Alison Wearing

When her Dad asked her to take a trip with him ton Dublin with purpose of researching the family's genealogy Alison jumped at the chance. She wasn't interested in genealogy at all, but her father was 79, suffered from Parkinson's and she knew this would be the last trip they would take together.

There is so much more to this memoir than one would expect from the title. It is a touching and beautiful story about a father, daughter relationship. We learn tidbits of Irish history along way, and show more meet quite a few quirky people in various locations. It is told with warmth, tenderness and humor and shows the concern Alison has for her father's condition.

She brings up an interesting point in their search for their family's story, what happens if you find something you would rather not know about those who came before? Or conversely, what if you find nothing at all? I'm not into genealogy, though I know many who are and I think they would find this book interesting. All in all, this is a well told memoir and one that shows how important it is to appreciate the moments we have with those we love. show less

Were this book to be read by every high-school student in the USA - American political agression may be radically changed. A book to be read every few years - it contains such tenderness, insight, humour. A whole new world opens up to us vis-a-vis the humanity of the ordinary Iranians in the face of the multitudes of restrictions in their lives. Reading this book always helps to cleanse the tawdry hopelessness & toxicity of the Bush era.

Very witty! You get a real sense of the journey she is on discovering not only the country and people of Iran but ultimately herself.

Unfortunately, I don't remember enough specifics about this to write a good review. I remember bits and pieces, like her description of her hijab, and passing out because she got so hot in it. I also specifically remember thinking this author is a kook. (She describes getting lost in China because she was so absorbed in the book she was reading that she got on the wrong train. Who does that???) I liked the stories, but didn't care for the author. She seemed rather brash and a "typical show more American." For example, there was a scene where, while in a small market, she helps herself to items in a jar and starts sampling it. You just don't do that sort of thing in a foreign country, and anyone who's traveled even a little knows that. I was annoyed with her and happy to be done with the book.

Full disclosure: I spent several years in pre-revolutionary Iran. show less