Jasmine and Stars: Reading More Than Lolita in Tehran (Islamic Civilization and Muslim Networks) - Hardcover

Keshavarz, Fatemeh

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0807859575 ISBN 13: 9780807859575

Publisher: University North Carolina Pr, 2009

Synopsis

In a direct, frank, and intimate exploration of Iranian literature and society, scholar, teacher, and poet Fatemeh Keshavarz challenges popular perceptions of Iran as a society bereft of vitality and joy. Her fresh perspective on present-day Iran provides a rare insight into this rich culture alive with artistic expression but virtually unknown to most Americans. Keshavarz introduces readers to two modern Iranian women writers whose strong and articulate voices belie the stereotypical perception of Iranian women as voiceless victims in a country of villains. She follows with a lively critique of the recent best-seller Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books, which epitomizes what Keshavarz calls the "New Orientalist narrative" a view marred by stereotype and prejudice more often tied to current geopolitical conflicts than to an understanding of Iran. Blending in firsthand glimpses of her own life-from childhood memories in 1960s Shiraz to her present life as a professor in America-Keshavarz paints a portrait of Iran depicting both cultural depth and intellectual complexity. With a scholar's expertise and a poet's hand, she helps amplify the powerful voices of contemporary Iranians and leads readers toward a deeper understanding of the country's past and present for pb reprint: In a direct, frank, and intimate exploration of Iranian literature and society, scholar, teacher, and poet Fatemeh Keshavarz challenges popular perceptions of Iran as a society bereft of vitality and joy. Her fresh perspective on present day Iran provides a rare insight into this rich culture alive with artistic expression but virtually unknown to most Americans. She warns against the rise of what she calls the "New Orientalist narrative" which thrives on stereotype and prejudice and is often tied to current geopolitical conflict rather than an understanding of Iran. Keshavarz offers a lively critique of the best-seller Reading Lolita in

About this title

Review:

Extremely valuable as a personal testimony of [Keshavarz's] own experiences growing up in Iran and provides a counterbalance to Nafisi's dark portrayal of her life in Iran. . . . Important . . . because of its active participation in the debate about how Western views of Middle Eastern countries are colored by prejudice and stereotyping.--Middle East Journal

Introduces . . . Iranian women writers, with infectious enthusiasm, to western readers. . . . Suffused with references to pomegranates, fragrant gardens, Sufi mysticisim, and tender father-daughter relationships . . . [ Jasmine and Stars] exude[s] . . . charm.--MELUS

Those interested in extended analysis of Nafisi's work will be interested in this book, especially the last section dedicated exclusively to RLT.--MESA Bulletin

Draws from her own rich experiences and illustrates wonderfully rich portraits of her family and close friends. . . . Assures readers that every word is wholly heartfelt and sincere.--Arab American News

Eye opening. . . . Keshavarz gives a rare glimpse into post-revolutionary Iran, showing that while there are a host of political problems and unresolved social issues, still literature, culture and Iranians' love of life and beauty are alive and well.--The Jordan Times

A balanced, objective perspective on Iran, a perspective that provides nuanced depth and humanity. . . . A great read. --People's Weekly World

Narrated in a very engaging and evocative style, embellished with poetic force. This personal story is told in a direct narrative form which transcends the boundaries of telling and showing.--Muslim World Book Review

It is not necessary to have read Reading Lolita in Tehran to appreciate the thrust of [Keshavarz's] argument, which challenges the popular notion that Iran is an oppressive, joyless, intellectually stagnant place, particularly for women. . . . Controversial, certainly, but an excellent counterpoint for book-group discussions of Nafisi's book.--Booklist

Introduces ordinary Iranians and a universal spirit we all share.--Washington University in St.Louis Magazine

Synopsis:

In a direct, frank, and intimate exploration of Iranian literature and society, scholar, teacher, and poet Fatemeh Keshavarz challenges popular perceptions of Iran as a society bereft of vitality and joy. Her fresh perspective on present day Iran provides a rare insight into this rich culture alive with artistic expression but virtually unknown to most Americans. She warns against the rise of what she calls the 'New Orientalist narrative', which thrives on stereotype and prejudice and is often tied to current geopolitical conflict rather than an understanding of Iran.Keshavarz offers a lively critique of the best-seller "Reading Lolita in Tehran", which she says epitomizes this New Orientalist attitude. Blending in firsthand glimpses of her own life, Keshavarz paints a portrait of Iran depicting both cultural depth and intellectual complexity.

About this edition

• Publisher: University North Carolina Pr
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0807859575
• ISBN 13: 9780807859575
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 192