Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books

by Azar Nafisi

And don’t worry about what we, your colleagues and friends, might say behind your back. We’ll talk behind your back no matter what you do.

This incapacity for true dialogue implies an incapacity for tolerance, self-reflection and empathy.

Bijan seemed unconcerned by the awkwardness of the moment. He had made a sacrifice by leaving his comfortable home on a weeknight and felt no obligation to socialize as well.

Austen’s theme is cruelty not under extraordinary circumstances but ordinary ones, committed by people like us.

It’s frightening to be free, to have to take responsibility for your decisions.