Nick Berg's Shadows of Tehran: "I said all these to compliment the author’s impressive narrative skill; I loved it."
Bethel Saint Bright on Onlinebookclub.org
Growing up in Iran at the peak of the revolution that seeks to install an Islamic government is both challenging and devastating, as Ricardo deals with abuse and bullying.
He eventually leads a rebellion against the Islamic state, making him a wanted man. He flees Iran to the United States through Turkey. However, someone is lurking in the shadows, monitoring every move he makes. What is waiting for Ricardo in the United States? Does he escape his past? Find out in this book.
Reading this book put me in a dilemma (not in a bad way). I could not separate real-life events from fictional details. The way the story was told, I could vouch that everything the author narrated happened.
For instance, on the 4th of November 1979, the U.S. Embassy in Tehran was attacked by some college students. They took some diplomats and US Marine and CIA agents hostage. Coincidentally, Samira’s appointment with the American Embassy was on the same day.
There was also an accurate narrative about Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Iran in 1980. Because the author built the story around these actual events with an accurate representation of their timelines, I had difficulty determining which part of the story was fictional.
I said all these to compliment the author’s impressive narrative skill; I loved it. I liked how the author developed the characters and provided enough backstories to help me understand their motivations. For instance, Ricardo tried to make his marriage work because he did not want his daughter to experience growing up without one parent.
I could also understand why Laleh was the ideal person to help Ricardo in his Iranian mission, considering that she lost her family to executions by the Iranian government during the revolution.
Another character was Martha, who exemplified the plight of many women whose husbands joined the army. Although her way of handling it was unique, women in similar situations would relate to her plight.
There was no fault I could find in this book. The writing was excellently executed, and the editing was exceptionally done. Reading the author’s bio confirmed that he was the perfect person to tell Ricardo’s story.
Since I could not find any issues, I’d rate the book a perfect five out of five. Ideal readers would be folks interested in Iranian history and the connection of the United States to global diplomatic matters."
What is the OnlineBookClub Review of Nick Berg's Shadows of Tehran?
The OnlineBookClub.org review Bethel Saint Bright of Nick Berg’s Shadows of Tehran offers high praise for this historical fiction novel based on a true story. With a 5-star rating, the review highlights how Berg weaves a compelling tale of survival, rebellion, and personal growth set against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution.
The novel tells the gripping story of Ricardo Rosen, who is abandoned by his father in Tehran and grows up in a tumultuous period marked by political unrest and personal hardship. As Ricardo navigates abuse, bullying, and the oppressive Islamic government, he eventually leads a rebellion, making him a wanted man.
His escape from Iran through Turkey to the United States is fraught with tension, and the story raises questions about whether Ricardo can truly escape his past. The OnlineBookClub review commends the way Berg seamlessly blends historical events with fictional narrative, making it difficult to separate the two, which adds authenticity and depth to the story.
What Makes Nick Berg's Shadows of Tehran Stand Out?
One of the key aspects that make Nick Berg’s Shadows of Tehran stand out is its ability to ground its fictional characters and plot in real historical events. The OnlineBookClub review notes how Berg successfully integrates key moments from history, such as the 1979 U.S. Embassy hostage crisis and Saddam Hussein’s 1980 invasion of Iran, making the novel feel both authentic and deeply connected to actual events.
This approach allows readers to feel as if they are living through history alongside Ricardo, blurring the lines between fact and fiction. The review also praises Berg’s narrative skill, as readers are left unsure of what is fictional and what is based on real-life occurrences, a testament to the author’s ability to make the story feel so real and visceral.
How Does the Author Build the Characters in Nick Berg's Shadows of Tehran?
The OnlineBookClub by Bethel Saint Bright review highlights the rich character development in Nick Berg’s Shadows of Tehran, noting how Berg provides detailed backstories to help readers understand the motivations of his characters. Ricardo’s internal struggles, especially his efforts to make his marriage work for the sake of his daughter, create an emotional depth that resonates with readers.
The character of Laleh is also praised for her pivotal role in Ricardo’s mission, as she represents the pain and loss caused by the revolution. Her backstory of losing her family to the Iranian government’s executions adds a layer of authenticity to the novel’s depiction of the personal costs of political upheaval. Another important character, Martha, is shown to reflect the plight of women whose husbands go off to war, and the novel presents her struggles in a way that many readers can relate to.
What is the Overall Impression of Nick Berg's Shadows of Tehran?
The OnlineBookClub review expresses a deep appreciation for Berg‘s storytelling, describing it as excellently executed with superb writing and editing. The review notes that the author’s personal experience and connection to the story make him the perfect person to tell Ricardo’s tale. With no discernible flaws in the book, the reviewer rates it a perfect five out of five stars.
The novel’s seamless integration of history, personal struggles, and political rebellion makes it an engaging and thought-provoking read. Ideal readers, according to the review, are those interested in Iranian history and the complex connections between the United States and global diplomatic matters, making Nick Berg’s Shadows of Tehran a must-read for anyone looking to understand the human side of historical events.
