Content Warning: The source material features depictions of extreme domestic abuse, confinement, violence toward women and children in public places, and potentially distressing scenes of escape in unsafe conditions. In addition, the book contains scenes of bombardments and their aftermath. The narrative is told from an antagonistic point of view, portraying Middle Eastern and particularly Iranian culture in a negative, stereotypical manner. The novel uses outdated ethnocentric language to describe cultural features and traditions that are distinct from those of the author.

Betty Mahmoody describes her journey to Iran with her husband, Moody, and their daughter, Mahtob. On August 3, 1984, the family sets out from Detroit and travels to Iran. As they approach Tehran, Betty reflects on her growing apprehension about the trip. She feels especially uneasy about having to wear a scarf to cover her hair. Moody advises her to hand him all their American passports, which he hides to avoid any potential issues with the authorities. He states that the authorities are less likely to search him because he is from a well-known religious family in Iran. Betty is conflicted by the contrast between the Americanized version of her husband and the emerging indicators of his Iranian roots.