A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOKThe moving; inspiring memoir of one of the great women of our times; Shirin Ebadi; winner of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize and advocate for the oppressed; whose spirit has remained strong in the face of political persecution and despite the challenges she has faced raising a family while pursuing her work. Best known in this country as the lawyer working tirelessly on behalf of Canadian photojournalist; Zara Kazemi—raped; tortured and murdered in Iran—Dr. Ebadi offers us a vivid picture of the struggles of one woman against the system. The book movingly chronicles her childhood in a loving; untraditional family; her upbringing before the Revolution in 1979 that toppled the Shah; her marriage and her religious faith; as well as her life as a mother and lawyer battling an oppressive regime in the courts while bringing up her girls at home. Outspoken; controversial; Shirin Ebadi is one of the most fascinating women today. She rose quickly to become the first female judge in the country; but when the religious authorities declared women unfit to serve as judges she was demoted to clerk in the courtroom she had once presided over. She eventually fought her way back as a human rights lawyer; defending women and children in politically charged cases that most lawyers were afraid to represent. She has been arrested and been the target of assassination; but through it all has spoken out with quiet bravery on behalf of the victims of injustice and discrimination and become a powerful voice for change; almost universally embraced as a hero. Her memoir is a gripping story—a must-read for anyone interested in Zara Kazemi’s case; in the life of a remarkable woman; or in understanding the political and religious upheaval in our world.Praise for Shirin Ebadi and Iran Awakening “This is the riveting story of an amazing and very brave woman living through some quite turbulent times. And she emerges with head unbowed.â€â€”Archbishop Desmond Tutu “The safety and freedom of citizens in democracies is irretrievably bound with the safety and freedom of people like Shirin Ebadi who are fighting to reassert the best achievements of mankind: universal human rights. One of the staunchest advocates for human rights in her country and beyond; Ms. Ebadi; herself a devout Muslim; represents hope for many in Muslim societies that Islam and democracy are indeed compatible.â€â€”Azar Nafisi “A moving portrait of a life lived in truth.â€â€”The New York Times Book Review “A riveting account of a brave; lonely struggle . . . [Iran Awakening] reads like a police thriller; its drama heightened by Ebadi’s determination to keep up the quotidian aspects of her family life.â€â€”The Washington Post Book World “A must read . . . may be the most important book you could read this year.â€â€”Seattle Post-Intelligencer “As a testament to how a single; inspired voice can rise above the cacophony . . . the book should be required reading.â€â€”The Nation “Some of her admirers in Iran call her a woman of steel. Sure; the Iranian human rights champion also has a heart of gold. But it is Shirin Ebadi’s unbending will that explains how she has become the conscience of the Islamic Republic.â€â€”Time “[Ebadi] has come forward with professional force and unflagging courage; and she has defied any danger to her own safety. She is truly a woman of the people!â€â€”Ole Danbolt Mjos; chairman of the Norwegian Nobel CommitteeFrom the Hardcover edition.
#1244026 in Books 2013-12-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.00 x 6.00l; 1.35 #File Name: 0812698436448 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The Price Paid for SlaveryBy KschimmelwriterAnyone who would like a history book that goes beyond the typical textbook "North good; South bad" should have this book in their nineteenth century history collection. Hummel considers secession; slavery; economics; and the possible alternatives to war in this balanced approach to understanding a divided nation as well as the divisions within the divided nation.As our nation is perhaps far more divided than ever; in more ways than ever; this book is just as relevant as it has ever been.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An Economist Adds His Research to the Subject of SlaveryBy CustomerThis is a serious; scholarly work on the economics of slavery and the tremendous cost of emancipation. It is not an emotional or moralistic view. If you are looking for that book; this is not for you. It is broken into 2 parts for each chapter: a regular written chapter for each topic; and the highly useful written bibliography; chock full of terrific; scholarly research and resources for further study. It is a volume that belongs in the serious library of anyone studying the Civil War; Reconstruction and/or Slavery in North America. The author is an economist so he delivers a new eye on the subject that is unusual; and prompted me to buy the book originally many years ago. My first copy is so highlighted and written in that I ordered an extra copy one for my kindle for quick reference while reading. Highly recommended for serious readers only.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. No Chattel Slavery; Yes Political SlaveryBy Book "Booker" LookerHummel has written a book that I feel is more balanced and detailed than either of DiLorenzo's ventures into the topic. I was pleased that much of the historicity of the book was corroborated by what I had read in high school and so the book was for me a refresher on this era in American history. Hummel discusses in-depth the ways in which secession would have undermined slavery and frequently brings up specific entries from many different historical figures to give an accurate and complete picture of the Civil War and the ensuing Reconstruction. I strongly recommend reading this book if possible.One more thing I was pleased with reading this book: the author is much more detached from the events; rarely approaching the scorn and indignation with which DiLorenzo approaches the topic (if at all). Not to throw DiLorenzo under the bus; but I feel his books are a little misleading at times.