The Heartbeat of Iran: Real Voices Of A Country and Its People

Since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, Iran has been politically isolated by its neighboring countries and the rest of the world. Political developments (such as the Iranian hostage crises, Iran-Iraq war, economic sanctions in 1995, more sanctions in 2010, and the nuclear deal in 2015) have only deepened Iran’s isolation. As a result, most people who live outside Iran have no idea of how everyday Iranian people live, the cultural heritages that Iranians share, and the diversity within Iran.

This book (written by an American journalist who grew up in Iran) profiles the lives, aspirations, regrets, and hopes two dozen everyday Iranians. Each chapter profiles one individual, and through that individual readers gain a sense of what life is like in Iran, the various textures of Iranian life, and the many facets of its society. Readers meet Amir Saneei, a teacher whose life is very different from those living in the West, but whose desires (and complaints) are eerily similar to his American counterparts. Also profiled is Pedram Safarzadh, a former drug addict. His experiences, regrets, and hopes are not that different from those of other former addicts. In the end, the collection of narratives shows that even though we live in very different worlds, our struggles and aspirations are the same.