INTERNATIONAL
L.R., Iran:
Your book has brought us together again and I am glad that you wrote it: you’re the bird among us that flew… and finally sang. The English writing is really beautiful – a credit to all those years of study! I’m also certain that this is a book that can never be translated without losing something very very special.
K.R., Toronto, Canada
I read you book last year with great interest. You’ve come such a long way and have done so many things in your life… I teach music and it’s not often I come across someone who has come to it so late … keep at it!
Rev. Dr. D.A.M, Madrid, Spain
I’m reading a great book… by Frith Robb. I love her descriptions of life in Tehran as a convert, both pre and post Revolution there. Really brings a lot of texture to the life of the church there. Really like the character sketches of the Bishop and his son, though so sad to hear of their loss… Her book is really a great read.
S.B., New York:
Dear Mary….. I read your mother’s book over a couple of brilliantly snowy days on the winter break. Fascinating. What an amazing person she is. And, I am now considerably less ignorant about Iran than I was two weeks ago!
M.H., Boston, Mass., USA:
My favourite books this year were …. And also a special shout to my mother’s cousin, Frith Robb, for a wonderful read! It’s been a real pleasure to read about your life and experiences, and at the same time to learn more about our family…
H.N, Los Alamos, New Mexico:
A very interesting book. Thank you for writing it, and looking forward to seeing you in the USA in March.
R.G., Switzerland:
…I really enjoyed reading your book, and relived some of my own experiences. Not only V’s Confirmation and your Baptism Service, but my years in Switzerland too. I must have lived in the same area of Geneva more or less when you were there…although I am slightly older than you, the dates work. Shame we did not meet then! Unfortunately I left your book behind on a United Airlines plane, so you will need to dedicate a second one to me—which I am buying!
Dr S.B., India:
I have just finished reading your book. Wonderful reading of an absolutely eventful life. I am full of admiration for your resilience, and your written word. Thank you for sharing it and the wonderful gift of this book.
B.H., Isle of Man:
Not surprisingly I am impressed by reading such words which just flow along…I have never been a reader of books other than professional journals… Congratulations to a natural writer. Proud to know you personally [more now] Hope you reach the same goals with the viola!
Dr. M.K., Israel:
Dearest Frif, I finally received my copy of your book! For some obscure reason it has taken 3 and a half months to get from the USA to Israel by post. I received it yesterday and read it in just two sittings. Absolutely beautifully written, and totally gripping! It brought back many memories of our schooldays in Geneva, and I clearly remember your top floor flat in Champel. I didn’t know you had attended the St Vincent de Paul school in Teheran – my mother was also taught by their nuns in Egypt…. My visit to you in Iran when we were teenagers was truly memorable, I recall meeting the Nassiris, and our trip to Isfahan…The photos you have included make me miss you, the closeness of our youth, and your infectious laughter! I must make an effort to see you on one of my next hops to the UK. I am so pleased that Shira and Mary are continuing a second generation of this friendship. Your story is one of great courage, and great faith. Most inspiring! What a special person you are! Very much love from your old friend, Michy.
M.D., Malta:
I have just completed reading your book ‘Unexpected Grace’ which Emily recommended to me and I would like to congratulate you on such a captivating memoir, not to mention your many achievements. I found the book to be truly humbling and very moving in so many ways….
Prof. G.H., Lund, Sweden:
When I finally started reading your book I was completely unable to put it away from me for more than just short periods. First of all, I’m fascinated by your journey in life. You have been forced to make many very difficult decisions but on looking back you managed to make the right decision every time. That is impressive. Obviously the only really easy decision was when James asked if you wanted to marry him! It is quite fascinating how you two managed to get reunited after your 3 years in an unstable Iran. The book clearly shows how closed borders and societies can affect people. Secondly, I’m impressed by how well-written this book is. I understand that it is with your long education that you have gained this talent. I hope the book gets a wide acclaim. Both you and your book are worth it!
