
I truly enjoyed the book and this story gives me a motivation of living a life with courage and confidence.
I am so sure that this book would challenge people regardless of gender or age and it is definitely worth it to buy and share with your friends and family.
December 9, 2021
This book takes you on an inspirational journey. Knowing this story is true just makes it so much better. It is a book that makes you want more and you cannot put down. Definitely recommend purchasing and reading
December 2, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book as It was easy to read and make me feel like i was there witnessed the scene. It is more amazing as it was based on a true story. I could not believe that she went through so much but still had that determination to be what and who she is today.
“Life is journey. We get lost if we dont know the purpose of our journey” i just love this saying so much that i will always remember it. #Fightingforafuture #trappedbehindtheborder
“Life is journey. We get lost if we dont know the purpose of our journey” i just love this saying so much that i will always remember it. #Fightingforafuture #trappedbehindtheborder
December 3, 2021
Incredible story of the bravery of a young woman who fought to escape persecution to begin a new life with her two young sons. A gripping, inspirational autobiography that had me experiencing all the highs, lows, fear, relief and joy as Shabnam recounted her life story. The author really takes the reader along for the journey.
December 4, 2021
This book brought me on the path of a woman struggling to fight for her family and her dreams amidst political and religious opposition.
Kudos, Shab! It was a lovely book. This memoir inspires readers to continue to cling to love and faith amidst suffering and struggles in life. I eagerly await another of your books!
-Leizl
Kudos, Shab! It was a lovely book. This memoir inspires readers to continue to cling to love and faith amidst suffering and struggles in life. I eagerly await another of your books!
-Leizl
December 2, 2021
This is an incredible story of the resilience Shabnam has shown whilst fighting for a better future for her sons. An easy to read page turner that I could not put down! Definitely recommend this thought provoking story!
October 18, 2021
Once you perused this book you definitely say how amazing this woman that I adored and proud of , a beautiful,brave and full of positive thoughts driven to fight for a future to reach the Land Down Under called Australia with her 2 amazing kids. I highly recommend this book this is for Nobel prize winner entry ....😇🥰😍
October 13, 2021
Hi readers,
I have just finished reading 'Fighting For A Future Trapped Behind the Border' by Shabnam Ighani.
This book tells the story of a very brave woman struggling to leave Iran and find a better life for herself and her two sons.
I was totally moved by Shabnam's raw honesty and vulnerability in telling her story. She is one brave and inspiring woman.
Congratulations on an excellent and thought provoking book Shabnam.
Margy Jackson, author of 'I Am Enough'.
I have just finished reading 'Fighting For A Future Trapped Behind the Border' by Shabnam Ighani.
This book tells the story of a very brave woman struggling to leave Iran and find a better life for herself and her two sons.
I was totally moved by Shabnam's raw honesty and vulnerability in telling her story. She is one brave and inspiring woman.
Congratulations on an excellent and thought provoking book Shabnam.
Margy Jackson, author of 'I Am Enough'.
October 13, 2021
“Fighting For A Future – Trapped Behind The Border” is a book of hope & courage. Shabnam Ighani loved her life as a young girl growing up in Iran. As Shabnam entered adulthood her life underwent many challenges which shaped her into the women she would become.
A great role model for her young sons.
Finally Shabnam's ten rules are great rules to live by.
A great role model for her young sons.
Finally Shabnam's ten rules are great rules to live by.
October 12, 2021
A lovely and simply written book with some good advice.
October 3, 2021
Highly recommended to read this book.Is a very interesting story how a mother from religiously discriminated country struggles and never gave up until she gets to her destination to give a better future to her children.There is emotions, struggles, dedications, encouragement beautifully described .
September 15, 2021
Inspired to rise above one’s struggles; to be determined to live a meaningful life. Nevertheless, an inspiring journey that encouraged my soul to live a life that strives to always rise beyond….
January 6, 2022
A good story changes the way we see the world. A good story makes us feel a spectrum of sorrow, anger, compassion, awe, indignation and inspiration. This is one such book.
