So we definitely experienced a wide range and flux of emotion reading this memoir of Marina Nemat of her story as a prisoner at Evin in Tehran. Certainly a compelling writer, Nemat was able to portray the fear, anger, frustration, love, ambition, and complexities of her experience as well as the contingencies of human nature and society. From showcasing childhood innocence, familial love and duty, to civil obedience, there were multiple times that we needed to put the book down to just pause and think on the reality behind the words and voice of prisoners unknown and previously unheard. One does not have to be a regional expert to follow along a timeline as Nemat makes it easy to understand cataclysmic events. It is certainly a testament to resilience, the courage of not only herself and the other women and people she spoke of, but of the patience and hope that people hold on to, and that that is what keeps us going on even in the darkest of times. It also speaks to some of the pushing factors behind refugees; is it really our place to speculate and story create for people we don’t entirely know? It was interesting to see the prologue and epilogue for this memoir as well, it speaks to both the reality of mental health and future implications of traumatic events as well as the role of the media and its selective showcasing of stories- we need to care about others beyond selective circles within our borders.
It was interesting to see the prologue and epilogue for this memoir as well, it speaks to both the reality of mental health and future implications of traumatic events as well as the role of the media and its selective showcasing of stories- we need to care about others beyond selective circles within our borders.