Part 3: Chapters 32 - 35 Summary

The war with Iraq ended in a whimper. Iranian troops were severely demoralized. Although for Ayatollah Khomeini peace was equivalent to "drinking the cup of poison," peace was finally accepted. But the war on domestic dissent continued with new fervor. Thousands of prisoners, many of whom were awaiting trial, were summarily executed. The war was considered lost and the economy was in shambles.

A subtle change in Nafisi's classes is noted: the rantings of fundamentalist students are quickly answered back in loud opposing voices. Students from other universities begin attending Nafisi's lectures. Yet Nafisi comments to one student that life feels more fictional than fiction.

In June of 1989, the supreme leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, dies. The university is closed for a period of mourning. Millions turn out for the funeral procession. Yet even many who attended did so out of...