Reviews
“A Symphony of Life is a very fascinating autobiography about the Iranian-American author’s journey through war, love, revolution and freedom. The remarkable life of Dr. Simin Redjali takes place between the 1930’s and the present time. I enjoyed this book very much because I too have been through all of the events and similarities in Iran. It is a wonderful story of our past for all to read, especially the younger generation who have not witnessed this era of Iran’s history. An exceptional individual, the author Dr. Simin Redjali is a professor of psychology, sociology and education, as well as, her families’ beloved matriarch. She believes that hard work and education does pay off and help one become successful in life. Redjali was well educated and at an early age opened a college and encouraged the young people to get a good education. Involved in women’s welfare, she also worked very hard to promote the social status of women in Iran. In reading this book, often I saw chapters of my own life parade in front of me and memories of what it used to be. I recommend this book for it describes well a chapter of our history of which many of us were part of. I hope you too will enjoy it as much as I did.”
– Persian Cultural Center’s Bilingual Magazine (PEYK)
“Indeed the hard work of Dr. Simin Redjali finally paid off and her book “A Symphony of Life” is out of print.
For me, it was a monumental endeavor by her since I was aware of this work from the beginning. Simin is a very intelligent, personable, creative and knowledgeable person in her own rights. She was the first female professor of psychology at the National University of Iran. My associations with her extend manyyears when we both taught at the National University of Iran. My friendship with her and her husband, Dr. Saied Khadiri also extends many years. “A symphony of Life” discusses both personal and cultural aspects of the life of her, both in Iran, prior to the revolution of 1979 and her work and life in the United States till present. The book deals with the psychological, sociological, political and educational aspects of Iran before and after 1979. It provides a realistic and objective analysis of what happened in that part of the world as experienced by Dr. Redjali. It is an absorbing, fact based, sensitive marked with personal experiences, creating a positive emotion in readers by presenting a positive, effective and goal-oriented model. I recommend this book to be read by everyone, including and especially those who wish to find out about the dynamics of change in one of the most countries of the Middle East. My heartfelt congratulations to both Dr. Simin and Dr. Saied Khadiri.”
Cyrus Azimi, Ph.D.
Professor of Clinical Psychology
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
State of Florida
“A Symphony of Life focuses on the historical events of the 20th century in Iran, Europe and the USA as they have related to Dr. Redjali’s life and on the lives of all people alive today. It portrays not only her ability to overcome life’s unexpected vicissitudes brought about by world politics but also her determination and single-mindedness in achieving her personal aspirations of improving the life of others less blessed.”
– Christine Linton, London United Kingdom
“Dr. Redjali, an exceptional woman, recounts her amazing story in this book of love, history, courage and human endeavor. Faced with life’s toughest challenges, her victory is our victory!”
– Soheila Hayek, Executive Director, The Goguikian Foundation, Beirut, Lebanon
“A Symphony of Life contains high notes and low notes, some planned and arranged. Her story is a genuine composition that the composer shares with us as readers and we are all enhanced by the experience.”
– Duane L. Varble, Ph. D., Emeritus Professor of Psychology, University of Nevada at Reno, USA
“This important book sheds light on Iran’s turbulent relation with the West as narrated by an objective and prescient eyewitness.”
– SHAWN TOUMODGE, Ph.D., Physicist and former Professor at California State University, Long Beach
“An outstanding contribution to the understanding of psychological, sociological, educational and political issues of Iranians prior to and after 1979.”
– CYRUS AZIMI, Ph. D., Professor of Psychology, University of Central Florida
“A well-researched and deeply personal memoir which takes readers on a breathtaking journey through the times before and after the Iranian Revolution, both in Iran and in the United States. A valuable source for those who would like to know more about a remarkable woman and the historic times which she witnessed and experienced.”
– WILLIAM R. GOODMAN, Ph.D., Lynchburg, VA.
“A Symphony of Life” is an autobiography written by Dr. Simin Redjali about her remarkable life of leadership lived in multiple worlds. In the United States she continued to serve as an ‘agent of change’ as she influenced the dramatic change to individualized supports and plans for institutionalized people with intellectual disabilities.”
