Unexpected Grace:
A Life in Two Worlds
The memoir of Farifteh V. Robb
About the Book
This memoir is the story of the author’s life from her childhood in Switzerland, youth in Iran, postgraduate years in England, to her experiences in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, and her eventual return to Britain as a student nurse. The memoir describes her parents’ early years in Persia in the first half of the twentieth century, their family life in the ensuing chaos of the Revolution, as well as the joy of the author’s conversion and baptism in Tehran. It reflects candidly on some of the problems posed by her dual nationality at a time when Iranian politics were largely viewed negatively. This memoir is the story of a life which continues to be informed by the duality of Persian/Islamic and European/Christian cultures–a blend of identities which is becoming more common in an age of increased international exchanges. As such it is a book that will interest many readers in the present multicultural times.
About the Author
Farifteh Robb (née Hafezi) BA, MSc, PhD, began her career as an academic in Iran before re-training as a nurse and midwife in the UK. Born in Switzerland and raised as a Muslim in a Persian family, she has lived in Europe and the Middle East. She was baptized in Tehran during the final years of the Shah’s reign and survived both the Islamic Revolution and its aftermath. Her subsequent move to Britain and marriage to a Scottish doctor have enabled her to embrace a new life greatly enhanced by her intimate connection with two cultures, two religions, and two very different professions.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Baba and Mami
Childhood Memories
In the Shadow of the Shahs
Academic Interlude
Love
The Secret World of God
Perfect Joy
Chaos
Rising from the Ashes
Marriage
Motherhood and a Scottish Mullah
Four Last Things
Editor’s Note
It has been a joy to work with the author on this project! Farifteh Robb writes with eloquence, passion, grace, and humour. Readers will love her gentle style, her insightful comments, the deft touches she uses to establish atmosphere and setting, and her gentle appreciation of the spiritual world. She writes in a natural way of the transitions her life has made, from 1950s and 1960s Europe, through pre-Revolution Iran, the British Isles, the Iranian Revolution itself, and, for the greater part of her life, in the United Kingdom.
More Info about the Book
Enjoy reading a sample chapter–activate the link HERE!
View a printable information sheet on the book HERE.
Read the author’s guest blog posts HERE and HERE and HERE.
Review Articles
Read a review by Prof. Hugh Goddard from The Edge, (Winter 2017), HERE.
Read a review by John Clark in Bible Lands Magazine; click the graphic to enlarge it.
Press Release
Read the press release HERE.
Order from Amazon!
Order your copies from Amazon–UK, HERE
Reader Appreciation Comments: The Top Selection
M.B., Edinburgh:
What a story this is! I am very impressed by the writer’s fortitude and resilience over many years and against overwhelming odds. She is entitled to feel proud of her achievements….I found it a compulsive read.
J.C., London:
A great read, a beautifully written memoir of a remarkable life in Europe, Iran and the UK, with some wonderful touches about Iran and Persian traditions….The book looks and feels really good, has some lovely photos and a wonderful love story – human and divine, at its heart.
F.F., Inverness:
I have just read your book and enjoyed it immensely. In fact, I liked it so much that I have suggested it to my book group for our next one to read….
S.D., York:
Congratulations on your book. I could not put it down! ….I recently met Isobel Booth-Clibborn at CMS in Manchester…..she would be worth tracking down as a speaker, as she may have opportunities to promote ‘Unexpected Grace’…
Y.D., London:
I could not wait to read it, and then I could not put it down, it really is a great book! Persian friends at work are now reading it, and they love it too…I do hope you promote this book widely… it will interest people who have a dual heritage or who belong to two different cultures – and there are plenty of them!
S.W., Edinburgh:
Your book made me both laugh and cry at the same time. It is very well-written and has all the makings of bestseller. I think it could be made into a great film!
V.H., Edinburgh:
I really enjoyed reading your memoir. It is easy to read, and beautifully written. You have managed to get the right balance between sharing your memories and thoughts with a proper level of restraint, dignity and privacy…. Thank you for sharing your most interesting life with your readers!
A.D., York:
I could not put this book down and I read it through in one sitting. The stories of peoples’ lives shared with openness and honesty are always inspirational. God has His loving care and hand over us all, and He rejoices in our trust and obedience. This book shows that this may not always be easy…
P., Amazon.co.uk:
This is a wonderful piece of mindful and reflective writing. The hallmarks of the author’s work are sensitivity, gentleness and a profound feeling for Iran’s history and its turbulent times which she has both lived through and survived. Her book had me laughing out loud one minute whilst leaving me totally devastated the next. The author has a remarkable way of connecting with her reader. At times, it felt like she was sitting beside me in conversation. Other times I felt as though she was gently holding my hand as we danced together through the pages onto each chapter new. Farifteh V. Robb is an inspiration.
Read More Appreciation Comments HERE!