Today, Iran is a very different place from the land you describe in Harem, yet it is still a very restrictive society forwomen. Are there any similarities between your experience as a modern Iranian woman and that of your characters? What partsof the culture have endured? What has changed for women?

After the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iranian women were forced to retreat into a more restrictive past like the one I recount in Harem. Like my heroines and myself, Iranian women have often managed to rise above the limitations of their societies. But, in order to succeed, we had to be more resourceful than women in liberal countries. Iranian women are still a strong force who hold important jobs, are represented in the parliament, and are highly educated, but now they’re forced, whether they concur or not, to conceal themselves under chadors.

Having lived in Israel, Iran, and the United States, you have a unique perspective on women’s lives in very different societies.What are some of the misconceptions we have about women living in Iran today? And about Iranian women living in the UnitedStates?

The misconception we have about women living in Iran is that their spirits have been broken down by this male-dominated society. Although this is true in some cases, overall it’s difficult to break down an Iranian woman’s will. She will find a way to educate herself, work, and expose her hair or ankle. The younger generation of Iranian women in the United States has become a major player in all aspects of society, and it would be a misconception to dismiss them.

Many of the women in Harem are quite powerful despite the severe limits imposed upon them by Persian culture. In fact, they are often as ruthless asthe men who dominate them. Do you think there are any lessons contemporary women can draw from them?

Yes! It is exactly this, the power these women had, that fascinated me in the first place. And what we must learn from them is that our sensual, intuitive, and cerebral traits, coupled with perfect timing, can be a very effective tool in all aspects of our lives.

You were born in Israel and grew up in Iran, so it seems no coincidence that the novel’s main protagonists are Jewish womenin ancient Persia. In addition to theme and location, how have your Jewish and Iranian cultures inspired and sustained yourwriting?

Having been raised in a culture rich in poetry and sensual imagery, it has certainly influenced my voice and style. The stories communicated to me throughout the years are so ingrained in me on conscious and subconscious levels that it’s hard to separate what I write about from the reality of my life.

What inspired you to write about the world of a harem? Why did you decide to depict it in a novel instead of a straightforwardhistory? Did any particular book or author influence your choice?