Libby Fischer Hellmann

A Bitter Veil Libby Fischer Hellmann

Anna, a young American studying in Chicago falls in love with fellow-student Nouri, the son of a wealthy Iranian family. Despite their cultural differences, Anna, whose parents are divorced and remote, eagerly moves to Tehran where she is embraced by Nouri's family. A few months after she arrives, however, in February 1978, the Shah is deposed and the Islamic Republic of Iran is formed. Life turns upside down for the couple as men, but especially women, are restricted in their activities, clothing, and behavior. Arrests and torture are frequent, education for women is not permitted, and Anna cannot travel without her husband's permission. Although she tries to conform to please her husband and new family, Anna chafes under the oppression, while Nouri seems to embrace it. Anna grows increasingly unhappy, and as events become more explosive, so does Nouri. Anna is desperate to return home to America, but Nouri refuses to allow it. Tension builds until a shattering event changes everything and plunges Anna into the vortex of a tumultuous-and dangerous-crisis, raising the possibility she will never leave Iran alive.