We Heard the Heavens Then: A Memoir of Iran
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A father both myth and man. Mar 23, Casee Marie rated it really liked it. Memoirs have more recently become one of my favorite things to read for the way they offer personal insights and, occasionally, an educating look at places and histories we may not be familiar with. Feb 10, Neeza Zaini rated it liked it. The writer was story-telling how Iran was such a heaven until the Khomeini took over. Overall, the story was historically interesting, but the style of writing is too dragging I have to skip pages in each chapter.
Too much word for me to handle.. Jul 20, Jennifer rated it really liked it.
We Heard the Heavens Then
The first part of Minu-Sepehr's childhood was spent in a sheltered, privileged environment as the second son of a powerful Iranian air force general. This memoir mostly focuses on the years of the revolution when he was , though we read some of his memories from before that period. Minu-Sepehr's father was, to him, a powerful, heroic, incredibly loving figure - an amazing pilot, exacting yet humble leader, indulgent partner in mischief, self-made man who came from an impoverished background. The narrative jumps around quite a bit at the beginning, which makes it difficult to follow, but I enjoyed hearing about his life and pre-revolution Iran at least his slice of it.
I was left quite curious whether Minu-Sepehr's father was involved in any of the excesses and cruelties of the Shah's regime. Mar 07, Jessica rated it really liked it. This is a 3. I thought this was a well written memoir and captured the turmoil in Iran very well from a child's perspective. I learned things about Iranian history, which is always the sign of a good book to me.
I had no idea they were so modern before they went backwards. Such a shame to think about it from Aria's fathers perspective.
NEW EXCELLENT MEMOIRS :
To be so loyal to your country and to have so much love and patriotism and there be nothing you can do but leave it. I really lik This is a 3. I really liked the part at location when he is discussing private parts with his mother.
Aria Minu-Sephur details the life of someone who was an heir to all Iran had to offer; being well educated and destined for great things. The author's father rose from humble beginnings in Teheran as part of a devout, traditional Muslim family, attended an elite military academy, and married the author's mother, daughter of an aristocratic, more Westernized family that had fallen on hard times. To be so loyal to your country and to have so much love and patriotism and there be nothing you can do but leave it. The book reads almost like a novel. He lives in Oregon with his wife and two daughters. The author's father rose from humble beginnings in Teheran as part of a devout, traditional Muslim family, attended an elite military academy, and married the author's mother, daughter of an aristocratic, mor I couldn't put this one down -- fascinating!
Totally cracked me up. I like the way he genuinely captured the curiosity of talking with a young child.
He does this well throughout the book. This book was recommended to me by Jason. Aug 07, Mary Craddock rated it liked it. I did like this book.
Ships from and sold by www.farmersmarketmusic.com A piercing look at revolution through the wide-open eyes of a child, this is the true story of an extraordinary father/son relationship imperiled by Iran’s ominous and drastically changing political c Minu-Sepehr's personal narrative covers. A story of an extraordinary father/son relationship imperiled by a nation's ominous and drastically changing political climate, We Heard the Heavens Then is a.
At first, it was hard to know who was who in terms of the revolution in Iran, but then it became clear. I fell in love with the author's father Baba. From the author's viewpoint, the father can do no wrong and I agree! The one issue I grappled with was the Shah of Iran's portrayal in the book.
Although, it sounds as if the Shah brought a modern lifestyle to Iran, he the Shah has been accused of having the U. After reading the book, it didn't matter I did like this book. After reading the book, it didn't matter as much because the memoir was very sweet. Jun 19, Misha rated it liked it. I was skeptical because I I've read so many memoirs about growing up during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. However, this one did highlight a new voice and a different experience, from the son of a high-ranking General in the Shah's army.
I have one regret -- that it didn't go on. I found myself wanting to know more about the family's life after they left Iran. May 07, Guna rated it liked it Shelves: This is a story of growing in Iran before the fall of the Shah by a young privileged boy. The times ran from before the Shah, to his overthrow, and Ayatollah Khomeini.
