Not Without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody is a gripping memoir that narrates the author's harrowing escape from Iran with her daughter. Reviews are mixed; readers praise its intense storytelling and emotional depth, but some criticize it for cultural bias and an overly negative portrayal of Iran. Overall, it's a compelling yet polarizing read.

A reader who enjoys Not Without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody is likely interested in true stories of resilience and cultural conflict. They would appreciate the tension and emotional gravity found in travel memoirs like Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, as well as the familial struggles depicted in novels such as A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

Not Without My Daughter is an autobiographical novel by Betty Mahmoody that recounts her harrowing experience as an American woman trapped in Iran with her young daughter, Mahtob, after her Iranian husband, Moody, reveals his intention to remain in Iran permanently. Betty struggles against cultural and legal constraints to plan their escape, ultimately succeeding with the help of smugglers. The book contains depictions of extreme domestic abuse and other distressing scenes.

Suspenseful / Dark / Emotional / Unnerving / Challenging

- Not Without My Daughter was adapted into a film in 1991, starring Sally Field as Betty Mahmoody, with Alfred Molina playing her husband, Dr. Sayyed Bozorg Mahmoody.
- The book has stirred significant debate and discussion over the years, particularly regarding its portrayal of Iranian culture and the complexities of international custody disputes.
- Betty Mahmoody later co-authored a follow-up book, For the Love of a Child, which expands on the events following her escape from Iran and delves into international child abduction issues.

**Betty Mahmoody**  
An American woman who becomes trapped in Iran with her young daughter while navigating cultural and familial challenges in her complex relationship with her Iranian husband.

**Sayyed Bozorg "Moody" Mahmoody**  
An Iranian-born anesthesiologist whose character contrasts the American and Iranian cultural ideals, resulting in tensions within his family.

**Mahtob Mahmoody**  
The young daughter of Betty and Moody, whose experiences in Iran impact both her personal development and her mother's decisions.

**Ameh Bozorg**  
The great aunt of Moody, who initially embodies traditional Iranian customs but reveals unexpected layers in her interactions with Betty.

**Ellen Rafaie**  
An American woman living in Iran who shares a similar background with Betty but responds differently to her circumstances.

**Amahl**  
A character integral to Betty and Mahtob's journey, known for his altruism and pivotal role in assisting their plans without personal gain.

Betty Mahmoody

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Not Without My Daughter

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Not Without My Daughter reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Not Without My Daughter | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Not Without My Daughter and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Not Without My Daughter Summary and Study Guide

Background

Not Without My Daughter Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Not Without My Daughter Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

Not Without My Daughter Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

Not Without My Daughter Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

Not Without My Daughter Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 21-Postscript

Not Without My Daughter Chapter 21-Postscript Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

Not Without My Daughter Key Figures

theme

Themes

Not Without My Daughter Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Not Without My Daughter Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

Not Without My Daughter Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Not Without My Daughter Essay Topics

Not Without My Daughter

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Not Without My Daughter?

Reading Age

Book Details