Prisoner

My 544 Days in an Iranian Prison—Solitary Confinement, a Sham Trial, High-Stakes Diplomacy, and the Extraordinary Efforts It Took to Get Me Out

By: Jason Rezaian

Narrated by: Jason Rezaian

The dramatic memoir of the journalist who was held hostage in a high-security prison in Tehran for 18 months and whose release - which almost didn’t happen - became a part of the Iran nuclear deal.

In July 2014, Washington Post Tehran bureau chief Jason Rezaian was arrested by Iranian police, accused of spying for America. The charges were absurd. Rezaian’s reporting was a mix of human-interest stories and political analysis. He had even served as a guide for Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. Initially, Rezaian thought the whole thing was a terrible misunderstanding but soon realized it was much more dire as it became an 18-month prison stint with impossibly high diplomatic stakes.

While in prison, Rezaian had tireless advocates working on his behalf. His brother lobbied political heavyweights including John Kerry and Barack Obama and started a social media campaign - #FreeJason - while Jason’s wife navigated the red tape of the Iranian security apparatus, all while the courts used Rezaian as a bargaining chip in negotiations for the Iran nuclear deal.

In Prisoner, Rezaian writes of his exhausting interrogations and farcical trial. He also reflects on his idyllic childhood in Northern California and his bond with his Iranian father, a rug merchant; how his teacher Christopher Hitchens inspired him to pursue journalism; and his life-changing decision to move to Tehran, where his career took off and he met his wife.

Authored with wit, humor, and grace, Prisoner brings to life a fascinating, maddening culture in all its complexity.

“Jason paid a deep price in defense of journalism and his story proves that not everyone who defends freedom carries a gun, some carry a pen.” (John F. Kerry, 68th secretary of state)

©2019 Jason Rezaian (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers

Interesting !

What a riveting, well read account of the author’s ordeal. The authors reading of the book is an added bonus.

Perspective…

Was great to listen to. Really enjoyed it. A different approach than most hostage books.

Exceptional book. A must read.

I read about the imminent launch of this book in the NYT's Book Review and ordered it to be delivered on the day it was released. Fabulous book, narrated by author Jason Rezaian. His voice is essential to the story, and the result is spellbinding. A must read!

Very insightful!

I've always wondered and thought of Jason and his wife. I remember watching that episode of Anthony Bourdain in Iraq, being intrigued by the couple and then in shock when at the end of the show, Anthony announces that they were arrested by Iraqi officials. I did not actively follow the news, just hoped and prayed something was being done to help these people, good people. I'm happy to finally hear the story in Jason's own words. I'm happy they are safe in America. I despise what they endured, but maybe it's a lesson for us all. Great book Jason, I look forward to reading more of your work in the future.

Compelling from start to finish!

I couldn't stop listening to the book. Amazing story, great writing and the narration was fantastic.

Listed twice. Cried many times for what he’s been through

Jason is such a storyteller. He has so much Tony Bourdain in him. I had to stop the book to put myself together a number of times throughout the story.

Very well done

Jason did a tremendous job describing and narrating his hostage situation. I felt like I was sitting down with a friend as he told me his ordeal.

great story and powerful experience

this is a great story and experience that everyone should hear. I highly recommend and probably listen to again.

Please read!!

Everyone should read this extraordinary story!! It is so well done!!! I loved the audio version as Jason invites you in to feel his emotions throughout his 544 days in prison!! Well done, Jason!!!

Fascinating and compelling book

It will open your eyes to an event on which you probably have an opinion. You owe it to yourself to learn the real story.