This is one of the most riveting memoirs i have ever read. Marina Nemat doesn't just simply describe the terror of undergoing torture and imprisonment; she tells the story of her life and every heartbreak and tragedy that went with it. a story of amazing strength and perseverence. I've read reviews that call Nemat a "liar" or "traitor", and it disgusts me to read those things. I don't understand how anyone can doubt that this woman is a hero.

I loved this book very much. An incredible insight to a journey none of us would want to make...a wonderful read

A book I could not put down. Marina has seen more in her life than most of us would ever see. Very well written, moving, sad a happy ending to a gruesome life she lived. My heart goes out to you Marina and glad that you are in a happier place.

I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to read a good biography.

Interesting story from beginning to end. I really wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen to the characters in the book. I loved Marina's strength and optimism. The book was engaging and the development of the story was fantastic.

Proof that fact rivals fiction. This woman's story really puts a face on human rights abuses. The actual writing is just okay and sometimes it can drag, but the story itself is enough to keep you hooked for every page.

I picked up this book a few times at the store, then put it down again because I thought it would be too heavy and depressing. But, although Nemat's life is difficult and full of hardship, the memoir was interesting to read. Hearing her overcome the difficulties that she did was an inspiration. It seems that Nemat has a "guardian angel" helping her though her trials.

I noticed that there is some controversy on the veracity of her accounts on Wikipedia. Based on my quick research, I could not find anything substantial. On CBC's the "The Hour" blog, her detractors said that they could prove that her account was not true, and she dared them to do just that. Then they did not respond. That tells me their claims are false.

I guess to a certain extent, I wanted to believe that the story was false since it was so sad. Overall, it is a difficult but inspirational story.

It was also fun to imagine that Nemat lives in the GTA now, and reminds me of some of the amazing stories of newcomers to this country.

This is one of the most riveting and powerful books I have ever read. I could not put it down. Marina Nemat is an incredibly brave woman, not only for surviving the Iranian revolution and the atrocities she witnessed and endured both in prison and out, but for having the courage to live through it once again by writing this memoir. An extraordinary story not to be missed!

I have recently read this book, and quite enjoyed it. Although it had many horrific, disturbing, and unbelievable situations i couldn't stop reading it until it was done. This memoir makes what you believe are just stories, a reality. They make you realize what some people are living with everyday. This eye openning book i found very good, and would recommend it to anybody. The truth in it is enough to give anyone shivers.

It is kind of hard to rate a book when it comes to someone's memoirs, overall I'd say the book was not bad and pretty sad at times. There is no doubt that Marina had a very tough life practically growing up in a political prison. She seems like a tough woman to have overcome so much.

Another book from my book group... i enjoyed this book. Some parts were a little unbelievable...
the latter part of the book was a little stale...but overall a good read.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this one up. Thankfully, I have no regrets.

The book reveals the undeniable and surreal challenges faced by an adolescent girl in an ever-changing Iran during the overturn of the Shah in the 1980s. Not wanting to be a "spoiler" that's as much as I'll say.

Rarely have I ever had the desire to MEET the author....but this is the feeling with which I was left.

A very good memoir of the horrific times a young lady went through. However, Mayada is a better memoir of a similar subject (Iraq).

This book was disturbing at times, but still I couldn't put it down. The hardships that Marina had to go through were so tough and especially when you consider her young and tender age. She showed such a strength that I just couldn't imagine. I would highly recommend this book.