One reviewer said it is "an extraordinary story of a child who sees his Paradise turn into Hell May 25, Judy rated it really liked it. I heard Aria minu-Sepehr read from this book and comment about his early life in Iran. He lives in Oregon now. He is a compassionate speaker. His memoir moves between his childhood experiences during the Iranian revolution and commentary about the events and people involved. This story is one that is dear to me and I am fascinated by the strength of Iranian families during the revolution. I love the way the memoir is told through his "child eyes". Although the story does slow down at one point and drags a little, for the most part I could not put it down.
With all of the negative press Iran receives as a nation in Western society, this is a beautiful glimpse into one well to do Iranian family and a glimpse into the culture. Apr 27, Hollis Fishelson-holstine rated it did not like it Recommended to Hollis Fishelson-holstine by: While I was interested to learn more about the Iranian experience prior to and during the change of teh Shah's regime, this seemed to be more about that life of luxury and privilege enjoyed by the few.
And while I realize that if I'd kept reading, it would have changed, I wasn't interested enough to continue. Oct 11, Leasha rated it liked it Shelves: The vignettes were fun, the characters enjoyable. It was a nice change for a memoir of Iran to lean towards literary embellishments rather than injecting political interpretations into absolutely everything children don't do that I didn't find myself believing the sorry much, but I did enjoy it.
Nov 10, Stephanie rated it liked it. I read this book because I love learning about the Middle East, and it got great reviews. But I think it fell short. It is an incredible story in and of itself, but something in the storytelling just didn't grip me. Jun 07, Gail rated it did not like it. This book really did nothing for me. I have read numerous accounts of Iranians who came from highly educated families and left for America and their accounts moved me much more than this one did.
I believe that it was the style of writing that turned me off. Jan 11, Kate rated it liked it. Historically interesting, but the stories became a bit less interesting.
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Glad to have read. Jan 01, Martha rated it it was ok. Just could not relate to the main character an 8 year old child and his troubles. Aug 23, Kathy rated it liked it. Memoir written by the son of a high level air force in the Iranian military. His thoughts and viewpoint child on the last days of the Shah. Whitman rated it it was amazing Aug 16, Katie rated it it was ok Jan 16, Linda Caldwell rated it really liked it Oct 26, Carrington rated it it was amazing Apr 02, Suseb rated it liked it Jun 07, Simon rated it really liked it May 02, Steve Erickson rated it it was ok Nov 18, There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
We Heard the Heavens Then: A Memoir of Iran by Aria Minu-Sepehr
Videos About This Book. The hostage crisis, a year later, would prove that the edicts of the Iranian Revolution could impact the global community and destroy the goodwill of one people for another. Aria Minu-Sepehr has worked to bridge that divide. He has lectured on issues concerning Iranian culture and U. Aria Minu-Sepehr lives with his family in Oregon. Books by Aria Minu-Sepehr. Trivia About We Heard the Heav It seemed his father could do anything—lead the Golden Crowns in death-defying aerobatic maneuvers; command an air force unit using top American technology; commission a lake to be built on a desert military base, for waterskiing.
As the surreal began to invade the mundane, with family friends disappearing every day and resources growing scarce, Aria found himself torn between being the man of the house and being a much needed source of comic relief. His antics shone a bright light for his family, showing them how to escape, if only momentarily, the grief and horror that a vengeful revolution brought into their lives.
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We Heard the Heavens Then is a deeply moving story told from two vantage points: Aria Minu-Sepehr moved with his family to the United States following the fall of the shah of Iran in He is an adjunct professor of English, founder of the Forum for Middle East Awareness, and a public lecturer in fields related to Iran and the Middle East. He lives in Oregon with his wife and two daughters. Minu-Spehr vividly captures the intense yearning and bewilderment of childhood as he, like a modern-day Shahrazad, unravels a rich and unforgettable tapestry of true-life stories set in a country on the verge of revolution.
An intelligent, witty, honest and hilariously funny, but also heartbreaking memoir. A remarkable book written by a brilliant writer.