Prisoner, Jason Rezaian

Prisoner is a personal account of Rezaian’s 544 days of unjust imprisonment in Iran, where he served as the Tehran bureau chief for The Washington Post. Accused of espionage on baseless charges, Rezaian details his solitary confinement, relentless interrogations, and a ridiculous trial that transformed him into a political pawn. His narrative is an example of human resilience, marked by a conversational and often humorous style that contradicts the reality of his ordeal. Rezaian also interweaves his personal history, from his American upbringing and Iranian heritage to his career in journalism and his love for his wife, Yeganeh, providing a context to his detention and highlighting the absurd and paranoid nature of the Iranian judicial system.

The book evolves into an intimate family history, a poignant reflection on a complex nation, and a fierce defense of press freedom, while also describing the lasting impact of his ordeal and the psychological toll of such an experience. The book also illuminates the extraordinary efforts of his family, The Washington Post, and U.S. diplomats in securing his release, making it an interesting read for those interested in the intricacies of U.S.-Iran relations.