Among the better-known novels dealing with the Iranian revolution is James Clavell's (1924-94) Whirlwind (1986), which takes place at the height of the revolt, between February 9 and March 4, 1979. Clavell's story centers on a group of European and American helicopter pilots, reluctant to leave Iran because of their emotional commitment to the land or to their women (two of the pilots have Iranian wives). In the background as well is the ownership of the helicopter company that faces financial ruin. As the action develops and the anti-American and European furor intensifies, the most memorable scenes are those in which frenzied mobs overpower anyone or anything that represents the West, particularly the "great Satan," the United States, such as members of minority religious groups and Iranian women not wearing chadors (veils). Adhering closely to the tradition of the adventure story, Whirlwind depicts a world peopled with brave men, fanatical hatred, romantic love, and the intrigues of the corporate world. In one episode, Clavell effectively depicts a women's march in Tehran against the rescinding of their rights by the new regime, thousands of women filling the streets, bearing signs such as "No Enforced Chador." In the cities, the marchers appear to be successful, but in the small towns and villages, the marchers are intimidated, some are whipped, and the movement fails. The novel concludes with hints of the hostage crisis and the Iran-Iraq War: "The whole Gulf's poised to explode." Business is business, however, and the company has opted for a highly risky plan that requires the willingness of the pilots to stay a month longer. In its depiction of the intensity, revolutionary fervor, and upheaval, Whirlwind lives up to its title.

The Persian Bride (2000; originally published in 1997 under the title A Good Place to Die) by the English novelist James Buchan (1954- ) brings to life the culture of modern Iran, the source both of unspeakable terror and great beauty. The story begins in 1974 when John Pitt, a young English hippie, accepts a post teaching English in the city of Isfahan and falls in love with a beautiful Iranian student who happens to be the daughter of a prominent general in the shah's army. The two elope knowing that if they are caught, they will be killed. They hide out successfully during the period of the overthrow of the shah. Shirin, Pitt's wife, gives birth to a baby girl, and the two plan to leave Iran, but shortly after they are arrested by the new regime. Pitt is tortured and interrogated in the belief that he is an English spy. After more than 10 years in prison, he is released in order to serve in the army during the Iran-Iraq War. Later he finds himself in Afghanistan on the eve of the takeover by the Taliban in 1996. All the while, John has never wavered in his determination to reunite with his wife. He knows that she and their daughter have been in prison for many years, but their fate remains a mystery. He returns to Isfahan, where the story comes to a moving and graceful end.

James Buchan, the grandson of John Buchan (1875-1940), the espionage novelist--author of The Thirty-Nine Steps (1915)--has taken his heritage a step further. In his hands, the adventure story, of which Whirlwind is a perfectly good representative, moves into the realm of serious literature (reminiscent of the "entertainments" of Graham Greene [1904-91]) without losing its romantic and passionate essence. In The Persian Bride, the people and the culture of Iran emerge as complex and fascinating, alternately terrible and beautiful. For the Western reader, the powerful appeal of Islam appears less of a mystery, although, in its treatment of women, no less of a problem.

Free term papers are not written to satisfy your specific instructions. You can use our professional writing services to buy a custom written research paper, term paper, or essay on World Literature at affordable price. CustomTermPapers is the best solution for those who seek help in writing term papers, essays, and research papers related to World Literature and other relevant topics.