Finally finding refuge in Christ

Annahita Parsan is a minister in the Church of Sweden and a public speaker. The book "Stranger No More: A Muslim Refugee's Story of Harrowing Escape, Miraculous Rescue, and the Quiet Call of Jesus" is her memoir that covers the time from her childhood in Iran to her "new" life in Sweden. Parsan grew up in a Muslim family in Isfahan under the Shahs regime with a mother who saw herself a Persian woman who valued education and refused to let a man treat her as his property. All she knew from God was that he was very far away. She had a close and special relationship with her grandmother. Her husband Mohammad, whom she married when she was still young, died less than a year after their wedding very shortly after the birth of their first child in the year that Khomeini took power. Her husband's death leaves her numb for months but the changes on the street shock her. She experiences how Khomeini's regime restricts her more and more.
Then she marries Asghar who promises to treat her well but starts to abuse her already on their wedding night. Then he starts also to abuse her son from her first marriage. They flee Iran in 1979 taking only their youngest daughter with them but having to leave her son and his daughter from his first marriage behind. Their way to freedom includes four months of horror in a Turkish prison. Finally they are allowed to leave Turkey as refugees to Denmark where she receives a Bible in Farsi. The great violence and verbal abuse by Asghar continues and Annahita starts to pray to God. Finally her parents manage to come to Denmark and to bring her seven-year old son. After her mother-in-law who brought Asghar's daughter four months earlier supposedly leaves Annahita is able to flee with all three children and finds refuge in a safe-house. But the persecution by Asghar continues. Through the songs of the nons in a convent she is drawn closer to God. Ultimately her escape leads her to Sweden where she grows in her faith through various experiences and where she is baptized.
I highly recommend this book to readers who have a certain amount of cross-cultural understanding since Annahita's background, some of their reactions, and also some of her religious experiences is difficult to understand for the "typical Westener" who has not lived in another culture and has insufficient first-hand knowledge about the middle-eastern and Persian culture and about Islam. Such a reader should read the book only if he or she has a really open mind and willingness to accept Annahita's life experience that is so much different from the Western world and Western world view.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#StrangerNoMore	#NetGalley

I learned so much from this story. It was so educational without being... preachy? I guess is the word. It was an incredible story and just breathtaking.

First, I'd like to thank Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

This is a heartbreaking story of an Iranian woman who had to endure multiple hardships and tragedies over and over again.  

The writing is OK, it was translated so there are a few moments that I believe aren't as clear as they could be but are likely more powerful and clear in the original language.  

I was interested in this book because I wanted to read a conversion story by a former Muslim but most of the book is actually her story before she converted to Christianity.  She does mention meeting Christians along the way but I was anticipating a bit more detail as far as her conversion goes. I think maybe less than 20% of the book is actually about her life during/after conversion.

But it is a great story of a woman who defied all odds thanks to God himself.     

*Also, just as courtesy, for those who have been in abusive relationships there could be triggers in this book for you.

I found myself staying up late delving into Annahita's life, her struggles, and her quest for in freedom from abuse and dominion as a Muslim woman. Her childhood in Iran was simple and then her world became complex beyond her wildest imaginations. One day she was married and the next, a widow. Her nightmarish world astonished me. This recollection of what she encountered, endured, and then escaped opened my eyes to a world I can barely comprehend. Not that it isn't believable but that in contrast, my life is vastly different. The trauma she endures to bring her children to safety, to practice her new found faith, and to experience life with choices amazed me. 

What a remarkable story and woman! I highly recommend this book of hope, suffering, stamina, and faith.

I received a copy from Net Galley. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.

How can I rate Stranger No More by Annahita Parsan.......as I don't typically read autobiography stories 
But, OMG what a read. its a remarkable true memoir of the author’s life. Annahita was born into a Muslim home in Iran. She unexpectedly became widowed and then was trapped for years in an abusive second marriage that she later escaped from. Annahita now uses her life story to help others. 

This book is a must-read! and moving book. Plus, a page turner.  You realise how lucky we are. Best wishes for Annahita for the rest if her life.

Thank you to Netgalley. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.   Highly recommended read!   Thanks for providing through Net Galley.  Five Stars *****

This book is an inspiring testimony of the ways God reaches out to us and leads us, even in the most difficult of circumstances.  I personally felt that such a large portion of this book was dedicated to the brutal life out of which Annahita was led, and less emphasis given to her current work reaching out to and ministering to her own community, otherwise I would have definitely given this five stars.  I would love to read more about her current work, and anecdotes taken from those interactions.

This is a fascinating story of a woman who endured unimaginable obstacles to escape the cruelty of her culture, religion and husband. The writing is ok and the pace is just fine. I give the first part of it 3-star, but the latter part a 1-star. It is being marketed as a conversion story by a former Muslim, yet that part is not explained in detail. She met kind Christians who helped her along the way, but there was no real explanation of how she realized she needed a Savior. 

