Marc Grossman and John Limbert
(Mazda Publishers 2020)
Reviewed by Shahrokh Ahkami
Both authors of this book have enjoyed careers servicing their country. John Limbert worked for thirty -four years in the United States Foreign Services. As Ambassador, he served mostly in the Middle East and Islamic Africa.
That position was followed with other distinguished assignments. Ambassador Limbert was among the last American diplomates to serve at the American Embassy in Tehran. As a fourteen-month hostage in 1981 he received the Award of Valor.
Like Ambassador Limbert, co-author Ambassador Marc Grossman enjoyed a distinguished career as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs. This career was also followed by unique positions. With their years of personal experience in foreign affairs it is not a surprise that they have written a great novel.
A novel, that is thrilling, historical, intense, riveting and filled with factual detail. If one has only had superficial information regarding the relationship between the United States and Iran, with little interest to know more, I IMPLORE you to read this book. Too often, the media lures us into believing their version of a story to be the “truth”, while the real truth lies within facts not disclosed.
This story circles around a woman, a pregnant woman, Nilufar Hartman.
In 1979, she went to Tehran to work at the United States Embassy. What she thought would be the opportunity of a life time, turned out to be a life changing experience with countless, twists and turns and personal decision making. A woman who is to be praised.
It would be hard to believe that Nilufar and other fictional characters, depicted in the book, were not reflective of personalties both the authors met during their years of service. Their in-depth description of each of these characters and surroundings allows the reader to quickly visualize their physical appearance and emotional process.
Each life decision Nilufar makes pushes you to find the answer on the next page. (I would, however, slow down when they described a Persian meal so deliciously you could taste the sour cherry jam and smell the fresh bread.)
Most certainly by the time you reach the Epilogue you will have more knowledge of Iran with all its beauty, history, politics, achievement, good decisions, harmful mistakes and the warmth of the Iranian people.
You will also be left to wonder if the relationship, once shared by Iran, the United States and the world, will return. Will this beautiful broken puzzle ever be put back together? A PERFECT READ!