Not Without My Daughter is a true story that occurred in the 70’s-80’s
about an American woman, Betty Mahmoody, attempting to flee her husband
in Iran with her daughter, Mahtob Mahmoody. Their relationship begins
as ideal, but gradually takes a turn for the worst as Dr Mahmoody
becomes despondent about his life in the U.S. Betty, Mahtob and Dr
Mahmoody visit Dr Mahmoodys family in Iran, after a short while there
Betty’s worst fears become reality, she discovers that her husband
intends to keep her and Mahtob there against their will. Betty faces
many challenges and terrors in her attempt to escape from Iran, making
this book a nail biting account of the perils she faces.
I’ve read various comments, reviews etc accross the net about how this book, and the film based on it, is American propaganda.
I’ve
heard a lot of people in the western world speak of Iran, and their
views are far harsher than that of Betty Mahmoodys. Alongside telling
her story she does at points speak of Dr Mahmoodys kindness, as well as
his families. She pin points the beauty of the Muslim religion and
makes it clear that not all Iranians are tyrannical. To me these are
signs that the book is not full of propaganda. The film I cannot
comment on, as I haven’t watched it, I feel as though I enjoyed the
book so much that the film would be
a bit of a let down, as is the case with many films that are derived from books.
I
read the story of Betty’s plight to escape from Iran with an open mind,
and following reading it I read up on some Iranian law and found most
of what she said to paralell with how the government there does conduct
their part in family affairs, leading to men’having the upper hand’ so
to speak. I always believe there are two sides to every story, and I’m
trying to find Dr Mahmoodys. So far all i’ve found is avid Betty
Mahmoody haters who do little more than criticise her actions and
appraise Dr Mahmoody with no good reason.
So following this if anyone knows of this interview/movie that Dr Mahmoody made and can produce a link, please do so.