A powerful story of friendship and passion, fear and hope - and a rare insider''s view of Iranian society

Massoumeh is an ordinary girl, passionate about learning. On her way to school she meets a local man and falls in love - but when her family discover his letters they accuse her of bringing them into dishonour, beat her and hastily arrange a marriage to a man she''s never met.

The years that follow Massoumeh''s wedding prove transformative for Iran. Her husband Hamid is a political dissident and when the secret service arrest him, it is the start of a terrifying period for Massoumeh. Her fate, so long dictated by family loyalty and tradition, is now tied to the changing fortunes of her country.

''A powerful and personal look at Iranian society'' Grazia
''Written with passion and anger from the inside, it''s a compelling account'' Independent on Sunday
''Memorable and nuanced'' Guardian

The novel that became a huge bestseller in Iran, before it was banned by the government.