Prof. Dr. R.D., Basel, Switzerland:
I got Frift’s book and read it with great interest and amusement. It is very well written and very fascinating: Congratulations! What a life! You must be great personalities to still be keeping so warm, humorous, and positive in spite of all the heavy experiences. For me the book is especially interesting as it so nicely shows James and his sense of humour with a few but very characteristic phrases. I really enjoyed!
T.P., Dublin, Eire:
I don’t know how to say it, but I really loved reading your story. It is something similar to the story of my family – displaced from Eastern Europe. Also, you so write well that even I can read and understand it.
M-L.G., Zurich, Switzerland:
Dear Frith, I have been thinking a lot about you! We have just enjoyed a lovely trip to the Orkney Islands with my parents. My mom would have loved to have met up with you, but they had to go back home to Switzerland today. We know all about your book and have tried to order it from Amazon, but it was sold out…Do you have any to sell? I would like to buy 4 – one for me, one for my mom, and two more to give to friends.
Dr. A.D., Bangkok, Thailand:
I started reading your book yesterday and have just reached the end, having enjoyed every page. As one of your Amazon reviewers has written, it is a real page turner. You write beautifully – many of the passages could be from a novel…
H.W., Queensland, Australia:
I have just finished reading your book “Unexpected Grace.” I’ve read it in just over three days- due to the inconvenience of work- I would have finished it much sooner otherwise! It has been a truly fascinating, and a very uplifting read. Congratulations, and thank you.
M.K., Boston, Massachusetts, USA:
There are many moments in your book that resonate with my own life, and it’s interesting to see the different routes we have taken, and the influences that have sustained and shaped us. While I’m not religious, it warms my heart that you have found solace in the church. We are on different paths, but ultimately I think we are all after the same things: home, peace, love….
S.N.T., Pella, Iowa, USA:
Oh my goodness….you are such a lovely, accomplished lady and author…. I know you already through your wonderful book, and am blessed to connect with you through our mutual friend- the ‘other’ Sharon Thompson!
Rev. S.A., Washington DC, USA:
It was a joy to read your book, and an honor to see I had a little part in your amazing story. Bishop Hassan was very important to both of us. Unexpected Grace brought back a lot of personal memories, all related to A Life in Two Worlds – make it Three Worlds: We’ve already tasted the culture of the Kingdom of God!
Dr. D.H., Stamford CT, USA:
Terrific! (We were outsiders at Ecolint!) Am definitely sending a copy to my mother in England…!
S.E., Los Angeles, USA:
My husband started your book yesterday morning and finished it tonight! Meaning he was reading it non stop….and he really liked it a lot… He got hooked! I am not exaggerating! You are competing with a Nobel prize winner!
S.K., Naples FL, USA:
Just finished your memoir. Enjoyed it immensely. Laughed and cried, was amazed and learned. Loved it….
UNITED KINGDOM
England & Wales & Northern Ireland
B.C., Lancaster
Frith, Thanks for your book – I read it from cover to cover. It really makes one think.
T.M., London
My wife and I lived in Iraq for a number of years, and what you write about living between the two cultures resonated with me. Also, I’m a believer too, and knowing a little about Islam I was impressed by your faith journey and spiritual fortitude.
J.W, London
I have just finished your delightful book “Unexpected Grace” and felt that I must send you my warmest congratulations – before posting the book to my mother, who I know will enjoy it as much as I did. You have a marvellous and fascination story to tell, and having lived in Tehran from 1984-1986 I was immensely interested to read about the experiences of you and your family during the Islamic Revolution. But I also discovered the wonderful story of your conversion, and your marriage – both equally gripping. Every chapter is a page turner! However, what really makes your book outstanding is your excellent writing, which is such a pleasure to read, and which betrays your great love and knowledge of English Literature. Your intelligence, humour, and honesty shine through every line….I hope your book enjoys great success – and thank you for writing it.
Dr. J.A., Nottingham:
I’m glad to have read such a truly positive account of your past life…
M.T., Loughborough
When I realised had been placed together in a quintet for the BQ course in Wales I went on the Internet and looked you up, and saw that you had written a book, so I bought it on Amazon. And then I realised that you’re not a man! Your book was so interesting – I couldn’t stop reading it and I was quite in awe of you before we met….I didn’t need to be!
