Alice in Mullah Land

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Alice in Mullah Land is a surreal political novel that explores life under a clerical dictatorship through allegory, dark humor, and distorted reality.

Set in an imagined world that closely mirrors modern Iran, the novel examines how power is maintained by religious authority, fear, and ritualized obedience. Rather than retelling real events directly, it uses symbolism and satire to show how ideology shapes everyday life — how rules replace morality, how violence becomes normalized, and how truth dissolves under dogma.

Written against the backdrop of ongoing protests and widespread misinformation about Iran, the book aims to provide context rather than slogans. It does not argue politics or offer manifestos; instead, it invites readers to experience how such systems function from the inside, especially for those who encounter Iran only through headlines.

Blending elements of dystopia, fable, and psychological realism, Alice in Mullah Land is intended for readers interested in political allegory, authoritarian systems, and the human cost of theocratic rule — particularly in light of current events in Iran.

Talking With Amir H Taheri

What was the inspiration for writing Alice in Mullah Land?

The book was inspired by the growing gap between headlines about Iran and how life under clerical rule actually functions day to day. I wanted to offer context through story rather than argument.

What was the writing process like for Alice in Mullah Land?

The book was written gradually alongside full-time work then refined through several rounds of revision. Feedback from beta readers helped sharpen the narrative and clarify what needed to remain subtle.

What music did you listen to while writing Alice in Mullah Land?

I didn’t listen to music while writing. Silence helped me stay focused on the rhythm of the language and the atmosphere of the story.

What was your favorite scene in Alice in Mullah Land to write?

Probably the court scenes — they allowed me to explore power and ritual in a very concentrated way.

What was the hardest scene in Alice in Mullah Land to write?

The cemetery scene was the hardest to write. It required restraint to let atmosphere and implication do the work instead of explanation.