The Golden Cage: Three Brothers, Three Choices, One Destiny Hardcover – April 30, 2011

Shirin Ebani, whose two wonderful previous memoirs, one written with the universe--class Azadeh Moaveni [this is the sixth book by the two of them I have raved about] tells her story, and that of Iran in upheaval, through the lives of three brothers and their effervescent sister, who never relented in her ultimately unsuccessful campaign to keep her family intact and out of trouble. The Golden Cages refer to the incompatible ideologies that, in Ebani's view, brought all three brothers to ruin in distinctly different ways, yet all because of who they were and what they believed and cherished. [The Golden Cage has an older meaning of the luxurious harems that imprison their inmates.] One brother was a staunch adherent of the Shah; another a fervent devotee of the Islamic Revolution, and the third a committed member of the Iranian Communist party. Ebani traces their convoluted relationships through an Iran in the midst of never-ending and almost incredible upheavals to their isolated and sad deaths. This intensely personalizes epochal world events in a way equally as poignant as other women's memoirs coming out of iran. We feel we are there, we know and care about the [real life] characters, and watch enthralled, fascinated, and with growing horror as a drama every bit as compelling as those of the finest Greek or Elizabethan tragedies, unfolds to what almost seems its inevitable catastrophe. Ebani and Moaveni have written some of the greatest memoirs, and indeed books, ever. They vastly increase our understanding not only of the "Middle East", but of social change generally, and the dilemmas of persons acting in, and swept up by, enormous historical events they can neither understand or control. Absolutely wonderful!

Full disclosure: I am truly prideful of Shirin Ebadi and her courageous work, that has led to becoming a human rights noble leader and role model for our [now] broken country.My review is specifically in regards to this book.Cons:1- Lets be honest, first of all, the cover image is misleading. I really thought this book is about the three main mullahs (Beheshti, etc.) that were the key players in the islamic revolution and Khomieni's inner circle. Particularly because the cover image shows three mullahs standing before a large crowd, and introduction refers to "three brothers" which was interpreted as the Islamic brotherhood.2- The first half of the novel is a bit unclear and scattered. Some of my early questions were answered later after getting through the first 100pages.3- The story is quite bias. The political events and some characters are portrayed in a very specific bias way.I am quite disappointed that Shirin Ebadi didnt try to maintain a neutral position in regards to the political events and figures such as the Shah, or Khomeini, etc. especially considering that this is a 'novel', the story of how a family (one of millions) got destroyed throughout the country's internal turmoil. Her personal perspective and beliefs definitely set a different tone to the whole story and skew the reader's point of view.Pro:1- The book explains the regime's dark sides quite well. The horrific events, brutal mass murders, blind and heartless followers of the regime, anti women and human rights rules, extreme suppression and brainwashing systems, unstable political structure, etc. are all very nicely laid out and touched upon.2- The emotional and cultural moments of the story are quite strong.3- Overall, its raising awareness and drawing attention to the inhumane elements of the current regime, in a very blunt and subtle way at the same time. Which is great.I too, thank Shirin Ebadi and especially Pari and her family for sharing their story... It must have been difficult to live through those harsh and bitter memories again to develop this book.

I was very excited to order and read this book given Shirin Ebadi's status as a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. The story relates the family history of a close friend of Ms. Ebadi's and the tragic lives of the family's three brothers.Although the beginning of the book seemed disorganized and a little confusing, things settled down as I began to understand the main characters and their personalities. Although Ms. Ebadi is the narrator, the book is not really about her or her life. It is about her friend's family and three brothers, all of whom chose different political beliefs and associations.From this book I gained insight into the culture, traditions, religion, and politics of Iran from the 1900's until today. I gained additional respect for the people of Iran and the stresses and the hardships they live with daily. I applaud Ms. Ebadi for relating what must have been a difficult story. Even though the book itself may not directly change the status of people in Iran, she has done what the Iranian sociologist Ali Shariati suggested (on page 252 of Ebadi's book) and that is "if you can't eliminate injustice, at least tell everyone about it". Thank you, Ms. Ebadi, for telling us all about it.

This book opened my understanding of Iran and its history. It was amazing that three brothers could be led in three opposing directions that led to power, imprisonment, and exile. As I read the book, I was thankful that I was born in the USA and have a deeper empathy for Iran. The book led me to learn more about Iran and Ms Ebadi. She has had a heart wrenching life that she underplays in telling the story of three brothers. However her purpose of letting the world know what has happened in Iran was definitely accomplished.

The book is based on the author's personal experiences from living in Iran. The story that unfolds is a look in a past that now seems to be forgotten. It sees things from a deeply human point of view, but also is a cry against dogma no matter where it comes from. It made me feel sad but also hopeful at the very same time. All in all, a must read!!!

A wonderful book. A moving story about one family during the changing political situation of Iran from the time of the Shah and after the revolution. Powerfully moving!

An excellent book based on true story.... 3 different political point of view and all ends in a same sad way .... So touching...

This is a book about what happened to Iranian during revolution. If you are interested in Iran history, I recommend this book to you.The author is the first woman who won Nobel peace prize and a good lawyer.I love it because it is like a story but it covers almost everything about Iran.