Product Description

Alison Wearing went on a trip beyond the legacy of revolution, religious fundamentalism and veiled women to find the real people of Iran. Posing as a honeymooner, but accidentally on purpose setting out on her own at every opportunity, Alison Wearing reveals an irresistible curiosity at every turn. With a novelist's love of language and an eye for dramatic detail, she takes the reader into the homes and hearts of the people who welcome her, feed her, and send her off on one adventure after the other. Alison goes to hidden places of interest that recall the romance of Persia, on interminable trips into the desert, and to fading palaces by the sea - wherever she finds herself, she offers startling insights into daily life in Iran, an enigmatic country. HONEYMOON IN PURDAH is beautifully written, fresh and fascinating at every turn, and is a glorious account of a hardcore holiday.

'We are presented with the view from behind a pair of hungry, sensitive and wholly human eyes - a vivid and endearing picture of Iran's people' - Independent on Sunday

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #189320 in Books
• Published on: 2001-06-08
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Review
"'We are presented with the view from behind a pair of hungry, sensitive and wholly human eyes - a vivid and endearing picture of Iran's people' - Independent on Sunday"

About the Author
Alison Wearing is the recipient of a National Magazine Award Gold Medal and first prize in the Western Canada Magazine Awards, both for travel writing. Honeymoon in Purdah is her first book. She lives near Peterborough, Ontario.

Customer Reviews

What a joy!
Having lived in Iran almost twenty years ago, this book left me with a lump in my throat. Wearing captures the beauty of Iran,( a country that your average Western reader associates only with revolution and terrorism )the hospitality of its people and the very essence of its soul. She takes you on the journey with her, allowing you the reader to taste and breath the air she breathes. Her humour throughout never negates the reality. Her depictions true to life. Having read many books on Iran, it was a joy to finally read an untainted account of a glorious country and her beautiful people. Highly recommended!

Perceptive insight on Iran
It's hard to imagine a country such as Iran when we are informed in the media of only the negative aspects of the country.
Alison Wearing has an enviable, perceptive style of writing. Without pandering to pointless stereotypes and judgements, she effortlessly focuses on the everyday people of the country; their extraordinary generosity and intelligence.
It's a genuinely funny book, with wonderful descriptions and managing to avoid being cheesy.

Captures the heart of the Persian people
Having read the few autobiographical /fictional works on the people of Iran and Persia I could find, finally, this one captures the innate beauty of the people. Thankfully also, the book mentions "Not without my daughter" in a couple of places and attempts to undo some of the damage inflicted therein simply by recounting some of the Canadian couple's chance and momentary encouters. The style is quite lazy and gently washes over you, - it is a beautiful read and brought tears to my eyes on many occasions.