Jasmine and Stars: Reading More Than Lolita in Tehran

by Fatemeh Keshavarz

Overview

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.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.—>

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780807883754
Publisher:	The University of North Carolina Press
Publication date:	03/05/2007
Series:	Islamic Civilization and Muslim Networks
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Fatemeh Keshavarz is Roshan Institute Chair in Persian Studies at the University of Maryland. She is author of four previous books, including Reading Mystical Lyric: The Case of Jalal Al-Din Rumi and a volume of poetry.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction: What Does the Elephant Look Like? 1

1 The Jasmine, the Stars, and the Grasshoppers 13

2 The Eternal Forough: The Voice of Our Earthly Rebellion 33

3 My Uncle the Painter 59

4 Women without Men: Fireworks of the Imagination 85

5 The Good, the Missing, and the Faceless: What Is Wrong with Reading Lolita in Tehran 109

6 Tea with My Father and the Saints 145

Recommended Reading 167

Index 169

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

The image of Iranian women as pitiable victims will not survive publication of Jasmine and Stars. The rich stories at the heart of this book are a testament to the power of culture in shaping today's world, and to the role of women in creating that culture. Drawing from both literature and memory, they depict a vibrant, complex society eager for a new relationship with the outside world.—Stephen Kinzer, author of All the Shah's Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror

Editorial Reviews

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

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 . . . 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

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

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

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

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

From the Publisher