While Shabnam’s story of suffering at the hands of an abusive, self-indulgent and immature husband is all-too common, the backdrop of post-revolutionary Iran, where most of this memoir takes place, gives the reader glimpses into both the beautiful and dark sides of Iranian culture, the ways in which the Iranian revolution pushed back years of progress by embracing a version of Islam that has nothing to do with the faith’s original tenets and everything to do with a patriarchal theocratic government hungry for power. And there’s nothing like a scapegoat to distract citizens and cement a corrupt regime’s power – this case the Iranian government’s persecution of Bahá’is – followers of a progressive and enlightened faith that promulgates religious unity, world peace, universal education and the equality of men and women.
Fighting for the Future is full of scenes that made my blood boil. After escaping Iran with her two little boys only to be re-captured and returned to the country that is persecuting her for her gender and ideology, when Shabnam speaks to one cleric rationally about her beautiful, benign, peace-loving faith, she is accused of trying to ‘brainwash’ him. He then dispatches her to jail for trying to escape a tyrannical regime that violates her human rights.
Surrounded by so much gob-smacking evil, righteousness, ignorance, brutality, fickleness, cruelty and downright stupidity, it must have been at times tempting to launch into an incensed rage at such backward patriarchal entitlement, but Shabnam approaches her memoir with an even-handed, non-judgemental, forgiving hand which beautifully reflects the principles of the Bahá’i faith that gave her so much strength.
Readable as it is, this not an easy story. But it’s a story that needs to be told. Religious persecution, intolerance and ignorance are ongoing global problems. And single mothers, women everywhere, have suffered at the hands of men’s collective or individual brutality and prejudices since the beginning of time. It’s also worth reminding ourselves this treatment of women is still going on today. Most flagrantly in the middle east, but still more covertly in other supposedly more progressive countries where many default patriarchal attitudes still simmer away under woke words and token gestures.
In Australia, Shabnam’s struggles continue. As a single mother trying to raise two sons while putting food on the table, learning English, furthering her education and adapting to a foreign culture, she has to draw on enormous and sometimes impossible, reserves of strength and perseverance. Many of her learnings - which she expounds on in the last section of the book are already woven into the Western world’s self – help culture are useful up to a point. But I see this book as undertaking a grander mission. We all take away different feelings and ideas from a good story and what I came away with was a reminder of how the world needs to do things differently.
Because this isn’t just one woman’s story about her struggles against a brutal, ignorant, prejudiced and oppressive regime, but the story of countless refugees escaping discrimination and repression. It’s a call for radical systemic global transformation. It’s a call to acknowledge the ways in which the world must change, become more loving, inclusive and tolerant. Unless every single country starts treating women with more respect, unless the world embraces more feminine values, civilisation – and humankind – is doomed.
While Shabnam’s story of suffering at the hands of an abusive, self-indulgent and immature husband is all-too common, the backdrop of post-revolutionary Iran, where most of this memoir takes place, gives the reader glimpses into both the beautiful and dark sides of Iranian culture, the ways in which the Iranian revolution pushed back years of progress by embracing a version of Islam that has nothing to do with the faith’s original tenets and everything to do with a patriarchal theocratic government hungry for power. And there’s nothing like a scapegoat to distract citizens and cement a corrupt regime’s power – this case the Iranian government’s persecution of Bahá’is – followers of a progressive and enlightened faith that promulgates religious unity, world peace, universal education and the equality of men and women.
Fighting for the Future is full of scenes that made my blood boil. After escaping Iran with her two little boys only to be re-captured and returned to the country that is persecuting her for her gender and ideology, when Shabnam speaks to one cleric rationally about her beautiful, benign, peace-loving faith, she is accused of trying to ‘brainwash’ him. He then dispatches her to jail for trying to escape a tyrannical regime that violates her human rights.
Surrounded by so much gob-smacking evil, righteousness, ignorance, brutality, fickleness, cruelty and downright stupidity, it must have been at times tempting to launch into an incensed rage at such backward patriarchal entitlement, but Shabnam approaches her memoir with an even-handed, non-judgemental, forgiving hand which beautifully reflects the principles of the Bahá’i faith that gave her so much strength.
