Journey from the Land of No; a memoir

By Roya Hakakian

Transworld Publishers

$22.95.

Reviewer: LT Simone Heyer

Roya Hakakian, a US television producer, finds it hard to reflect on her childhood years in Iran.

She knows she has a story, but everybody does.

She doesn’t want to dwell on hers and bring back the memories, both good and bad, that shaped her life. Roya’s first years are filled with wonderful memories of a close family and an atmosphere of learning.

As the situation in Iran starts to change, it’s not acceptable to take part in Western indulgences – such as free speech.

Roya’s best friend’s sister is arrested, her school’s administration is taken over and all the girls must wear veils.

One by one her family takes refuge outside Iran – her brothers opt for the US. Journey from the Land of No puts you in the shoes of a child, narrated through the eyes of an adult.

It shows how religious regimes affect children and teenagers – not just adults, as is usually the case with popular culture.

Hakakian has an easy writing style and has produced an excellent, informative book.