Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Reading hagiography
Since the used book store via Amazon never sent the trashy autobiography that I was expecting, I ended up skim reading the Shah's widow's hagiographical treatment of her husband. To summarize:
- Prologue: It was a bummer having to abdicate
- Part 1: I enjoyed my privileged life in a French boarding school.
- Part 2: I enjoyed my privileged life as the Queen of Iran.
- Part 3: I continued to enjoy my privileged life while the Shah did great things for Iran even though his health was deteriorating.
- Part 4: It was a bummer having to abdicate while trying to find a good doctor.
- Part 5: Though sad sometimes, I enjoyed my privileged life in exile.
First mention of SAVAK details how some humane general made the decision to allow Khomeini to go into exile, which Khomeini repaid by having him executed when he returned to power.
A Persian friend from work (left Iran in '86) lent me the book, and can easily understand how she enjoyed it - but for a non-expatriate, would recommend Persepolis I & II. A superior story teller with good narrative sense & artistic ability.
