The book is a memoir of the author, Azar Nafisi. Nafisi, an Iranian, had received much of her education in western countries. This memoir is divided into four sections: Lolita, Gatsby, James, and Austen. While Nafisi was teaching at the University of Iran, she was expelled since she refused to wear the veil. She then formed a book club with her seven female students, who met weekly in her house to read and discuss the works of western literature. 'Lolita' deals with this part of Nafisi's life. 'Gatsby' describes the way the dreams of all Iranians becomes shattered due to imposition of new rules by the government. It marks the advent of Iranian revolution. 'James' takes place right after 'Gatsby' when the Iran–Iraq War begins. In last section 'Austen', Nafisi plans to leave Iran. In almost each part of her living, she found herself compelled by the religious and political conditions of Iran. Yet throughout the whole novel Nafisi never lost her love and appreciation for literature. A captivating and women-centric novel.