– Henry C. Meece, Ph.D., Johnson City, TN
Reviews of Amazon customers for the book “A Symphony of Life”
By Dr. Elizabeth Strange on January 11, 2014:
Format: Paperback Amazon Verified Purchase
Like Tolstoy’s War and Peace, Redjali’s sprawling epic tells the story of lives lived during a time of great political and social upheaval in a country with a long and remarkable history. A Symphony of LIfe spans three generations during one of the most dramatic and important periods in the history of Iran – and, indeed, in the history of the Middle East. Told in vivid detail and through the lives of real people, Redjali’s book captures the social and cultural life of Iran during the reign of the last Shah and the events that led to the end of that Iran – a time that upended not only Redjali’s life, but the lives of millions more, many of whom were forced to flee to survive. One can imagine her story re-told through film – as an epic such as Gone with the Wind or a series such as Downtown Abbey – films which show a changing world through the lens of daily life. Thankfully, Redjali has recorded this momentous period for the generations to follow – a time that could soon become little known and little understood as those who lived through it age and pass on. Those who lived these lives, those whose parents or grandparents have sought to describe what it was like, those who know little of the Iran beyond today’s headlines, will all relish this book.
A Real Story
By Saifi Sharghi on January 10, 2014:
Format: Paperback
Although I knew Dr, Redjali as our professor at National University of Iran, but her life is simply brilliant, fascinating, amazing, intriguing, compelling; and overall it’s a true journey through a stylish life of a sharp, intelligent woman with an extensive writing, who is really strong, wise and able to struggle over adversity with her knowledge and education. Most recommended to the young generation of Iranian who raised in United States and over the Globe .. It’s a probing and revelatory look into Iran’s society, politics, and etc…a very precise search into the event that shape the country for the century…. it’s a valuable observation of an immigrant family who came to the land of opportunity and able to succeed… A Symphony of Life is a book that will not soon forgotten. Congratulation to Dr. Redjali for her remarkable job…..
By M Badii on January 4, 2014
Format: Paperback Amazon Verified Purchase
A fascinating story of the life of an achieved person. It is shown how perseverance and hard work will take you to the goals of high education, positions and social respect. Recommend reading it without prejudice and give it to your children born after the revolution.
Aspirational and Well-Researched …
By Natalie Stone on December 25, 2013
Format: Paperback
As a Persian- American hybrid, I was given this book by my mother and I felt compelled to write a review so other readers would be encouraged to read it for themselves. Weaving historical record with one woman’s journey, the book does an excellent job of humanizing cross-cultural encounters and international political tension. Revealed through a personal lenses and therefore more easily digested and grasped, the validity of her personal accounts of history and a homeland under duress is bolstered by the extensive research and factual documentation that fills this biography. While the power and energy of the novel is most often driven by the tumultuous events taking place around her, some of the more poignant moments of the text come when the author reveals her intimate struggles with cancer and even her most simple of insecurities. I found myself particularly struck by her senses of inadequacy as a mother stemming a son who at one point calls every woman “mommy.” All in all –a compelling story about progressive Iranian woman navigating the politics and cultural mores a changing world that hasn’t quite caught up yet.
A must read
Dr. Redjali’s book “A symphony of Life” couldn’t have been published at a more perfect time. A woman who at a very young age knew her purpose in life.
Published 1 month ago by Parivach Baheri
An inspirational and informative book for any generation to read. I could not put the book down. Dr. Redjali is an amazing woman, incredibly gifted and driven. What she has accomplished at the time she did, was not an easy feat.
Published 1 month ago by Geesoo Javanmardi
A FASCINATING READ
I found this book fascinating and despite its length, never dull. The author comes across as an ideal human being, a role model for women around the world and most specially for…
Published 1 month ago by S. Afshar
Absolutely Fascinating
Extraordinary Book by and about An Extraordinary Woman. This is a very well written and important book and I highly recommend it.
Published 2 months ago by Ali Poran
Review of Dr. Simin Redjali’s Autobiography
This book is the fascinating autobiography of Dr.Simin Redjali, a pioneer of modern Psychology in Iran.
Published 3 months ago by G. Ghahremani
Hi Dr. Simin Redjali
I am sooo proud of you and your achievements, ever since I was a little girl, I always looked up to you, you are an inspiration to us all.
Published 3 months ago by Shore
Recent History of Iran
This book is very informative of recent history and events in Iran. It is a must read specialy for younger generation of Iranian origin.
