Bernard Phelan was detained on 3 October 2022 in the north-eastern city of Mashad in Iran during a wave of anti-government protests that have seen millions take to the streets. He was held for allegedly taking photographs of police officers and a mosque that had been burned. After seven months in prison, he was released on in May 2023. This is his story.
'Bernard Phelan has written a moving, engrossing, suspenseful and at times humorous account of his seven-month ordeal as a hostage in Iran. The book is filled with memorable characters, for example 'George', a sinister Iranian interrogator who is eager to discuss same sex marriage, atheism and French cassoulet. Phelan denounces Iran's 'grisly human chess game' and the cruelty of jailers, judges and fellow prisoners. But his story is also an affirmation of the power of love, kindness, courage and human resilience. Though one would not wish such a terrible experience on anyone, imprisonment in Iran has revealed Phelan's promise as a writer' -- Lara Marlowe * journalist and author of How Good It Is I Have No Fear of Dying *