RAJPAL GURMEETKAUR JAGJITSINGH , Assistant Professor (lazree28gokhale@gmail.com) Marathwada Mitra Mandals College of Commerce Pune

In this 1987 memoir, Betty Mahmoody narrates her harrowing experience as a Michigan housewife who, with her four‐year‐old daughter Mahtob, finds herself trapped in Iran. What was meant to be a brief, two‐week visit to her husband’s homeland quickly morphs into a nightmare of cultural oppression, confinement, and abuse, driving Betty to risk everything for the chance to reclaim the freedoms of American life.
The Mountain Crossing: A Defining Moment: A standout moment in the book is the heart-stopping escape across Iran’s rugged mountains. In this perilous trek, Betty charts a dangerous course through steep, treacherous terrain with only hope and raw determination as her companions. This journey not only serves as a literal route to freedom but also symbolizes the stark divide between the suffocating life she endured and the promise of liberation waiting beyond. The tension and urgency of the mountain crossing encapsulate the emotional core of her escape.

Strengths of the Memoir: Mahmoody’s storytelling is powerfully evocative. She presents her ordeal with unflinching honesty, allowing readers to feel the depths of despair, fear, and the fierce love that fueled her relentless pursuit of freedom. The memoir stands as a moving tribute to maternal courage, with Betty’s determination to protect her daughter shining through every page. Even as she details the grim reality of captivity, the narrative remains engaging and fast-paced—especially during the escape sequences that keep readers on the edge of their seats
Final Thoughts: At its core, Not Without My Daughter is a stirring memoir that blends profound personal suffering with extraordinary acts of bravery. The perilous mountain escape remains its most unforgettable element—a powerful metaphor for breaking free from an oppressive fate. Whether one views the memoir as a thrilling survival story or a controversial account tinged with personal bias, Betty Mahmoody’s narrative leaves a lasting impression, challenging readers to grapple with both the emotional weight of her experience and the cultural debates it ignites.