A Bitter Veil, by Libby Fischer Hellmann
In A Bitter Veil, Libby Fischer Hellmann gives us insight to the turmoil in the middle east, through the eyes of an American woman. The conflict at the heart of the novel is Iran, in the late 70s and early 80s, including the taking of the American hostages. We see the bitter hatred for Americans, the cruelty that comes with a revolution and political unrest.
Anna, an American college student, falls in love with an Iranian, and moves back to Iran to start a life with him. Her husband comes from an afluent family, and everything is provided for them. A new home, furnishings, everything. Her father in law arranges a job for her husband, and their life together seems off to a perfect start.
At first, Anna embraces her new home, the culture rich heritage, and different lifestyle. While the uprising had already begun before their move, it escalates quickly. We see many people in their lives changing, taking sides, and becoming untrustworthy. Anna's relationship with her own husband deteriorates rapidly, and he is taken up with secretive forces. And we see what Anna has to do, to simply survive...
The story is an amazing account of our heroine, and what she endures while living in the middle of chaos, and how people came to help her. It was beautifully written, and extremely moving. Two thumbs up!
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