People's Imaginative Revolution, The (Iran, 1979)

The country of Iran had a revolution in 1979 and Jane Wood was there. Employed as a nurse at a large hospital in Iran, Jane had flown out with her husband, who was an accountant, and they became part of the expatriate community. The 'expats' had a wonderful life. They were well paid and lived in comparative luxury. Some even had servants, large houses and swimming pools. They noted that the country was divided and poverty was rife, but it was still a surprise when protests started. Jane had been there for several years when things got ugly and knew the country well. Up to that point Iran had seemed a stable country, with the Shah as its Head of State, a man who commanded the confidence of the Americans. He was seen as a Strong Leader, but his efforts to suppress the unrest came to nothing and he was forced to take his family and flee. Meanwhile Jane had problems of her own. Her job was secure but her marriage was falling apart. She felt increasingly alone and took time off to re-visit Britain and even holiday abroad. When she returned to Iran - much against the advice of her family and friends - the situation had greatly deteriorated and religious fundamentalists had come to power. Because of their dictates, few Iranians dared to use Jane's hospital, as it was mainly staffed by 'foreigners'. The Hospital Director was imprisoned and staff felt isolated and uninformed. There was a curfew restricting movement at night, and gunshots rang out in the dark. Colleagues started to leave the hospital forever. Jane was reluctant to go, but eventually had to leave, and was brought out by the RAF on one of the last flights out of the country. It was a scary time. Jane has recorded her thoughts, impressions and memories of those months, and has added poems and songs she wrote then, and years later, reflecting on her experiences when back in Manchester. This book is a unique collections of writings, capturing a well-known but little understood part of history.