Parveen

by Anne Mehdevi

When sixteen year old Parveen is invited to spend some time at her divorced father's home in Persia, she is excited to visit the country she left thirteen years ago and cannot remember. Life in Ali-abad is very different to Chicago and she both is challenged by and challenges what she finds. When she meets an attractive young neighbour, also Persian-born and western-educated, which culture will govern their relationship? Is she being trapped into a marriage to satisfy a custom that she does not believe in? Can she trust to help her or will she be held hostage in this alien culture?

144 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[CLM]

A compelling and disturbing book about an American teen caught in an alien life in Persia.

[Kristin Shields]

I still have my childhood copy of this book. It was my first introduction to Persia and the middle east. I read it many times during childhood and it's time for a re-read.

Picked it up again today to finish it. It's a quick read. I can see why I loved it as a teenager. The romance is the main attraction and I am not sure how accurate the historical details are, though it's based on the author's life. It's an interesting look at the Persia of the 1920's though. Makes me want to read more about the history of Persia and Iran.

[Elephantom]

I read this book in my early teens and loved it. Now I read it again and still thought it was very good.

[Anila]

A beautiful story, written without any superfluous words; the tale caused me moments of anguish and relief, emotions which seemed to engulf Parveen herself. Objectively observing and experiencing the Persian culture, Parveen brings to life the idyllic lifestyle of her father's home through her journal including her apprehensions and gradual acceptance of her paternal heritage.

[Manasvini]

Beautiful. It striked when I picked it up because I have a tendency to like books about trips to strange lands but this was really REALLY good.