I highly recommend it .
Published 3 months ago by Ali Kafi
A Symphony of Life 8 Dec 2013 from UK Amozon
By David Henry:
Format: Paperback
This book is a fascinating story of an emancipated Iranian woman’s life. The story of how, under the Shah, as Secretary of the Women’s Organisation, she became one of the leaders in encouraging women to take up further education. Later, after the revolution she managed to forge a new career for herself in the United States. Simin Redjali cleverly links her thoughts on the political situation as it evolved with the events in her own life and family. A thoroughly thought-provoking and informative story. I strongly recommend it to readers with an interest in Iran.
A Gem of a Book!, July 12, 2014
By
Nevada Reader
This review is from: A Symphony of Life (Paperback)
What a gem! This book! Don’t let the title mislead you. “Symphony” is the metaphor Ms. Redjali uses for organizing her book and her amazing life’s journey as a woman born in Iran in l934 continuing right up to the present, now living in Virginia with her husband — both Americans, having fled their homeland during the Iranian Revolution. Nor does their lovely wedding photo on the cover promise a love story–only, of an Iranian couple. There is much more to come.
(The Table of Contents reads: “First Movement: Early Years, Early Memories” (covering 1934 – 1961); “Second Movement: The Beginning:” (covering l961 – l968: etc.)
It is the subtitle of Redjali’s book cover: “A Persian-American Woman’s Journey Through War, Love Revolution and Freedom” and the small photos of Redjali that summarize and anticipate the words to come of a highly motivated, Persian woman who staked out her goals early on in life and steadfastly, step by step, achieved them. Her detailed autobiography, itself, serves as an action metaphor and guide for others to follow no matter how difficult the path, Her guiding star was and is EDUCATION as the utmost and important focus for transforming each human being and human heart to follow along that upward arc toward greater, fulfilled lives for all persons and civilizations.
This gem of a book is multi-faceted and should be read for its inspiration to underscore EDUCATION FOR ALL and its encouragement to work hard in making this goal a “Triumph”! (a powerful word also written on the cover to express Dr. Simin Redjali’s personal drive and commitment during her lifetime that is continuing forth today.
Reviews at Amazon and Goodreads rating 5 of 5 for the book A Symphony of Life
Mah Kamalipour:
Kudos to Dr. Simin Redjali for writing her wonderful book, “A Symphony of Life.” Simin, as she likes to be called, is a national treasure and an amazing individual who sees history as it happened one page at a time. Her incredible symphony of life is filled with excitement,, anxiety, laughters, and sadness as she witnessed and became a part of Iran’s culture and history. She is an amazing lady with great accomplishments. I highly recommend this book to anyone who simply loves to read. It is beca…more
Hooman Tashakori:
A personal account of the author’s childhood in Iran, her studies in Germany, her services to her country, her forced migration to the US and her new life in her adopted country. Along the way, the reader gets an unbiased view of the last imperial government of Iran through the personal experiences of an educator and women’s rights advocate with a prominent position in the government. A must read for all who are interested in the contemporary history of Iran, higher education and women’s rights…more
Masoud Azamvaghefi:
The work of Dr. Simin Radjali is story of any body that is victim of the uncontrolled situations. In a sense, this book is story of every Iranian during post Islamic Revolution. I do admire her work not just as story of her life but bringing all the vital issues and dilemma of the nation. The writing is so pictorially vivid that no matter what nationality you are, you could understand problems arises from religious fanaticism control of the nation. Although factually painful but appealingly ente…more
Saman :
Dr. Redjali paints a vivid picture of her journey during the early stages of the women’s equality movement in Iran. The skillfully woven historical details of the social and political events of the
time throughout the story make these memoirs not only inspirational but educational and entertaining as well.
Soheila:
I found this book to be interesting and intriguing and at once a biography and a historical book and sheds light on the nature of the relationship between the USA and Iran all the while touching on sensitive women’s issues.
I liked it that the author backs her observations with references which gives this book a certain credibility about her observations on historical events that unfolded around her in Iran and the USAArion Golmakani:A Symphony of Life is a fantastic tale of a long and turbulence life-journey of many peaks and valleys, enriched with history all the way through.
