Totalitarianism and its consequences
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This book is not a chronological study of the Iranian revolution in 1978. It is speculative, meditative and quite remote from the events that so shook the world. It would seem that K. was not able to get out and about much at the time and much is filtered through the medium of old photographs and notes that he made in his hotel, whilst the revolutionary gangs prowled the streets. I think the book is excellent on its own terms, as a contemplative statement about revolutions, absolute power and totalitarian dictatorship. It was no surprise that one type of totalitarian state succeeded another in Iran, the Shah was obnoxious and K somehow sensed that what would follow would not be a true political change, rather a change of personnel with business as usual with executions and the like. His presentiment that it will take generations for deep seated political change will no doubt turn out to be on the button. If you want to know the history of the Iranian revolution, do not get this book. If you want to understand the nature of totalitarianism and the long term consequences for generations to come, do buy it and ingest it.
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Compelling account of troubled times
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Having met several Iranians who left Tehran when the Shah was deposed I still knew very little about the politics and history of the country. Kapuschinski is brilliant at evoking the fear and suspicion engendered in the days of the Shah and the almost total disconnect between the ruling elite and the people. He also writes exceptionally well. It is a very effective writing tool that he uses; focusing right in on individual expressions and moments in time that dramatise and illuminate the entire political structure. Kapuschinski is a thoughtful, poetic and brave writer.
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Good
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Very good book. You hear a lot written about Iran, and it often focuses on post-revolution times, often drawing comparisons with the comparatively liberal attitudes of pre-revolutionary Iranians. This good gives a quick insight to the regime that existed for much of the 20th century, and exposes the wickedness and ignorance of the Shah.
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Recent history writtern concisely
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I knew nothing of Iranian history other than the relatively recent revolution by islamic fundamentalists. This book by my favourite roving reporter gives concise and detailed information about the story of the last 80 years or so of rule by the Shah and his father Reza Shah. I am sure my Iranian friends would deny any of this and would swear that their beloved Excellency The Shah of Iran has been maligned, but the facts stated would give good reason for the popular revolution that have been so disasterous for this country. The British interference is a disgrace, if it is true, as there was at one point a chance of democracy and prosperity for the people of Iran if only the Brits had not been so covetous of the oil reserves there, which in reality should have benefited the indigenous people and not the Billionaire Shah or the exploration companies. Although 20 years old this book is controversial but probably a very good statement of real facts surrounding a privaliged person who was incompetant, greedy, a playboy and ultimately a despot.
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the last shah
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I had always admired the the last Shah of Iran until I read this book. Kapuscinski offers a great insight to the grip of power the Shah had in Iran and causes for his downfall. The author also gives indications as to how the Iranian revolution did not bring change for the better. I highly recommed this excellent read, you wont be able to put it down
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