There was no story about how she understood her sin nature. And her reference to “Christian” is a smorgasbord of faiths that don’t necessarily agree with their core beliefs. She first encountered Catholic nuns, but was later baptized in another church where she served as a pastor. It’s not clear what specific Faith she follows, except that they “follow” Jesus. Is she Mormon, Baptist, Charismatic, Liberal or what? Without specifying this, I question whether she really understands the gospel. She doesn’t explain it at all. Because of this, the book can’t be used for evangelizing Muslims.

I’m not questioning the authenticity of her story. I’m questioning whether she really believes the Jesus of the Bible or what men have conjured up to serve their need. A few times the author mentioned how Jesus answered her prayers and that increased her faith in him. It’s like a quid pro quo type of faith, which is false. Mysticism, dreams, and such seem to dominate her Christian experience.

Even her family’s conversion seemed too easy (of course, I believe God could certainly do that; He did with me), without much complication, or at least an explanation, even though they were all strict Muslims. I finished the book feeling manipulated to fight for an open-door policy for refugees.

I hope I’m mistaken as her amazing story could be used to teach so many of the sufficiency of Christ. Perhaps the fault lies not in her, but in her Co-author and publisher who put the emphasis on the wrong things to make this a good read.

From the beginning of the book to the end, I found Stranger No More by Annahita Parsons nearly impossible to put down. It is difficult to comprehend how a person could endure so much difficulty, abuse, and tragedy. I could feel her struggle and pain throughout, yet she did not over-dramatize any of her experiences (they’re nearly unbelievable as it is). Her story demonstrates the strength of the human spirit even in the most difficult circumstances. From the time she receives a Bible, one can see the thread of God’s sustaining grace to her and His divine providence, even as her difficulties continued. I found her story to be personally challenging—to believe God for clear miracles and trust Him to reveal Himself to those we seek to help. I wish there were more details at the end of the book about her ministry.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I don't typically read miraculous autobiography stories - too often, they strike me as self-centered and melodramatic. However, this book was equal parts entertaining and educational and I could hardly put it down. Until the final bit, that is.
This book details the struggles of Annahita Parsan, an Iranian woman in a bad marriage who left Iran in 1979. The story follows everything she had to go through and her eventual conversion to Christianity.
For most of the book, I was hooked. Parsan's story is fascinating and it gave me a good look at Iranian culture and history. Her refugee story intrigued and horrified me and it was enlightening to hear about the struggles refugees have to go through to find asylum. Getting out of an abusive marriage was also terrible to hear about, but a good learning experience. And ultimately, I enjoyed her story of becoming a preacher. But her telling of every miracle that had happened to her and her family directly after she prayed struck me as a weak source of faith (what happens when a prayer isn't answered immediately?) and her telling of it seemed odd in light of the rest of her story. Why was finding Christianity also presented as a trial instead of a blessing? 
Overall, this was an interesting book that I really enjoyed reading. It's a moving story that's well-told and keeps you hooked.

Stranger No More by Annahita Parsan is a harrowing and powerful story of her life as a Muslim woman and her transformation into  a woman of God.
Growing up in Iran in the 1970's Annahita Parsan remembers her granny who "prayed in fear to an angry God, not out of faith." The country was in turmoil as the Shah was overthrown and replaced by Khomeini.
Two arranged marriages and two children before the age of twenty. Ironically her second marriage was for safety reasons but he turned out to be a monster who beat her. "It is normal for a woman to be beaten by her husband. That is how women learn."
Annahita Parsan's story is not an easy read - an abusive marriage, fleeing a regime and living in four countries. Annahita Parsans believed in an angry God who was punishing her. "I couldn't escape the belief that God was angry and this was my punishment." Her husband verbally and physically abused her, giving her the option, "You either live with me or you die."
With her children terrified, threatened and abused, something inside broke and Annahita Parsans knew she had to get out. Not knowing a loving God but knowing about prayer, she was "sending up prayers for I-didn't-know-what to I-didn't-know-who." God is a God who longs to answer prayer.
Annahita Parsans noticed a group of nuns who had love and peace. She wanted to know their God and became a Christian. "With child-like faith, I prayed expectantly."
Life did not become easy overnight. Troubles continued but Annahita Parsans knew God was with her. Prayer became her default setting instead of a sticking plaster setting. Like Job, she praised in the God and the bad times. God was faithful to her as she was to Him.
Stranger No More is a difficult read. The violence towards women and children is awful. The suffering and silence is terrible. These women and children are brave souls. We in the west have no idea what they go through but Annahita Parsans story goes a little way to opening our eyes.
Bless you Annahita Parsans for all you have suffered. You are a brave survivor and a faithful warrior for God. Thank you for your courage and your faith.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

This book is definitely worth the read! An inspiring story of the love of Jesus. 
Received this book from Netgalley for our honest review.

