Searching for Hassan: A Journey to the Heart of Iran Paperback – March 4, 2003

Amazon's "Better Together" recommender worked well here: I read "Searching for Hassan" after reading Firoozeh Dumas' charming memoir "Funny in Farsi." Terence Ward's "Hassan" is a compelling read, especially the chapter "Appointment in Tudeshk" which thrillingly recounts the Ward family's reunion with the Ghasemi family after 29 years apart. I'll sheepishly tell you that I skimmed some of Mr. Ward's erudite sidebars about certain long-ago aspects of Persian history and focused on his more recent accountings of the days of the Shah, the transition to theocratic rule and life since the revolution. But the recounting of the trip itself is pure magic, as are Mr. Ward's remembrances of Hassan and Fatimeh Ghasemi. You can clearly see why these two inspired such devotion from the Ward family.A couple of quick observations:1. The Iranian people - as a whole - are incredible hosts. As the author notes at one point: "Expect to suffer from excessive hospitality." Never have a people been so misrepresented in the mainstream press.2. Conventional wisdom to the contrary, the Ward family feels that the Iranian people - as a whole - have faired better under theocratic rule than under the Shah (the poverty witnessed by the author's parents pre-Revolution appears - under observation - to be not as widespread or abject). Again, this is their observation and opinion.3. You get a sense of the lost opportunity of the reformers. The Wards' trip comes on the heels of the election of the then-Prime Minister Khatami, and the sense of promise is palpable throughout the country. Not without reason, thanks to his good looks, stylishness and Western manners (fluent in English and German, for example), Khatami is described as "our country's JFK." Looking back at this now in 2006 with the reform movement clearly set back in the last election, one can't help but be disheartened. I'm sure the author feels the same way.

This culture is one of immense importance in art, poetry, and all facets of human civilization as well as the more commonly grasped areas of politics and oil economics. This beautiful book illuminates this for the reader through the framework of a family returning to Iran in a search to reconnect with the cook and friend who had served in their home earlier. Having lived in Azerbaijan for a time I developed a keen interest in this part of the world and this book captures the beauty and strength of its people on a personal scale to which almost everyone can relate. Not to be missed is all the material that comes after narrative proper. Invaluable both in insight as well as specific references.

This book is a window into Iran and it’s people, and will change your perspective. Part travelogue, part history lesson, and a look into a family that cared enough about the man who worked for them in Iran before the Shaw was deposed to go during the 1990’s to go back and search for him. In many ways this is a true love story. I loved it.

Loved the story line about finding Hassan. The deep connectionOf the individuals of the family to the family, especially Hassan, they are searching for. Did not enjoy some of the historical factsAbout places, I was not familiar with. That was, I am sure a lack ofEducation on my part, of the territory they visited AnyoneFamiliar with Iran would most likely not feel the same.That is why I gave it 4 stars rather than 5.

I loved this book. I would love to travel the country, eat the food , see the mountains and gardens,and most all know the wonderful people. This book would be of interest to anyone wanting to learn about the people and history of Persia. It grieves me that we have such a leader in the US who has destroyed all that the previous president tried to do to bring people together and stoked fear and hatred for a culture he does not begin to understand...

The history and culture of Iran shared and taught through the eyes of a Westerner raised in the culture of the Middle East opens our eyes to the humanity of all peoples. We are alike. It is through the greed of power and governments we are most separated. Thank you Terry!

This is a revealing look at an Iran we never hear about. There’s a lot to learn from this true story. I hope that we will evolve enough to learn from this experience.

While this book had great potential, it quickly turn into longwinded and distracting history lessons. 🥱

What a splendid book. It is well written, a fascinating tale and an easy read. I particularly liked the way the author seamlessly drifted away from the story to tell of people and places relevant to his (and my) travels from Tehran to Shiraz. Now I am back home I will read it again!

wonderful