Persian Girls

Persian Girls by Nahid Rachlin

BOSTON: November 14th, Wednesday, 5:00-7:00 P.M.
Reading, discussion, PERSIAN GIRLS, memoir
Boston University, Women's Department
704 Commonwealth Ave. #101 Boston
Information: 617-358-2370

DESCRIPTION OF PERSIAN GIRLS:
In a story of ambition, oppression, hope, heartache, and sisterhood, 
Persian Girls traces Rachlin's coming of age in Iran under the late 
Shah-and her domineering father-her tangled family life, and her 
relationship with her older sister, and unexpected soul mate, Pari. 
Both girls refused to accept traditional roles prescribed for them under 
Muslim cultural laws. They devoured forbidden books. They had secret 
romances. But then things quickly changed. Pari was forced by her parents 
to marry a wealthy suitor, a cruel man who kept her a prisoner in her own 
home. After narrowly avoiding an unhappy match herself with a man her 
parents chose for her, Nahid came to America, where she found literary 
success. Back in Iran, however, Pari's dreams fell to pieces.

BIO:
Nahid Rachlin is the award-winning author of four critically acclaimed novels, 
a story collection, and, most recently, a memoir entitled Persion Girls, 
which was selected by Christopher Merrill as one of the four best books 
of 2006. Persian Girls tells the story of Rachlin’s growing up in Iran, 
beginning at age nine, when she was taken away from the beloved aunt 
who had raised her. Publishers Weekly calls it a “lyrical and disturbing
 memoir” that “gives American readers rare insight in Iranians’ ambivalence 
toward the United States, the desire for American freedom clashing with 
resentment of American hegemony.” Rachlin currently teaches at The New School 
University in New York City.

website: http://www.nahidrachlin.com/
Nahid Rachlin
Apt. 43D
300 East 93rd St.
New York, NY 10128
Phone & Fax: 212-996-3478