remembering akbar, by behrooz ghamari

Through an intricate ensemble of anecdotes and experiences, Behrooz Ghamari exposes us to the world that prisoners in Iran faced following the 1979 revolution. Our narrator, Akbar, tells us tales from his days before prison -- as he forged a counter-revolutionary movement and fervently fought for his Marxist ideologies, all whilst being a university student. We also bear witness to the horrors of Evin prison, overcrowded with political prisoners for whom death is imminent. 

Despite not providing much background about the Iranian revolution, this book shows us how literature and music can inspire hope, and serve as a unifying force for those with different ideologies who are faced with dim futures. It’s a valuable lesson in empathy, and the power of friendship.