Searching for Hassan

A Journey to the Heart of Iran

By: Terence Ward, Terence Ward - preface

Narrated by: Gibson Frazier

The “astonishing and deeply poignant” (The Washington Post) memoir of one man’s search for a beloved family friend explores the depth of Iranian culture and the sweep of its history, and transcends today’s news headlines to remind us of the humanity that connects us all.

Growing up in Tehran in the 1960s, Terence Ward and his brothers were watched over by Hassan, the family’s cook, housekeeper, and cultural guide. After an absence of thirty years and much turmoil in Iran, Ward embarks on a quixotic pilgrimage with his family in search of their lost friend. However, as they set out on this improbable quest with no address or phone number, their only hope lies in their mother’s small black and white photograph taken decades before.

Crossing the vast landscape of ancient Persia, Ward interweaves its incredibly rich past, while exploring modern Iran’s deep conflicts with its Arab neighbors and our current administration. Searching for Hassan puts a human face on the long-suffering people of the Middle East with this inspirational story of an American family who came to love and admire Iran and its culture through their deep affection for its people. The journey answers the question, “How far would you go for a friend?”

Including a revised preface and epilogue, this new and updated edition continues to demonstrate that Searching for Hassan is as relevant and timely as ever in shaping conversations and ways of thinking about different cultures both in the US and around the world.

Story of how true a friendship can be, deep, transcultural, without judgements!

Thank you Terrance Ward. Amazingly beautiful written, as a Persian I want to go back and see Iran with his eyes. I loved the story but the narrator could have pronounced the Persian words better.

The human face of Iran.

I was sad to have this book finish. It gave me a whole new vision of Iran and it’s people. Being a person who enjoys history and travel, the beauty of the land, Iranian cultural sites, and it’s amazing poetry was a joy to listen too. The truth and peace this book reveals should be heard by everyone.