Vassimeh Kolbadi:
In her autobiography Simin Rajali gives a unique first hand account of life in pre-revolutionary Iran. She presents an engaging account of the formation of the woman’s right movement, society education and politics from the viewpoint of an educated woman of the era. A must read.
By V. Gray on 15 July 2014 rated 5 of 5 Amozon Uk
Format: Paperback
I read A Symphony of Life with great pleasure. It is a book that can be read on many levels and will interest a variety of people. It opens a window onto Iranian family life as well as the changing educational opportunities for women in Iran. But personally the section that was most enlightening for me was the difficulties and battles that Dr Redjali and her family, and no doubt many other people in her situation, had to face during the revolution, and the adaptability and courage with which they faced the resulting adversity later on. Certainly a book to be read by anyone interested in Iran during and after the revolution.
Simin Redjali is one of those exceptional people who has …, November 4, 2014
By Padideh Alai
This review is from: A Symphony of Life (Paperback)
Simin Redjali is one of those exceptional people who has been ahead of her time. She has helped and continue to help women who strive for equality and for respect. In this autobiography she tells the story of not only her exceptional life but is a lesson for all us to face challenges with dignity and perseverance. Her vision of the events in Iran is instructive for the future and should be studied.
as described in great detail in this book
By Linda Dac January 11, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
I met Simin and Said only this year and was introduced to their life both personally and through reading A Symphony of Life shortly after. Upon opening the book, I found I could not put it down and finished it over a weekend. As a woman who has had a 40 year career working mostly in male-dominated technology fields in the United States, I found myself fascinated by Simin’s ability to use her immense intelligence and educational advantages to break through traditional barriers that limited the roles of women in pre and post Iranian Revolution (1979) history. She was not only a model for women in Iran but helped many other women personally to achieve their potential. Yes, the Revolution resulted in many set-backs for women, but what Simin began in Iran can never be fully repressed ever again. She proved what women can do when given the opportunity by their culture and society. And she was kind and sensitive to others in the process – the values that educated women bring to their professions and which are sometimes sorely lacking and so very much needed. Simin’s life, as described in great detail in this book, is both a history of Iran and a history of the coming of age for women in Iran. Hers has been an important life and is well worth learning about.
So much education, emotion and storytelling skills have intertwined …, February 10, 2015
By Tysons Pharmacy
This review is from: A Symphony of Life (Hardcover)
So much education, emotion and storytelling skills have intertwined in this autobiography that touched me so deeply. Since I started this book, I have had plenty to talk about with friends and my customers about the adventures and challenges that this author went through. It is a story that resonates very well with those that believe in overcoming adversity with virtues and education.
Great Role Model
By Sarah Razaon June 18, 2015
Format: Paperback
My family and I personally know Simin Redjali and she is such an amazing and inspirational women who indeed challenged the system of women not pursuing educated careers. She put her immense intelligence to work and proved that with hard work, you can get very far. She is a great role model for girls to look up to. This book did not fail to blow me away.
The story of four movements of life
By Zara de Saint Hilaireon May 10, 2015
Simin Redjali never had what anyone would consider an ordinary life: must read this book. The life of an Persian-American of Iranian ancestry, highly educated and her memoir are described. Simin Redjali and her personal relationships across cultures in Iran before 1979 and after in US until today are exciting. Simin and said Redjali are among the highest educated people. They have excelled in sciences, academia, arts and music.The realities of immigration experienced by Simin Redjali and its result come through this extraordinary book. This fascinating book is for all ages. We must read it.
A genuine philanthropist., July 15, 2015
By Book-Worm G
This review is from: A Symphony of Life (Paperback)
Dr. Simin Redjali’ life story intrigued me from the moment I met her and began to read her book; A Symphony of Life. The book details a life dedicated to service and creation of opportunities for others, women and children, specifically. As a woman who was born and raised in Iran, I appreciate and applaud her efforts and tenacity for bringing about meaningful changes to the lives of many Iranian women, especially the less fortunate. As an American citizen, I am truly impressed with her contribution to the mental health system in state of Virginia. Learning about her through her book, I cannot now think of any other woman who has nurtured, mentored and helped jumpstart the careers of so many people as has she. I also applaud her strength and ability to overcome the many social and cultural berries that existed for women in both of her countries; Iran and the United States. Dr. Redjali is a genuine philanthropist.