J.G., Oxford
I hope your book is going well. I have lent it to several church-going friends and they have all been enthralled by it.
M.L., West Kirby:
I just love your book Frith… My time in Iran seems such a long time ago now… I’m in book reading group, and as a slow reader I struggle to read the prescribed books. I’m now about half-way through yours and am so enjoying it. I really hope you’ve done well from publishing it.
E.S., Maidstone:
C. and I read and enjoyed your book earlier this year, Farifteh. It’s a very special thing for your children and grandchildren. Well done!
J.C., London:
I mislaid my copy of your book since the FDI Conference, and we found it today with the Communion sets! Well done for getting such a well-written and important book finished and published. We both thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and of course it brought back many memories. Did I remember to tell you that May 5th is T’s birthday as well as the day of your Baptism?! … When I read ‘Unexpected Grace’ for the first time I made a note of a few typos in case you are wanting to re-publish it….I hope the suggestions will be helpful and not discourage you in what is a hugely successful project…
P.L., Nottingham:
We both enjoyed your book, Frif. Well done!
J.L., Cambridge:
We loved your book – couldn’t put it down!
G.F., Oakham
I read Unexpected Grace . . . on retreat on Holy Island. I wanted to let you know how much I’ve appreciated it. I have laughed aloud and also wept. It has reconnected me with so many memories and made vivid some of my own emotions. But I’ve also enjoyed learning about your life and faith journey.
M.J., Bridgend, Wales:
Farifteh’s book is exciting. Really unputdownable.
Y.G., Birmingham:
I enjoyed it a lot …I am absolutely bowled over by the amount and variety of things you have done and all the career changes and adjustments you have made in your life…a great book.
S.W., Birmingham:
I could not put your book down once I had started. I felt a strong sense of tenderness and love in my heart towards you and …privilege in having you as a friend. I was deeply touched by your courage and honesty in sharing your deep feelings of love for God, for James and for your family. Thank you for sharing your worlds with us.
S.L., Cirencester:
I have been meaning to drop you a line for quite a while, but never seem to get round to it. I purchased your book from Amazon a few months ago and it sits by my bedside where I dip into it every evening when I escape to bed early enough to be able to read without falling asleep. I just wanted to tell you that I always really enjoy reading it. It’s so beautifully written and so vivid in its descriptions. You are truly a natural author – maybe you should put pen to paper more often! You have a wonderful way with words and also in the way you relay them to the reader….
J.G., Cornwall:
Thank you for writing ‘Unexpected Grace’….I found it to be a great insight into two very different worlds. Also I was intrigued to read how God had picked a young Muslim girl out to be His own – and delighted at your response! I do hope that you will keep writing and produce another book in time.
Rev. Dr D.D., Durham:
….an old friend of mine….who has just read your book, rang me, and sent it on for me to read. This I did, and not without some clear memories and a sense of gratitude for the past and how it sometimes unfolds in joy…Your grasp of English Literature and poetry is evident….At the end of Chapter 5 my eyes dimmed with tears….
S.B., Holsworthy, Devon:
Ever since I read your book I wanted to write to you and say how very sorry and sad I was that your first English Christmas in Nottingham was so lonely …. Your book is an amazing read, and itput those bits of your life into perspective of which I only had a sketchy knowledge …. All the Nottingham memories came flooding back…
Father C.B., Clapham, London:
I am enthralled by your book….
Dr J.E., London:
I read your book a few months ago and want to tell you how much I enjoyed it. You write extremely well, and your story should be better known.
M.B., London:
A great read – I read it through in a single night! You write very well, movingly and with a real sense of history and literature. You had me in tears several times….
S.W., London:
Your book arrived a week or two ago and I’m very much enjoying it… but more than that, reliving many of the events we went through at the time of the 1979 Islamic Revolution 38 years ago! Well done for so openly documenting everything…You are very brave…!
