A world in turmoil

At the end of 2022, François-Henri Désirable traveled through Iran for forty days. In his suitcase was nothing more than what was described in the travelogue of Nicolas: “The World Experience as Described by Nicolas Boivier.” In the 1950s, the Geneva-based writer, a polymath in his half-century, toured Iran in a Fiatolino. Reading Boivier’s book had a profound influence on Désirable, prompting him to embark on his own adventures. But in Iran, the young Mahsa Amini died after being tortured and groaned to death by the morality police. A wave of outrage swept the country, and the regime cracked down. This did not deter François-Henri Désirable. He traveled to Iran, where he encountered moving and inspiring, but not terrifying, experiences, both in Tehran and in remote villages. In the Kurdish part of the country, he was arrested and expelled by the Revolutionary Guard. Now, she is working with him on his literary illustrations. The captivating and vibrant language used by Désirable and his translators, along with the confident and self-deprecating travel writer, enriches the reading experience. The book is an ode to adventure. “For freedom, for the courage of women in Iran, and, last but not least, for their contribution.” – Mary Leahhurst

“This is the issue: they are happy with only one thing: freedom.” Daniel Vivier, Radio France

“An illuminating narrative, a portrait of a country on the brink, beneath whose surface life and anger simmer. A captivating story.”