Shadows of Iran: Forged in Conflict: From Iranian Rebel to American Soldier

Shadows of Iran: Forged in Conflict: From Iranian Rebel to American Soldier is the debut novel by Nick Berg, a story that is partially autobiographical, but is noted to be historical fiction. In the book, the protagonist was Ricardo Rosen. The story began when his American father and Iranian wife were living in Detroit and it was there that Ricardo was born. He was a U.S. citizen. When his father suddenly disappeared and left Ricardo with his mother, life changed dramatically for them. When his mother spent all the money she had on unsuccessfully trying to locate her husband, she felt she had no choice but to return to Iran. However, because it was socially shameful for a woman in the 1970s to have a child and not be married, she chose to get remarried to a man who was abusive to her and her son.

 

When Khomeini helped lead a revolution against the Shah in 1979, life for Ricardo and his mother once again changed dramatically. Although he hid his anti-Khomeini attitude for his own safety and that of his mother and younger sister, life was most difficult. Even though he was a student with a legitimate deferment, He eventually was conscripted into the Irani infantry where he took advantage of his military training and experience. By being in the military he had a regular diet, something he could not count on otherwise. After he got out of the military, he joined the resistance to Khomeini and the Republican Guard. Ricardo actually became famous under the nom de guerre of the Shadow Rider of Tehran. He sabotaged many things during which he kept his name secret while he plagued local law enforcement by his actions.

 

The story takes him back to the U.S. and eventually to the U.S. military. Throughout his activities, he was secretly monitored by his father who was working for one of the three-letter agencies. There were many years of his father, David, watching over and controlling the dangerous assignments Ricardo received as he progressed up the chain from infantryman, to sniper, to Ranger, and finally to various black operations. He was frequently put in very dangerous and life-threatening situations, and it was only because of his great talent and demeanor that he survived. The author also wove his love life into the story, some of which were challenged by his dedication to his service duties. There were troubles in is marriage, and he constantly worried about the welfare of his daughter.

 

This period of time in history was one of high tension between the US. and Iran. The author described not only the dangers that Ricardo was having, but he also gave a clear portrait of what life was like for civilians in Iran. I found the civilian and military experiences experienced by Ricardo to be totally authentic. There were some plots that were not finished, such as his secret but highly influential father, and what was happening to his daughter under the tutelage of his troubled and alcoholic mother. Mr. Berg has set up a sequel to this story and I’m eager to see what happens to these characters.

 

I rate this book highly and it gets my very strong recommendation.