D.M., London:
I’ve just finished reading your book . It was so good to read it – I hadn’t appreciated everything about your conversion to Christianity before. When one has been a Christian all one’s life one takes lots of things for granted. I will certainly think about such matters more deeply now.
Dr. B.M., London:
I really enjoyed reading your book. You write so well I can hear your voice speaking throughout….
S.A., Harrogate:
Just read your book. Am overwhelmed and so full of admiration for you. A truly great achievement! And a truly great life…. I was completely enthralled…A superb achievement.
Dr. E.T., Nottingham:
Dear Farifteh….you have a real gift for writing…..you have moved me to tears. You have written a great book… and you know what is in my heart.I’m sorry we didn’t manage your first Xmas at Willoughby better, but it turned out well….
I so much enjoyed your book – a wonderful gift for all your family. I loved it on many different levels. In the first place, it is a very unusual narrative, moving as it does through so many different times and places…Your personality emerges slowly – no matter how dire the circumstances and however difficult the choices you have to make, you face them with wisdom and courage. I was especially struck by your decision to leave home in Iran to study nursing in England. You make little of the difficulties behind this. I am sure that, given such choices, I would never have had the guts to do what you did. Also remarkable is the way you have handled your love affair. James is seldom mentioned, yet when he is, it becomes clear how important he is in the whole wonderful tale of your marriage.
Over the years you have said little to your family about your inner life, and I think this reticence is part of your determination to understand the culture in which you chose to live without turning your back on the richness of another world. You can be very funny too, with a quiet humour… I knew that you had been on retreat with the Jesuits and that you were struggling with the pull between two great traditions, but I had no idea how very important it all was to you. You have made so light of your troubles over the years that most of us were not alive to how great your difficulties were…
J.G., OBE, Shipton-Under-Wychwood:
Your book is fascinating. What an amazing life you have had, and you write about it so beautifully and so sensitively. To dip into it will always be a pleasure in store ….. You convey very well your journey of faith and the challenges you met on the way with such courage. You portray the personalities of friends and family so that one has a real picture of them. …Your description of your training routine at St George’s in 1979 reminded me of my first few weeks in the army!…. I too have a fond and enduring memory of Hassan and Margaret Dehqani-Tafti – a lovely man.….
D.R., Telford:
Finished your book. It’s great! Many thanks for writing it. It filled in a number of gaps.
S.G., Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
Frith, I started reading your book, when we were in Edinburgh for New Year, as we were with Sinead who has it, but I only got as far as the first few chapters … I absolutely loved it and have ordered it on Amazon, so expecting it any day now…and maybe one day I’ll get you to sign my own copy for me, I’m really looking forward to reading all of i…t
[from a later message]:.Really enjoying your book now Frith. What a brave and inspirational woman you are…
M.C., Belfast, Northern Ireland:
We all love your book – it’s doing the rounds back home! So glad to have been part of your life. We still talk about your visit to us in Newtownards, and the laughs we had – it was a legend!
Scotland
C.M., Edinburgh
I am writing to tell you how much I enjoyed your book. I have been working with the BBC Scottish Orchestra in Glasgow for the last week and have been getting the train through to work, and so have had reading time. I devoured your book in two days! Couldn’t put it down! I’m getting my husband Simon to read it next. It’s such an interesting book, and so well-written, and I am amazed at all the detail of your life which you are able to recall. I was amused too at the many connection points of our lives… St George’s in Tooting… Leeds…. Simpson’s and Sick Kids in Edinburgh… When you were living in Leeds Simon was in Halifax and he well remembers the Yorkshire Ripper time—in fact he was questioned as one of those murders happened just up the road from where he lived… Your life in Iran and the political situation there intrigues me. I know something of what went on, of course, but it has been great to understand it better from an insider. Also the way God drew you and kept you through all the years is really touching to read and a great faith builder. Thank you so much for the book. A great pleasure.
B.T, Edinburgh
Once I started reading your book I just could not put it down. I don’t know how you remember so much detail from the past, and am full of admiration of the way you write. Your life has been through many different stages – and each one is so interesting, but the way you describe it is with such wisdom and humour that it makes us all want to meet you!
