A Bitter Veil

By: Libby Fischer Hellmann

Narrated by: Diane Piron-Gelman

It all began with a line of Persian poetry . . . Anna and Nouri, both studying in Chicago, fall in love despite their very different backgrounds. Anna, who has never been close to her parents, is more than happy to return with Nouri to his native Iran, to be embraced by his wealthy family. Beginning their married life together in 1978, their world is abruptly turned upside down by the overthrow of the Shah, and the rise of the Islamic Republic.

Under the Ayatollah Khomeini and the Republican Guard, life becomes increasingly restricted and Anna must learn to exist in a transformed world, where none of the familiar Western rules apply. Random arrests and torture become the norm, women are required to wear hijab, and Anna discovers that she is no longer free to leave the country. As events reach a fevered pitch, Anna realizes that nothing is as she thought, and no one can be trusted? Not even her husband.

©2012 Libby Fischer Hellmann (P)2012 Libby Fischer Hellmann

Critic reviews

"The Iranian revolution provides the backdrop for this meticulously researched, fast-paced stand-alone ...A significant departure from the author's Chicago-based Ellie Foreman and Georgia Davis mystery series, this political thriller will please established fans and newcomers alike." ( Publishers Weekly)

"Hellmann crafts a tragically beautiful story... both subtle and vibrant... never sacrificing the quality of her storytelling. Instead, the message drives the psychological and emotional conflict painting a bleak and heart wrenching tale that will stick with the reader long after they finish the book." (Bryan VanMeter, Crimespree Magazine)

“This story is simultaneously enthralling, scarily real, and deeply thought-provoking. I couldn’t put it down.” (Gather.com)

What a Fascinating Story!

Could not stop listening. Beautifully written, a very strong main character, and told within the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution. Listening brought forth so many emotions in me--love, sadness, fear, and strength of the human spirit--to name just a few. The characters are well-developed, the narration fabulous, and the history of the Revolution very well researched. When I hear of Iran, I will always think of this tale because if the right circumstances lined up this upheaval could occur in any country (as similar situations have in recent history). Bottom line is--I LOVE THIS STORY!

Omg this book is fantastic

I honestly didn't want to stop listening. It almost brought me to tears at one point! Also learned a LOT about the Iranian Revolution that toppled the Shah. Hopefully audible has other books by this author!

Anna is set up for her husband's murder in Iran.

Anna and Nouri, both college students studying in Chicago, fall in love despite their very different backgrounds.Anna grew up in strange circumstances. Her father was a scientist from Nazi Germany repatriated to the U.S. after the war because the government wanted his scientific knowledge. Her mother, a citizen from India, divorced her father after she learned of his war activities and moved to Paris, leaving Anna with her father in the U.S. Due to this background, where she never felt loved as a child, Anna is more than happy to return with Nouri to his native Iran, to be embraced by his wealthy family, with his father being a known supporter of the Shah of Iran. . Beginning their
married life together in 1978, their world is abruptly turned upside down by the overthrow of the Shah, and the rise of the Islamic Republic.Under the
Ayatollah Khomeini and the Republican Guard, life becomes increasingly restricted and Anna must learn to exist in a transformed world, where none of the
familiar Western rules apply. Random arrests and torture become the norm, women are required to wear hijab, and Anna discovers that she is no longer free
to leave the country. As events reach a fevered pitch, Anna realizes that nothing is as she thought, and no one can be trusted? Not even her husband. Then things get even worse when her husband is murdered, Anna is framed for the murder and thrown into the worst prison in Iran. This is an excellent book with Hellman’s expert touch of putting you right in the middle of political events, never letting the tension ease until the very end. This will be one of my best books of the year.

Well-written read

A Bitter Veil, my fourteenth read/ listen from author Libby Fischer Hellman. I was given a book by the author and after having read it I decided to read more by this author & then another & another &... I'm glad I did. I'm a character reader, I get into the characters, their story, who/what they are, and significant characters in her writing are developed quickly & thoroughly along the way. Outstanding read! What other blurbs can I use to describe these books? This book is in all senses of the word, a thriller, from beginning to end. That’s it, no more spoilers from me. Oh well, buy the book, read the books, get into a good author and some good characters as I have. Diane Piron Gelman’s talented narration adds to the enjoyment of the book. I was given an Audible copy of this book & I’m voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

Couldn't stop listening.

What made the experience of listening to A Bitter Veil the most enjoyable?

The reader brought the characters to life with her persian accent. The history entertwinned made the story most interesting. I love stories about women who survive against unfortuate circumstances.

What did you like best about this story?

The history, a strong, intelligent main character and her will to survive.

What about Diane Pirone Gelman’s performance did you like?

Loved her persian accent, it brought the story to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Of course, but that was not possible.