An inspiring and well-written account of a muslim-born Iranian lady, whose life changed through an encounter with Jesus.

An powerful and harrowing read about a Muslim woman born in Iran who flees her country and makes a new home in Sweden. Annahita Parsan marries a violent man and suffers insurmountable violence while she tries to make a better life for herself and her children. She eventually gets away from him and finds religion.

I was astounded to read about what this author went through in her younger life and managed to survive. To say she is strong and fearless is an understatement. I enjoy reading memoirs about brave women who do what they have to to overcome their horrible circumstances in order to better their lives and those of others. This book does not disappoint. It is an engaging, powerful, and inspiring read that I found hard to put down.

Stranger No More
A Muslim Refugee’s Story of Harrowing Escape, Miraculous Rescue, and the Quiet Call of Jesus
by Annahita Parsan
Thomas Nelson
Biographies & Memoirs , Nonfiction (Adult)
Pub Date 14 Nov 2017
I am reviewing a copy of Stranger No More through Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:

Stranger No More Is a story of escape, rescue and survival against unbelievable odds.  It's a Muslim's women of story of escaping abuse and listening to the quiet call of Jesus.  Annahita was an Iranian Woman Who went to Turkey, with only one of her children as they left the country illegally.    She endured deplorable conditions in a Turkish Prison.  Her husband was an abusive drunk.  Annahita, her husband, and her daughter eventually ended up in Istanbul, And then in Denmark and Sweden where the abuse continued.  

About a year after their arrival in Sweden, Annahita is reunited with her Son Daniel.  In time Annahita finds the courage to leave her husband and seek help.  

I give Annahita five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

There is lots of sadness,and pain,was good read.can be upsetting

It’s hard to put into words  all the horrific experiences the author was subjected to at such a young age and for so many years. In spite of all that, she accepted Jesus as  her savior and has gone on to make a difference in the lives of so many others. Annahita was raised as a Muslim in Iran. She was abused by her second husband, Asghar,  in ways that I can’t even begin to imagine. They end up as refugees in Turkey where they are mistreated and jailed. After that, her husband continues to abuse her, and with some help, she finally gets away from him. There are also children involved; they each had a child from previous marriages:  she had a son and he had a daughter. Together they had a second daughter. The children were also beaten by Asghar, although Annahita, tried to protect them as much as possible, getting extra beatings, so they would be spared.


At times it was difficult to put the book down because you just didn’t know how anything was going to turn out. So much of this kept me flipping pages hoping Annahita and her children would leave. There were times when I felt she should made different decisions, but since I’ve never been in a relationship that was brutal, I can’t honestly know how much her fear caused her to make the choices she did. 

Ultimately, the book is about overcoming and redemption. From the seeds planted by Americans who even though they could not communicate with her, understand the language she said she spoke and gave her a Bible, to the neighbors who got her to go  to a church service, there were people who came into her life and led her to Jesus. And even though her past abuse embarrasses her, she shares her faith and her experiences openly because she felt led by God  to do this. 

This is definitely an eye-opener and worth reading.

“Stranger No More” would be an inspirational book for some readers.

Annahita Parsan’s story is a heart-rending tale of a child bride trapped in an abusive marriage in Iran, a country where divorce is almost impossible. When her husband is forced to flee the regime, Annahita is presented with an appalling Sophie’s choice decision - one of her children must be left behind.

After a terrible time in a Turkish prison, the family makes it to Scandinavia, but the abuse continues, and escalates. While there, Annahita receives occasional help from Christians, and she starts to seek help from Jesus.

The last quarter of the book is about Parsan’s deepening commitment to Christianity as the solution to her problems. This section will mostly appeal to like-minded readers. I personally found the multiple claims that she makes to be incredible, but one cannot deny her the succour that extricated her from the hair-raising situation she describes earlier.

Her story makes me see a refugee in a brand new way. Half of this book is telling the story about her life as an Iranian woman, the domestic violence, how she finally had to flee from her country, got caught in the prison and her life as a refugee. And at the very end that's when Annahita Parsan shares her story how she met Jesus and surrendered her life to Him only in a very brief detail. 

I think the author focus more on her hardships as an Iranian woman and refugee, but by reading this makes me feel compassion for them. Now I can understand how hard their life and how desperately each of them need Jesus. A very recommended book. Easy to read, honest, heartbreaking, yet it's a beautiful story how Jesus can turn ashes to beauty.

This book is NOT what the blurb would have you believe. Yes, there is a lot of hardship and unpalatable stuff, and a lot of sadness, pain, love and emotions, but the finding and converting to Christianity aspect was entirely glossed over, and came right at the very, very end of the book.

It is a tale that makes you feel grateful for your freedoms and what you have, and that your life has (hopefully!) not been anywhere near as hard as Annahita's. I just wish the book had been written with the depth and balance that the blurb promised. Even the 'Muslim refugee' aspect was hardly relevant - religion barely featured.