V.C., Unst, Shetland:
What a pleasure it has been to read Frif’s book. Apart from being a fascinating insight into your background and life journey, you have managed to combine an excellent, literary, and very literate style of writing, and still to sound just like yourself.
K.H., Edinburgh:
I absolutely LOVED your book, and I want to tell all my friends about it. How do we buy more copies? I’m so glad you’ve put your life onto paper, it is quite amazing.
G.R., Stirling:
We really enjoyed reading about Frif’s life and the recent blogs on Facebook… a great book.
R.B., Edinburgh:
We both greatly enjoyed your book and its description of such a life that I certainly never suspected when sitting nattering to you in the balcony overlooking Warrender Baths during children’s swimming lessons all those years ago!
Dr. E.S., St Andrews:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book—what an interesting life!
L.P., Edinburgh:
I have been enjoying reading your autobiography a lot—a little slow to finish as I’m a slow reader.
H.D., Perth:
Very much enjoyed reading Frith’s book after your tip-off in last year’s Xmas letter—thank you!
S.T., Edinburgh:
Congratulations again on publishing your book, Frith. I really enjoyed reading about your interesting life, and I hope many more people will get to read it.
Rev. B.C., Betttyhill, Sutherland:
I have just finished reading your book “Unexpected Grace.” What a fascinating journey you have experienced. I have read a number of books about living in Iran during the revolution and find women’s experiences of that period very interesting. How blessed you were with the various people who led you into Christianity and who contributed to your faith journey. God does work in mysterious ways. I don’t know you well, but I could hear your voice in your writing, clear and direct….I have been truly blessed by hearing your story.
E.B., Aberfeldy:
Thanks for giving me a copy of your book. It’s been quite fascinating getting to know the ‘real’ you! Looking forward to lots more music making together.
J.R., Bridge-of-Weir:
A most wonderful book!
V.M., Dunbar:
I found your book by chance in the boot of our car, picked it up while waiting for Alberto and started reading it at the roadside – then I couldn’t put it down! There are so many important themes in it – the love story of course, but also history, culture, faith, dislocation, survival, coping,….
E.P., Edinburgh:
Just finished reading your fascinating book. I raced through it over two days since I was really enjoying it. You have a wonderful way with words. For instance I love the phrase: “ being enveloped like a caul”. Then I laughed out loud when you asked the Irish farmer why his cows don’t wear bells around their necks. Your fabulous sense of humour certainly shines through. I really look forward to our next session about your book in the church centre…
C.D., Edinburgh:
I finally got round to reading your book. I can’t believe we’ve been next-door neighbours all these years and I never knew anything at all about your past. The book is also extremely well written – it’s a real pleasure to read.
R.N., Edinburgh:
I loved your book. A big hug for everything you went through… I just don’t know how you managed to swop careers and still make a go of it.
Prof. M.M., Edinburgh:
Thank you for your book. It’s been wonderful to read it. As James’s colleague, and even having shared an office with him at Sick Kids for so many years, I had no idea about your background! Well done – it’s quite a testament to fortitude.
B.P., Edinburgh:
Frith, I read your book in hospital while recovering from my hip replacement. You’ve had an amazing life, so brave, and I’m glad to have you as my cheerful church visitor! Thanks for the lovely harvest plant too. I look forward to our next meeting.
C.M., Edinburgh:
I knew you were different when I met you at church, and I was right! Just loved your book – now you should write the sequel!
A.B., Edinburgh:
Your book is wonderful. I found chapter 8 too harrowing, and I had to put the book aside to read again later. Your descriptions of Catholicism in a previous time resonated with me. I am very moved by your story.
R.B., Edinburgh:
All those times we waited together when our kids had swimming lessons, and all those years that Mary came here for cello lessons – and I had absolutely no idea…!
R.B., Edinburgh:
Quite a remarkable book. Ruth and I were bowled over by your book…the human interest story, the ethical dilemmas …especially those emanating from political situations which affect ordinary people are beautifully described. You speak sensitively about far-reaching problems, and you blame no one.
