This podcast began by describing Tehran in the early 20th century and Reza Khan’s plans to modernize the city and country. The introduction is meant to capture your attention and it was successful. About three minutes in the narrator introduces herself. The podcast is going to tell the story of modern Iran.
Oriana Coburn does a good job of narrating the podcast. The episode focuses on a tobacco protest in 1891. The introduction doesn’t relate to podcast episode, so it must be an indicator of where book one is going to conclude. If not it didn’t need to be included in the podcast episode and should have been saved for an episode that actually discussed 1924 Iran.
I enjoyed listening to the podcast and it serves as a good source to gain an introductory level of Iranian history.
Below is one of my favorite quotes from the podcast:
“The tobacco protests were narrow in scope and didn’t result in any massive changes or a political reconstruction but the movement itself became a symbol, a sign of hope that through action and devotion anything was possible. By finding a common cause that everyone could relate to the issue of tobacco became a stepping stone to prepare Iranians for the bigger fights to come.”
Overall I enjoyed listening and will add this podcast to my library. This is a very new podcast as the first episode was only published on March 20th.
As they barreled along in the subway Alexander turned to Sammy and asked “who are your heroes?”
“Like me personally?”
“Societal. In my age there were Achilles, Odysseus, Ajax and so many more. I want to know who the new heroes are.”
“Those are Greek dudes right?”
“Yes.” Alexander said disdainfully.
“Hey, don’t get mad at me cus I ain’t super booky?”
“I assume that means you don’t read much.”
“The last time I picked up a book was like third grade man. I live in the streets.”
“You have no place of domicile?”
“Dom a what?”
“A dwelling. A place where you sleep.”
“You take things too literally. I’m just sayin I was always roaming the streets. I had an apartment. It was small, so I spent as much time as possible outside in the city.”
“Who are the heroes of your age?” Alexander asked trying to get the conversation back on track.”
“I don’t know man. Everyone is so divided these days.” Sammy hedged as he looked around the subway to see who might be listening.
“Do you know of the Trojan War?”
“That’s the one with the horse. Right?”
“I have much to ...