Recent Review of Amazon for A Symphony of Life
5.0 out of 5 stars: Brilliant and beautifully educated women
By wdcpbon November 9, 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Brilliant and beautifully educated women, who devote their lives to strategically implement feminism into an advancing nation, are few and far between. I know of none whose bravery and charity have had such a dramatic positive impact on a county as Dr. Redjali in prerevolutionary Iran. After strategically developing the Women’s Organization, implementing the Welfare Centers for Women and Families throughout the country, and founding Shemiran College, she was forced to the United States, where she brought her incredible gifts to bear on reorganizing the delivery of mental health services. This book is a fascinating and personal story of how she managed to deftly negotiate the bureaucratic challenges of an empire under impossibly precarious political, military, and religious stress.
5.0 out of 5 stars :A fascinating book
By Fardinon November 2, 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book is not an ordinary autobiography! It is an interesting informative book about history, culture , education and …….. . Last week I found out that my 9 year old daughter has started to read this book! She told me that when she grows up , she is going to write an autobiography like this!
I really appreciate it , you are an amazing role model for everybody even my 9 year old daughter!
5.0 out of 5 stars : love, revolution
ByAmazon Customeron November 2, 2015
Format: Hardcover
My wife, daughter, and I have read this book and it has inspired us in many ways. The book describes the definition of life and what is the meaning of life. We can see how life can go through war, love, revolution, and freedom. I am glad my daughter was also able to read it, because it helps for her age to see what is the meaning of life and how life works. My daughter has started her piano class with Dr. Said Khadiri in May 2013, and he is a very naive teacher including his wife where my daughter feels very comfortable and is always happy to see them, same as me and my wife.
We want to thank Simin Redjali for writing this wonderful book about the Symphony of Life, it is a very delightful story.
5.0 out of 5 stars:A Symphony of Life… Is Beautiful…
By nadia merkon October 3, 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Absolutely beautiful!! This stunning memoir by Dr. Redjali is an informative and well-documented story for readers. A pleasure to read and learn about the history of my beautiful country. Thank you Dr. Redjali.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars:
By Golbargon September 22, 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I highly recommend reading this book to everyone. It is a fascinating life story and it is very well-written.
5.0 out of 5 stars:A highly recommended book
ByWengon September 18, 2015
Format: Paperback
A Symphony of Life is a highly recommended book for readers who are interested in reading biography of successful individuals and how they overcame adversities to achieve their goals and success, and in the process helping and educating others to live better lives. A fascinating book about history, culture, education and women rights, both for both Persians as well as for readers of other nationalities who are interested to learn more about Iran. The author was born in Iran and traveled to Germany to study. She was the recipient of the first magna cum laude (with great distinction degree) PhD from Heidelberg University in Germany and numerous scholar and degrees. After returning to Iran she became the first female professor of psychology at the National University of Iran in Tehran. She has a great resume of educational excellence that was achieved from many countries.
A symphony of Life is a very interesting book that includes many pictures and for sure not easy to put down until you are done reading it all. I bought this book in the past and after reading it, I sent it to my homeland of the Philippines, from here in the U.S. Then I decided to purchase another copy for my library, and now I am writing a review on it.
5.0 out of 5 stars: One of the best Books I have ever read
ByKiumars Vadieion August 18, 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
One of the best Books I have ever read , I would highly recommend it , What a historic story of a woman and her experiences with family and society . Loved it !!
5.0 out of 5 stars: It is an excellent book, describes her family life and political situation …
By Dokhi Fosteron July 8, 2015
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
It is an excellent book , describes her family life and political situation of Iran very vividly . I loved it.
5.0 out of 5 stars: A fascinating, must read book
By Mitra T. November 25, 2015
Kindle Edition
As the first female professor of psychology at the National University of Iran, in Tehran, Dr. Simin Redjali was my psychology professor. She was a role model to me then, and, she is a role model to me now. The book deals with Dr. Redjali’s personal,social and educational experiences before and after the 1979 revolution. It is a fascinating autobiography which is mixed in with the recent history of Iran. “A symphony of life” is well written, interesting and a pleasure to read. I highly recommend this must read book to anyone interested in the recent history of Iran.
