58 pages • 1 hour read
Not Without My Daughter
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
Not Without My Daughter
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1987528
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Iran • 1980s
1987
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Not Without My Daughter is an autobiographical novel by Betty Mahmoody that recounts her harrowing experience as an American woman trapped in Iran with her young daughter, Mahtob, after her Iranian husband, Moody, reveals his intention to remain in Iran permanently. Betty struggles against cultural and legal constraints to plan their escape, ultimately succeeding with the help of smugglers. The book contains depictions of extreme domestic abuse and other distressing scenes.
Suspenseful
Dark
Emotional
Unnerving
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
37,435 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Not Without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody is a gripping memoir that narrates the author's harrowing escape from Iran with her daughter. Reviews are mixed; readers praise its intense storytelling and emotional depth, but some criticize it for cultural bias and an overly negative portrayal of Iran. Overall, it's a compelling yet polarizing read.
Who Should Read Not Without My Daughter?
A reader who enjoys Not Without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody is likely interested in true stories of resilience and cultural conflict. They would appreciate the tension and emotional gravity found in travel memoirs like Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, as well as the familial struggles depicted in novels such as A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.
37,435 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sayyed Bozorg "Moody" Mahmoody
Sayyed Bozorg "Moody" Mahmoody
An Iranian-born anesthesiologist whose character contrasts the American and Iranian cultural ideals, resulting in tensions within his family.
Mahtob Mahmoody
Mahtob Mahmoody
The young daughter of Betty and Moody, whose experiences in Iran impact both her personal development and her mother's decisions.
Ameh Bozorg
Ameh Bozorg
The great aunt of Moody, who initially embodies traditional Iranian customs but reveals unexpected layers in her interactions with Betty.
Ellen Rafaie
Ellen Rafaie
An American woman living in Iran who shares a similar background with Betty but responds differently to her circumstances.
Amahl
Amahl
A character integral to Betty and Mahtob's journey, known for his altruism and pivotal role in assisting their plans without personal gain.
528
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Iran • 1980s
1987
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.