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The experiences chronicled by Iranian political prisoner Sepideh Gholian in her account of life within the women’s wards of Bushehr and Evin prisons offer a harrowing yet surreal insight into resilience amidst despair. Her narrative combines stark realism with elements of whimsical imagination, presenting an extraordinary testament of defiance. Readers encounter conflicting scenes—one moment grappling with the tragic story of a woman facing extreme measures to end a pregnancy, monitored by guards and cameras, and the next, learning to prepare delicious elephant ear pastries, shared with an uplifting tone that evokes warmth and community.
Gholian’s troubles began in 2018 when she was arrested for her involvement in organizing a strike by sugarcane workers. After being released on bail in early 2019, she was swiftly re-arrested following a coerced confession aired on state television. Her courageous stand against the Iranian regime resurfaced four years later when she denounced Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a viral video, resulting in her immediate return to Evin Prison. While journalist Maziar Bahari hints at the perils of revealing details about how her writings escaped prison, he underscores the importance of her voice.
The book is rich with detailed accounts of not only Gholian but also of her fellow detainees, each with their own poignant stories. For instance, Sakineh Sagoori, who had to publicly claim her newborn was affiliated with ISIS, and Elaheh Darvishi, whose imprisonment stemmed from her husband’s political actions. Gholian also sheds light on Fatima Muthanna, who faced incarceration beginning at a mere three years old due to her mother’s political affiliations.
However, the essence of life is not solely factual; the human spirit thrives on imagination. Maryam Haji-Hosseini, a scientist wrongly imprisoned for espionage, illustrates this with a whimsical recipe combining everyday ingredients with far-fetched items like “gasoline” to create a dish of meatballs—a reflection of her absurd reality. Her daily regime reveals both the dire conditions and the resourcefulness of the inmates, including a structured timetable that allows for reading, fitness, and creative expression.
Throughout the pages filled with unconventional recipes, it remains ambiguous how many of these imagined meals transition from thought to reality within the prison walls. Yet, Gholian’s dedication to her fellow prisoners emerges vividly through lovingly tailored recipes such as cream puffs and lemon meringue pies, suggesting a yearning for normalcy and joy amidst hardship. Additionally, a powerful adaptation of Ariel Dorfman’s play *Death and the Maiden* staged in the confines of the prison demonstrates the inmates’ indomitable spirit and capacity for hope.
One of the book’s most poignant moments features a shadow play that explores the haunting narratives of women impacted by violence and oppression, including the story of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, whose struggles resonate deeply with those still imprisoned. Her poignant imagery serves as a reminder of the broader struggle for women’s rights and human freedom in Iran.
Ultimately, Gholian elevates these expressions of longing for sweetness and comfort, illustrating that the act of baking—not just the results—holds deep significance in representing joy and creativity. Each recipe invites readers to partake in this culinary expression, encouraging them to find pleasure in cooking and sharing these creations, a resonant call to cherish life’s simpler delights.
*The Evin Prison Bakers’ Club: Surviving Iran’s Most Notorious Prisons in 16 Recipes* by Sepideh Gholian is now available from Oneworld for £12.99. For those interested in supporting quality journalism, the book can be ordered through guardianbookshop.com, though additional delivery charges may apply.
Source
www.theguardian.com