Roya Hakakian: podcast appearances and interviews

Roya Hakakian is an Iranian American Jewish writer, journalist, and political commentator. Born in Iran, she immigrated to the United States as a refugee and became a naturalized citizen. She has authored several books, including the memoir Journey from the Land of No, which has received critical acclaim in English. Her other works include Assassins of the Turquoise Palace and A Beginner's Guide to America: For the Immigrant and the Curious. Hakakian draws inspiration from the literary traditions of Iran and its historical upheavals, often focusing on contemporary sociopolitical issues such as exile, persecution, and censorship. She approaches these topics with a poetic sensibility, blending lyricism and political insight to make complex subjects accessible. Her writing reflects her engagement with the turmoil of her homeland and her commitment to addressing global themes related to freedom, identity, and human rights.