Night in Tehran - Philip Kaplan
He and she read
It is 1978 and David Weiseman, an American diplomat, is caught up in the intrigue and manipulations of the last days of the Shah of Iran, the struggle among competing forces as to who will next rule the country, and the race to free the American hostages, as well as safeguard those who have been of assistance to him.
Although I am not a particular fan of “spy” novels, I really enjoyed this book but don’t see it as a “thriller”. It read more like an historical account of the fall of the shah, rise of Khomeni, and the taking of American hostages. I’m not sure how much was fact and how much fiction, but I felt I learned a lot about this situation.
Although there were many names to keep track of, the story was tightly woven and engrossing. The author is an experienced diplomat, and his knowledge of Iran and the word of espionage is evident.
It is said that we should learn from history and I felt there were a lot of lessons for our times in this novel….as well as warnings….beware the ascent of religious zealots and authoritarians. In the author’s notes, he mentions the importance of “decent moderates of civil society to survive and safeguard American interests”. While he applies this to the mideast, it is oh so important for our country as well.
*****
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