A Time to Betray

The Astonishing Double Life of a CIA Agent inside the Revolutionary Guards of Iran

By: Reza Kahlili

Narrated by: Richard Allen

A true story as exhilarating as a great spy thriller, as turbulent as today's headlines from the Middle East, A Time to Betray reveals what no other previous CIA operative's memoir possibly could: the inner workings of the notorious Revolutionary Guards of Iran, as witnessed by an Iranian man inside their ranks who spied for the American government.

It is a human story, a chronicle of family and friendships torn apart by a terror-mongering regime, and how the adult choices of three childhood mates during the Islamic Republic yielded divisive and tragic fates. And it is the stunningly courageous account of one man's decades-long commitment to lead a shocking double life informing on the beloved country of his birth, a place that once offered the promise of freedom and enlightenment---but instead ruled by murderous violence and spirit-crushing oppression. Reza Kahlili grew up in Tehran surrounded by his close-knit family and two spirited boyhood friends. The Iran of his youth allowed Reza to think and act freely, and even indulge a penchant for rebellious pranks in the face of the local mullahs. His political and personal freedoms flourished while he studied computer science at the University of Southern California in the 1970s. But his carefree time in America was cut short with the sudden death of his father, and Reza returned home to find a country on the cusp of change. The revolution of 1979 plunged Iran into a dark age of religious fundamentalism under the Ayatollah Khomeini, and Reza, clinging to the hope of a Persian Renaissance, joined the Revolutionary Guards, an elite force at the beck and call of the Ayatollah.

But as Khomeini's tyrannies unfolded, as his fellow countrymen turned on each other, and after the horror he witnessed inside Evin Prison, a shattered and disillusioned Reza returned to America to dangerously become "Wally," a spy for the CIA.

©2010 Lepton Investments, LLC (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

“Genuinely powerful.... People in the Iranian operations division at the CIA should welcome A Time to Betray as a virtual recruitment poster.” ( The Washington Post)

A very tense story

The inside story from a moderate who pretended to be a fanatic, inside the revolutionary guard. A very tense story, my stomach in knots most of the time. Highly recommended! The reader speaks very slow, had to listen at 1.5 to 2 times speed.

A rare view into the IRGC.

So you tell me they couldn't find a reader who could pronounce the Farsi statements in the book? The worst reading I have experienced in many years of listening to audiobooks.

Engrossing

An amazing view into Iran over many decades and a very personal story of a heroic man. One starts to understand the diverse nature of Iranian society when not under a repressive regime. To other sensitive listeners, I recommend skipping a scene which I think involved torture, but I'm not sure, because I...skipped it! One gets the general picture anyway. Very appropriate to our time when the risk from Iran is of great concern.

definately worth the listen

A story that sucks you in early and keeps you there. from innocuous beginnings to tense scenes in between the story is engaging and interesting from start to finish. Narration was top notch.

I enjoyed every moment of Time to Betray.

Powerful story revealing the evil leadership of Iran

Excellent documentary. I was astounded at the brutality and evilness of the Iranian religious leadership. How sad most of the citizens are hostages in this repressed government. The book is well written and narrated, fascinating.

Detailed and Captivating

Would you consider the audio edition of A Time to Betray to be better than the print version?

No-same

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Time to Betray?

One of the most memorable moments was when his wife expressed her hatred and disgust for the job he held with the Revolutionary Guards. The emotions that Reza had were powerful and well conveyed.

Have you listened to any of Richard Allen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Cry

Any additional comments?

-

Powerful and a warning

Extraordinarily well produced, and a stirring story reminding one to keep perspective and wary of unintended consequences from political and religious movements.

Brings Light to Iranian Mindset

The author provides first hand insight into the wide range of political views within Iran both before and after the revolution. His perspective of Western influence in the Middle East presents an eye opening picture of appeasement and arms deals. Covering a period of 50 years, you are presented with the contrast of the Reign of Shaw versus the radical Islamic Regime under the Ayatollahs. Proving that any form of government that allows for concentration of power in any form leads to corruption and a willingness to keep that power at any price.

One of the BEST Books ever written

Would you consider the audio edition of A Time to Betray to be better than the print version?

The narrator did such a terrific job that it must be better than the print version.

What other book might you compare A Time to Betray to and why?

This book is much like "No Easy Day" although the authors of each of the two books fought heroically for the same purpose from VERY different circumstances.

Have you listened to any of Richard Allen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I'm sorry to say that I have not, but I will be looking for others. It would be fascinating to hear.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I have known Iranian students who studied in the US in the 1970's, and liked them very much, so I had great empathy for Reza, admired him, and feared for his life. I hope for the very best for Reza and his family.

Any additional comments?

Read this book. You'll be on the edge of your seat. This is a true story (names, circumstances are changed to protect Reza and others), but no fiction could be more engaging.

New Perspective on Iran

Makes you think about how other countries, especially those with different ideologies, function. This story has been embellished, no doubt, but if even half of it is true, this book bears consideration by every person with the freedom to read it.