Book
Couchsurfing in Iran : revealing a hidden world / Stephan Orth ; translation by Jamie McIntosh.
"In Couchsurfing in Iran, award-winning author Stephan Orth spends sixty-two days on the road in this mysterious Islamic republic to provide a revealing, behind-the-scenes look at life in one of the world's most closed societies. Through the unsurpassed hospitality of twenty-two hosts, he skips the guidebooks and tourist attractions and travels from Persian carpet to bed to cot, covering more than 8,400 kilometers to recount "this world's hidden doings." Experiencing daily what he calls the "two Irans" that coexist side by side-the "theocracy, where people mourn their martyrs" in mausoleums, and the "hide-and-seek-ocracy, where people hold secret parties and seek worldly thrills instead of spiritual bliss"-he learns that Iranians have become experts in navigating around their country's strict laws."-- Provided by publisher.
Record details
- ISBN: 9781771642804 (paperback)
- Physical Description: 269 pages, 24 unnumbered page of plates : illustrations (chiefly colour), map ; 22 cm
- Publisher: Vancouver : Greystone Books, [2018]
- Copyright: ©2018
Content descriptions
| General Note: | Translation of: Couchsurfing im Iran, meine Reise hinter verschlossene Türen. |
| Bibliography, etc. Note: | Includes bibliographical references. |
Search for related items by subject
| Subject: | Orth, Stephan, 1979- > Travel > Iran. Iran > Description and travel. Iran > Social life and customs > 21st century. |
Available copies
- 1 of 1 copy available at Tsuga Consortium.
Holds
- 0 current holds with 1 total copy.
Show Only Available Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cookstown Branch | 955.062 Ort | 31681010095420 | NONFICPBK | Available | - |
- Perseus Publishing
Included in the 2018 summer reading list by New York Times Books
A modern-day glimpse into the surprising reality of life in Iran.
Iran: A destination that is seldom seen by westerners yet often misunderstood. A country that simultaneously âenchants and enragesâ those who visit it. A place where leading a double life has become the norm.
In Couchsurfing in Iran, award-winning author Stephan Orth spends sixty-two days on the road in this mysterious Islamic republic to provide a revealing, behind-the-scenes look at life in one of the worldâs most closed societies. Through the unsurpassed hospitality of twenty-two hosts, he skips the guidebooks and tourist attractions and travels from Persian carpet to bed to cot, covering more than 8,400 kilometers to recount âthis worldâs hidden doings.â Experiencing daily what he calls the âtwo Iransâ that coexist side by sideâthe âtheocracy, where people mourn their martyrsâ in mausoleums, and the âhide-and-seek-ocracy, where people hold secret parties and seek worldly thrills instead of spiritual blissââhe learns that Iranians have become experts in navigating around their countryâs strict laws.
Though couchsurfing is officially prohibited in Iranâthe state fears spies would be able to travel undetected through the countryâmore than a hundred thousand Iranians are registered with online couchsurfing portals. And thanks to these hospitable, English-speaking strangers, Orth gets up close and personal with locals, peering behind closed doors and blank windows to uncover the inner workings of a country where public show and private reality are strikingly opposed.