Readable as it is, this not an easy story. But it’s a story that needs to be told. Religious persecution, intolerance and ignorance are ongoing global problems. And single mothers, women everywhere, have suffered at the hands of men’s collective or individual brutality and prejudices since the beginning of time. It’s also worth reminding ourselves this treatment of women is still going on today. Most flagrantly in the middle east, but still more covertly in other supposedly more progressive countries where many default patriarchal attitudes still simmer away under woke words and token gestures.
In Australia, Shabnam’s struggles continue. As a single mother trying to raise two sons while putting food on the table, learning English, furthering her education and adapting to a foreign culture, she has to draw on enormous and sometimes impossible, reserves of strength and perseverance. Many of her learnings - which she expounds on in the last section of the book are already woven into the Western world’s self – help culture are useful up to a point. But I see this book as undertaking a grander mission. We all take away different feelings and ideas from a good story and what I came away with was a reminder of how the world needs to do things differently.
Because this isn’t just one woman’s story about her struggles against a brutal, ignorant, prejudiced and oppressive regime, but the story of countless refugees escaping discrimination and repression. It’s a call for radical systemic global transformation. It’s a call to acknowledge the ways in which the world must change, become more loving, inclusive and tolerant. Unless every single country starts treating women with more respect, unless the world embraces more feminine values, civilisation – and humankind – is doomed.
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March 28, 2022Fighting for a Future – Trapped behind the Border by Shabnam Ighani is the story of a brave and
Determined woman fighting for what she believes in – fighting for a better life for herself and
Two young sons.
In 1979 Iran becomes The Islamic Republic – conditions deteriorated under Muslim control. The freedom and carefree life that Shabnam once knew was now shattered.
Shabnams book takes us on a journey from her happy carefree childhood, through to her marriage, the birth of her two Sons and her escape to a better life in Australia. Her struggles along the way show the true grit, determination and strength of Shabnam.
From the moment I commenced reading Fighting for Future – Trapped behind the Border, I felt totally
Encapulated by Shabnams story and found it difficult to put the book down.
I thoroughly enjoyed Shabnams journey and would truly recommend Fighting for the Future – Trapped behind the Border. I hope this wonderful book will inspire others who are presently trapped in
What may seem like an impossible situation.
Determined woman fighting for what she believes in – fighting for a better life for herself and
Two young sons.
In 1979 Iran becomes The Islamic Republic – conditions deteriorated under Muslim control. The freedom and carefree life that Shabnam once knew was now shattered.
Shabnams book takes us on a journey from her happy carefree childhood, through to her marriage, the birth of her two Sons and her escape to a better life in Australia. Her struggles along the way show the true grit, determination and strength of Shabnam.
From the moment I commenced reading Fighting for Future – Trapped behind the Border, I felt totally
Encapulated by Shabnams story and found it difficult to put the book down.
I thoroughly enjoyed Shabnams journey and would truly recommend Fighting for the Future – Trapped behind the Border. I hope this wonderful book will inspire others who are presently trapped in
What may seem like an impossible situation.
March 21, 2022
A truly inspirational read! Based on a true story. Shabnam persisted to fight for her freedom and provide her two sons with a better life. Life as a young mother in Iran had many challenges, lack of freedom, control, limited access to education, discrimination and depression. Fighting For A Future is an amazing emotional read of Shabnam's determination and strength as she guides her two sons to safer life. The challenges she faces are confronting, however she has become a determined strong woman who has achieved her goals. Her sons must be very proud. The Author is an inspiration to all women.
This book is very hard to put down! Well done Shabnam
This book is very hard to put down! Well done Shabnam
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July 2, 2022Fighting For a Future Trapped behind the Borders is a very interesting book about the challenges, struggles and achievements of an Iranian woman who has been through so much difficulties. Shabnam is a very talented writer and very proffesional in her career. The book is written with such a skill that the reader can easily picture the events in the story. While I was reading this book I did not want to stop and wanted to continue reading more and more pages to know what happened next.
I congratulate dear Shabnam and I hope she continues writing. I enjoyed reading her book very much
.
