“A labor of love”: on the perils and seductions of writing about Iran. An Interview with Jill Worrall

Jill Worrall's travelogue, Two Wings of a Nightingale: Persian Soul, Islamic Heart, challenges and subverts dominant Orientalist stereotypes about Iran through a deeply personal and immersive narrative. Published in 2011, the book recounts her journey across Iran with her guide, Reza, along ancient caravanserai routes, offering rich insights into Iranian culture, history, literature, and arts. Worrall's work stands out for its attempt to humanize Iran, contrasting with a global publishing industry often complicit in perpetuating dehumanizing narratives about the region. Conducted as an interview in 2016, this discussion sheds light on her writing process, her disillusionment with stereotypical portrayals, and her commitment to presenting authentic, alternative perspectives.

Nazari, H. (2018). “A labor of love”: on the perils and seductions of writing about Iran. An Interview with Jill Worrall. Studies in Travel Writing, 22(3), 325–336. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645145.2018.1528666