J.B., Edinburgh:
I loved your book. A fascinating glimpse into life in Iran and your own journey as a woman of Iran. Hoping to see you at the next Persian Church gathering in Edinburgh.
J.D., Edinburgh:
Frith, I can’t begin to tell you how great your book is. When I was reading it, I kept stopping and saying to Brian “did you know this?”, “did you know that?” There are so many things we never knew about you and James all these years we’ve known you at Church. Beautifully written too – it’s a lovely book.
Dr. J.H., Edinburgh:
I thoroughly enjoyed your book, and once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down and had to finish it – and that doesn’t happen often! Well done.
S.M., Edinburgh:
Alastair and I are just back from France and we had the pleasure of reading your book whilst we were there. It was so interesting to read about your parents, grandparents, family and the whole way life in Iran. After knowing you both for so many years we found it moving to discover what you went through to come to the UK during the revolution… the book is a real treasure for your children and grandchildren…a wonderful achievement to have written it.
S.T., Edinburgh:
I have really enjoyed reading your book. What a life you have had! It can really be made into a movie! I will never see James in the same light again – the Adonis! Also, a friend in America (a Baptist minister’s wife) has asked me to pass on to you how much she has enjoyed reading it. She bought your book over in the USA and can’t quite believe that I actually know its author! She is also called Sharon Thompson – we met on Facebook when she was looking up others with the same name – and we became friends….
P.M., Edinburgh:
I loved reading about you with all those nuns in their convents – what an amazing and unusual experience…!
Prof. M.S., Edinburgh:
You have written a great book…
C.D., Edinburgh:
It’s wonderful, totally wonderful! I couldn’t put it down!
C.L., Edinburgh:
Dear Mrs Robb, Veronica Harris kindly lent me your book. I hugely enjoyed it and found it fascinating. It’s an easy read. I love your writing style.
K.M., Edinburgh:
I started reading it in the evening, and I couldn’t put it down – I read it right through the night and finished in the early hours!
Rev. R.H., Edinburgh:
Thank you so much for sending me a copy of your book. You have done a superb job.
E.C., Edinburgh:
Cynthia and I loved your book. You write about difficult events and complexities so very well, and yet still manage glimpses of humour!
Dr. F.N., Edinburgh:
The book…..very well written. Your classics education comes through and you have a very easy but clear style with a twinge of humour which makes for good reading. Perhaps you can take up writing now that you’re retired.
A.W., Edinburgh:
Dick and I loved your book. Everything in it is so true to life for me – I came out of Africa to Scotland. And Dick says, “…in the book she has also spoken for you…”
S.H., Edinburgh:
You had me hooked – from the beginning to the very end.
P.S., Edinburgh:
I’m reading it now, and I can’t bear to put it down, I can’t bear to finish it….
M.S., Edinburgh:
Your book is wonderful, and it’s nice that it’s so easy to read. You and I are the same age, and I really enjoy identifying with the descriptions of your childhood and teen years …
J.C., Edinburgh:
Well written, and a joy to read.
D.S., Edinburgh:
I’m re-reading it. Fascinating parallels with many Jewish experiences of people in my parents’ generation…
S.M., Edinburgh:
Beautifully written… quietly moving.
L.M., Edinburgh:
I can’t get my head around all those places you’ve lived in – all those moves…and you’re still sane!
C.W., Edinburgh:
I’m reading your book Frith … wow how did I know so little about your amazing life!
Lovely pics x
J.W., Edinburgh:
I found your book immensely inspiring and most interesting. I am so impressed by your ability to move from different places and professions into others without impossible strains. To have returned to work, retrained and entered a completely different profession after 15 years of looking after your family was a great achievement. I am also touched by your descriptions of how the grace of God has been drawing you throughout your life…
A.M., Edinburgh:
I just want to tell you how very much I’ve enjoyed your book….all so very interesting, and your humour had me laughing out loud many times! Your descriptions are very clear making it easy to imagine people, places and events. I’m going to lend it to a friend. I’ve been telling another friend about it – she attends a creative writing course and I think she’ll love your style of writing. Have you thought of writing anything else?