I congratulate dear Shabnam and I hope she continues writing. I enjoyed reading her book very much
.
July 10, 2022
A heartwarming story of perseverance, courage and incredible grit from a Mother wanting to make a better life for herself and her family.
This true story is deeply touching, filled with insightful messages of never giving up for what you truly believe in and overcoming what ever obstacles come in your way.
It is also a story of so much hope as a newly arrived immigrant arrives in Australia with nothing and builds a successful life and community of support and friendship.
Congratulations Shab on a delightful book which Im sure will provide inspiration to many.
This true story is deeply touching, filled with insightful messages of never giving up for what you truly believe in and overcoming what ever obstacles come in your way.
It is also a story of so much hope as a newly arrived immigrant arrives in Australia with nothing and builds a successful life and community of support and friendship.
Congratulations Shab on a delightful book which Im sure will provide inspiration to many.
December 13, 2022
Shabnam's story of escaping across the mountains to freedom with her two young children is an inspiring read. With guts and determination she leaves a home where she knew she could not thrive simply because of her Baha'i faith. Her time waiting to be processed by the UN in Turkey is fascinating and the many challenges she faced after her arrival in Australia will also keep you reading. She clearly lays out the psychological lessons she learned about how to overcome challenges - there is something for everyone in them.
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January 2, 2022This is a very inspirational book that is full of life experiences. It is a story that tells of perseverance hope and courage.
After reading the last page what impressed me was the courage it actually took to recall and capture the many situations in such vivid and real detail.
Knowing Shabnam {Shab} as a person, this book is a parallel of her person, as it speaks of her honesty and integrity.
After reading the last page what impressed me was the courage it actually took to recall and capture the many situations in such vivid and real detail.
Knowing Shabnam {Shab} as a person, this book is a parallel of her person, as it speaks of her honesty and integrity.
June 28, 2022
I read this book as soon as I received it and could not put it down until I finished it. The story of a brave woman taking the chances in her own hands and faced the consequences in pursuit of a better future for herself and her kids. It requires an extraordinary zeal and bravery. Well written book to follow the story and imbedded with advice as conclusion which I would feel should be drawn by the reader.
August 5, 2022
Incredible story of the bravery of a young woman who fought to escape persecution to begin a new life with her two young sons.
I absolutely loved reading this book since it brought back so many memories of my own scape from iran. Not all were good memories but it’s a good reminder of how strong women can be , when we are in these hard situations.
This book tells everyone the story of so many of us , escaping the prosecutions of our Islamic government in iran.
Well done Shabnam.
I absolutely loved reading this book since it brought back so many memories of my own scape from iran. Not all were good memories but it’s a good reminder of how strong women can be , when we are in these hard situations.
This book tells everyone the story of so many of us , escaping the prosecutions of our Islamic government in iran.
Well done Shabnam.
July 9, 2023
Excellent and heart felt account of immigration and change that many people have had to go through. As a child of immigrants I felt every raw emotion and I now finally understand what my parents must have gone through to protect us and give us a better life. This was an inspiring and magical moment for me and the gravity of the situation is huge, as now I am a parent too and I am so grateful. If you are interested in a wonderful read, then this unique, honest book is for you!
March 26, 2022
A fantastic book. Shabnam Ighani is an inspirational woman. Her story about escaping Iran for a better life for herself and her boys is amazing. She overcame so much adversity to achieve her dream. I would highly recommend this book as it gives you a greater understanding of the difficulties that the Iranian people faced during the revolution in 1979.
June 29, 2022
Shab has done wonderful job, telling her story, and showing everyone that impossible dreams can be realised, provided You are prepared to put in the effort.
Her story should be made into a movie. it too would be a great success.
We were so impressed we bought extra copies for our family & friends to read.
Her story should be made into a movie. it too would be a great success.
We were so impressed we bought extra copies for our family & friends to read.
March 21, 2022
Great book, beautiful written. A story of a strong woman that keeps fighting for a better place. A story of encouragement and inspiration. Makes you feel that you can do things and follow your dreams. Thanks Shabnam for such a brave and inspiring story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews