In light of recent conflict in the Middle East, I’m seeking a deeper understanding beyond the headlines and I’ve therefore decided to research and read books about Iran.
While there is no shortage of non-fiction works on Iranian history and politics, I’ve compiled this list to focus on novels and memoirs by Iranian writers, particularly everyday lives and the experiences of women.
These Iran books explore the struggles, humour and resilience of Iranians, offering invaluable context and empathy for those wanting to go beyond the news.
Nomad Book Club
Iran is the Nomad Book Club pick for April 2026, where we explore a new country or region each month through books set in that place. Sign up to the newsletter to join the club and follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for updates.
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Join us on our next reading retreat and explore literary travel destinations with a group of like-minded book lovers.
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1. My Uncle Napoleon by Iraj Pezeshkzad
Translated by Dick Davis
Set in Tehran during the mid-20th century, My Uncle Napoleon is a satirical novel that delves into the quirky dynamics of a middle-class Iranian family.
The story is narrated by a young man whose family is obsessed with conspiracies and the imagined villainy of their uncle Napoleon.
Amid the absurdity, the novel examines love, loyalty, and the intricate social mores of Iranian life.
Author Bio
Iraj Pezeshkzad (1927–2022) was a celebrated Iranian writer and satirist. Known for his humour and insight into Iranian society, Pezeshkzad’s work has remained influential in Persian literature and popular culture.
2. Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat
Translated by Sassan Tabatabai
Blind Owl is a haunting exploration of existential despair. The story follows a nameless narrator grappling with isolation, obsession, and the weight of mortality, moving between reality and hallucination.
Its surreal style and psychological depth make it a cornerstone of modern Iranian literature.
Author Bio
Sadeq Hedayat (1903–1951) is one of Iran’s most important modernist writers. His works often examine alienation and the darker aspects of human experience, earning him lasting acclaim both in Iran and internationally.
3. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
This memoir recounts Azar Nafisi’s experiences teaching Western literature to a group of female students in Tehran under the restrictions of the Islamic Republic.
By discussing novels like Lolita, Gatsby, and Pride and Prejudice, the women find ways to explore freedom, individuality, and resistance amid the oppressive social climate.
Author Bio
Azar Nafisi is an Iranian-American writer and professor. Her work blends memoir and literary analysis, highlighting the transformative power of literature under challenging political circumstances.
4. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Translated by Anjali Singh
Persepolis is a graphic memoir depicting Satrapi’s childhood during the Iranian Revolution.
Through striking illustrations, it portrays the turbulence, fear, and humour of growing up amid political upheaval.
Reading Dangerously
Persepolis is one of 100 books featured in this banned books reading journal, which invites you to read texts that have been censored around the world.
Satrapi’s other works, including Woman, Life, Freedom, continue to explore social and political struggles in Iran and the diaspora.
This collection graphic-novel-style essays was inspired by the Woman, Life, Freedom protest movement, which launched in Iran in September 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish woman
Author Bio
Marjane Satrapi is an Iranian-French graphic novelist, filmmaker, and activist. Her storytelling combines personal memoir, political insight, and visual artistry, making her an essential voice in contemporary Iranian literature.
5. White Torture by Narges Mohammadi
Translated by Amir Rezanezhad
White Torture is a chilling account of imprisonment, psychological abuse, and resilience.
Narges Mohammadi draws from her experiences as a human rights activist and political prisoner, shedding light on the oppressive realities faced by many in Iran today.
Author Bio
Narges Mohammadi is an Iranian journalist, activist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Her writing is a courageous testimony to the human cost of state repression and the enduring spirit of resistance.
6. In Case of Emergency by Mahsa Mohebali
Translated by Mariam Rahmani
In Case of Emergency follows Shadi, a disillusioned and wealthy young woman addicted to opium, as she navigates a Tehran in chaos.
When apocalyptic earthquakes strike the city, Shadi finds herself in withdrawal, struggling to secure her next fix while the world around her unravels.
Author Bio
Mahsa Mohebali is a contemporary Iranian author known for her insightful exploration of personal and societal struggles in modern Iran, blending realism with warmth and wit.
7. The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
The Lion Women of Tehran follows Ellie, a young girl in 1950s Tehran, who forms a close friendship with the spirited Homa as they explore the city, play games, and dream of becoming “lion women.”
Years later, Homa’s reappearance disrupts Ellie’s privileged life, and together they navigate love, ambition, and an earth-shattering betrayal against the backdrop of Iran’s growing political turmoil.
Kamali’s earlier work, The Stationery Shop, has similar themes set against a romance plot:
The Stationery Shop follows Roya, a dreamy teenager in 1953 Tehran, whose romance with Bahman is shattered by political chaos, only for fate to reunite them more than sixty years later, forcing her to confront the questions that have haunted her for decades.
Author Bio
Marjan Kamali is an Iranian-American novelist whose works highlight personal stories set within Iran’s complex historical landscape, balancing heart, history, and cultural nuance.
More Books About Iran
This collection of books about Iran is by no means a definitive list but I hope that in reading these voices, I can gain more empathy, understanding, and a richer context for what I’m seeing in the news.
Do you have more Iranian writers or novels set in Iran to recommend? Leave your suggestions in the comments below.
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Travel Essentials
Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend.
FLIGHTS: The best deals can be found on Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kiwi (learn more about Kiwi travel hacking here).
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance because you can purchase once you’re already overseas and you can easily extend your policy. For digital nomads, I recommend and personally use Genki (learn more about Genki digital nomad health insurance here).
E-SIM: For travel in Europe, I use an e-sim with GoMobile, which is a provider based in Malta, but you need to be there to set it up.
ACCOMMODATION: I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for apartments. For Colivings, I usually book privately, but Coliving.com is a good place to start.
THINGS TO DO: I use Viator or Get Your Guide for booking day trips, city tours and other activities, though I often check reviews on TripAdvisor too.
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