R.H., Edinburgh:
Your book is very well written. How on earth do you remember childhood details such as putting your tongue into the brass faucet of a drinking fountain!? You make all these scenes come alive….
J.S., Edinburgh:
Frith, my wife has acquired my copy of your book and has taken it away to give, as an 80th birthday present, to a friend who is an avid reader. If you have any left, I would like to have another..!
Dr. K.L., Edinburgh:
Your book is really well written – I just couldn’t put it down! All these years that we’ve known each other and I had absolutely no idea!…..I’ll not see you (or James) in the same light ever again!
J.D., Edinburgh:
I want to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your book. Apart from it being incredibly interesting and insightful, you write so well! I don’t usually read more than two or three pages of a book in the evenings as I can’t stay awake for long, but I began reading ‘Unexpected Grace’ on Wednesday and finished it on Thursday! Congratulations on getting published. I’m sure your familyare all very proud.
P.F., Edinburgh:
Thoroughly enjoyed reading it – a very good book. There’s so much about you that I didn’t know! What a life you’ve led – and you tell it so beautifully.
I.D., Edinburgh:
Amazing…just an amazing book! …I can’t get over all the detail you’ve managed to pack into your extremely readable book.
M.C., Edinburgh:
…I want to thank you for writing and publishing your book, and exposing yourself so much. I feel really privileged to have read it …. I found myself unexpectedly crying in some places…
J.M., Edinburgh:
…just finished your wonderful book this morning, it was a really enjoyable read. Well done. Will there be another?
F.M., Edinburgh:
I am loving your book and couldn’t put it down, so nearly gobbled it up in one sitting! Another friend has bought it after I described it to them. They thought it was so interesting that they wanted to read it too!
E.G., Edinburgh:
Frith, I’ve just finished reading Unexpected Grace and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it. My previous understanding of Iran, I’m ashamed to say went not much further than WPC Yvonne Fletcher and my father’s dinner table opinion that Britain had dealt very poorly in respect of the Shah. Your account of childhood religiosity in the church of St Therese in Geneva was deeply moving: “Somehow I knew with unerring certainty that this was a place where Kindness lived.” What perfect description of the perfect response! Thank you….
A.H., Edinburgh:
I absolutely loved reading your book. It’s so well written. You have revealed how talented you are. There were several parts that made me cry–with sadness and happiness! I especially loved the chapters about how you and Dad got together, and about your life before you became my mum and the stories from Iran. It’s amazing what you’ve remembered and the way you write seems effortless. I’m really impressed……Also I now realise how important Christianity is in your life – having not fully understood, until now, how significant it has always been
D.C., Falkirk:
I just had to write to say how much I enjoyed your book. It was an absolute joy to read. It had me laughing and crying – and not many books do that! Many congratulations on getting your life in print. Now, how about writing another book about all those nursing and midwifery stories…?!
Dr. D.M., Glasgow:
We both thoroughly enjoyed your book. Morag read it first, and she kept saying to me ‘… did you know…?’ and I kept replying ‘let me read it for myself!’ My thoughts? …Your subtitle is ‘A Life in Two Worlds’, but it appears to me that your life has been split over two worlds in many different ways: love, family, religion, education, career…. Morag and I really…enjoyed reading about it, and we are looking forward to the follow-up.
H.G., Isle of Arran:
So excited to read it at last – I don’t know how you found the time to write it – I really admire you.
Dr. J.M., Kilmarnock:
Hi Frith, just to say I’ve finished your book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. What an amazing and fascinating life you have had so far – and, still more years to come! It was great to meet as a quartet in Ullapool – looking forward to next year.
… I really enjoyed your book, we bought 2 copies so I can send one to Sara in Australia. The book is a great insight into your Iranian culture, and quite moving. My physiotherapist’s daughter recently, her daughter is interested in Muslim/Christian culture, and she is now reading it too.
H.R., Stirling:
I have just finished reading your book and I loved it! You write beautifully! Your life has been so full and interesting. What a wonderful read…
Back to the main In the Shadow of the Shahs page HERE.