Recounting her childhood experiences in 1970s and ‘80s Iran, Mahmoodian offers a powerful study on the complexities of a divided family set against the broader societal upheaval of the Iranian Revolution. Born into a family with an absentee father who lived with his other family just across a dividing wall, Mahmoodian initially counts herself as a fervent supporter of the revolution, an uprising fought “to prevent us slipping into the corrupt ways of the West.” As the fighting wears on however, and her brothers are killed by the Shah’s soldiers, Mahmoodian’s faith wanes, eroding her belief and sparking internal conflict as the toll of living in a war-torn region mounts. Mahmoodian’s family life is marked by her father's dual households, creating an environment of confusion and resentment, as she is raised to see her father's other family as enemies. Mahmoodian struggles to reconcile these feelings with the reality of living near her half-siblings, who are children like herself, and this emotional turmoil is compounded by the constant fear and grief brought on by the war—yet life continues with its rituals and routines. Despite mourning her family members, Mahmoodian participates in Nowruz celebrations and family trips, embodying the duality of resilience and sorrow.
The Ballet of Swallows sheds light on the plight of women in Iran during this tumultuous period, as Mahmoodian details their abusive marriages and generational trauma, highlighting how these cycles spill over into subsequent generations. The memoir builds to a crucial moment of Mahmoodian’s own trauma when she attempts suicide, ‘tired of fighting to survive in my horrible environment.” Amidst the painful personal narrative, Mahmoodian offers glimpses of Iran's beauty, describing the historical Sabzeh Meydan, majestic Alborz Mountains, and Imam Reza’s sacred shrine at Mashhad. This dynamic debut captures the essence of a young woman’s journey—and the intersection of personal and national struggles—during a pivotal era in Iran’s history.
Takeaway: Powerful account of a young woman growing up during the Iranian Revolution.
Comparable Titles: Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh’s Captive in Iran, Azadeh Moaveni’s Lipstick Jihad.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
