They Said They Wanted Revolution: A Memoir of My Parents

Neda Toloui-Semnanis memoir They Said They Wanted Revolution explores her family's history and the tumultuous history of Iran and the United States. Her parents left the US for Iran in 1979 to join the revolution, but the rise of the Islamic Republic brought isolation, cultural devastation, and personal loss. Neda realized she had to face the past to move forward and untangles decades of history in the search for answers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2022
Publisher: Amazon Publishing

From the depths of a family steeped in the tumultuous history of two nations, comes a gripping and deeply emotional memoir that explores the profound bonds of family and the intricate tapestry of two countries. In 1979, Neda Toloui-Semnanis' parents, driven by a fervent desire to partake in the revolutionary fervor sweeping Iran, made the courageous decision to leave their homeland in the United States. However, the promise of those early heady days in Tehran was soon distorted by the rise of the Islamic Republic, ushering in a period of international isolation, cultural devastation, and profound personal loss for Neda.

Her father, a dedicated activist, found himself unjustly arrested, while her mother, pregnant with Neda, was forced to embark on a desperate escape, carrying her young daughter along. For years, Neda grappled with the conflicting emotions of her parents' choices, torn between the desire to understand and forgive and the lingering doubts and questions that haunted her. It was only when she resolved to confront the past head-on that she began to unravel the intricate web of history that had shaped her family and her country.

Through extensive reporting, meticulous journaling, and heartfelt interviews, Neda embarked on a quest to uncover the truth, peeling back the layers of decades of history to shed light on the events that had shaped her family and her nation. In her search for answers, she delved into the archives, consulted with historians, and listened to the stories of those who had lived through the tumultuous times.

What emerges from this remarkable memoir is a captivating epic family drama that seamlessly intertwines with a timely and compelling true-life political thriller. They Said They Wanted Revolution vividly illuminates the profound costs of righteous activism across generations, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who dare to speak truth to power. Neda's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and family in the face of adversity.

Through her poignant narrative, Neda invites us to reflect on the complexities of history, the sacrifices made by those who fight for change, and the enduring legacy of those who have paved the way for a better future. Her memoir serves as a powerful reminder that the journey towards justice and equality is a long and winding road, filled with challenges and triumphs, but always worth the effort.

In conclusion, They Said They Wanted Revolution is a remarkable memoir that offers a profound and intimate glimpse into the lives of Neda Toloui-Semnanis and her family. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of love, and the enduring legacy of those who dare to speak truth to power. Neda's story will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds, reminding us of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the pursuit of a better world.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 180 x 338 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781542004497