Ayoh - Shop now
See All Buying Options
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Passage to Persia - Writings of an American Doctor During Her Life in Iran, 1929-1957 Paperback – March 1, 2014

by Margaret a Frame (Compiler)
4.5 out of 5 stars 14 ratings

In 1929 Adelaide Kibbe was a 27-year-old missionary physician who set out from New York, on the steamer SS American Banker, headed for Iran. Her route to Persia took her through England, Scandinavia, Germany, Switzerland and Egypt. It would be 28 years before she returned home, and during the ensuing decades she would see huge changes in her adopted country: the development of modern roads, railway and air transport, the spread of telephones and radio, and modern schools in the cities (bringing literacy to girls as well as boys), and the growth of the modern University of Tehran. Through her letters to family, diaries and mission reports we have an insight into a country which has undergone tremendous cultural, social and political change. Adelaide's personal observations open a window to a bygone era brought to life through her engaging and timeless writings.

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    334 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Springtime Books
  4. Publication date
    March 1, 2014
  5. Dimensions
    5 x 0.75 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1909193577
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1909193574
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"What a historical gem! Dr Adelaide Kibbe's letters open our eyes to another time and place in history. Yet she tells a modern story too - what one life can accomplish when lived for something more than self. A great read!" Ruth E Van Reken, Author, Third Culture Kids

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Springtime Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 1, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 334 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1909193577
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1909193574
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.75 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 14 ratings

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
14 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Cheryl Toliver
    5.0 out of 5 stars An engaging read of pre-revolutionary life in Iran
    Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Passage to Persia: Writings of an American Doctor During Her Life in Iran, 1929-1957, is the fascinating account of Dr. Adelaide Kibbe and her work in two regional hospitals in pre-1978 revolutionary Iran. Encountering poverty and ignorance, the plight of women and children in a male-oppressive society, learning Persian language and customs, constant work in the hospitals treating diseases and injuries, performing surgeries, helping to educate nurses and patients, Dr. Kibbe provides us an intimate window into Perisa's post-World War II transformation into the modern nation of Iran, as well as some of the roots of what would lead to the country's upheaval in the late 1970s. A rare view, particularly because it is told from a woman's perspective, and that of a woman doctor in an era when few women were doctors and surgeons.

    Because Dr. Kibbe's daughter, Margaret Adelaide Frame, allows her mother to speak, to convey her experiences, thoughts, and emotions through her letters, mission and hospital reports, and other materials, this is mostly an autobiographical account. Yet Ms. Frame also provides personal reflections (once she enters her mother's story), and a foreword by History Emeritus Professor of Boise State University Michael Zirinsky to provide political and historical background for Dr. Kibbe's life, so we understand more fully the context of her experiences.

    Dr. Kibbe was in Iran not only as a doctor but also as a Presbyterian missionary, a politically controversial position today, though not so much during her time there. Her mission reports express her compassion for those she served, that she felt strongly in living out God's compassion for others through her work more than her words, but was tolerant of and interested in understanding the Islamic faith of her patients so as to better serve them. This biography-autobiography allows her to express her compassion once again and for us to share in it. A definitely engaging read of a life richly lived.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Ellen Wheaton
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interest and inspiration
    Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Among other things, an insight into the life of Iranians beyond what we see in the news, superficial travelogues, etc., and an challenge to focus one's life on a cause beyond its normal sphere.
    Helpful
     Report
  • K. Adele
    5.0 out of 5 stars Life in Iran during friendlier times
    Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is an interesting, exotic story of another time, another place. Margaret Frame draws heavily on letters written by her mother, father, step father and their colleagues back when they served as Presbyterian missionaries in Iran, from the beginning of the twentieth century though mid-century. From today's perspective, it seems amazing that there was a time when Christians would dare to live in Iran openly professing their Christianity without fear of causing riots. But during the time covered in this account, while sensitivity to Islamic sensibilities was important, Islamic fundamentalism did not dominate life in the Middle East as it does today. The writing of this book is engaging. In large measure, the text is taken from letters written by the principals. The letters are carefully selected to contribute to the telling of the story. Overall, it is a good read.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Behruz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I shall do it a while later.
    Helpful
     Report
  • G. melhaff
    5.0 out of 5 stars A woman of faith, a woman ahead of her time
    Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2014
    First, let me state that I am not an unbiased reader for I am the proud grandson (by marriage) of the person of this book, Adelaide (Kibbe Frame) Hoffman.

    Adelaide married my grandfather after the death of her first husband, likely much to do with the fact that my grandmother told him that after she died that he was to marry Adelaide! I know this because of my grandfather also wrote a biography of his life and of course this story is a family favorite.

    I am fascinated by my grandmother for two primary reasons. The first is that she was one of the most amazing women I have ever known. My fondest memory is the last time I saw her when I was left with the impression that she was the rarest of individuals in that physical age did not result in any negative mental alteration. She had the look in her eyes of a young woman still overflowing with life. The second is that she and my grandfather and other grandmother (who died long before I was born and was a nurse) are heroes of the faith. They forsook the wealth of doctors in trade for something much more valuable, the fruit of serving our Lord and Savior. And at a time when the cost was likely much higher in terms of comforts than it would be today. Much of the impact they had upon the people of Iran and Afghanastan was not likely known by them since it was fruit ripened and realized often by their friend and pastor (who later wrote a book of his own) who experienced the ability to reap a harvest he said that was due to my grandparent's medical missions. I had often struggled with what grandpa once told me, that he had never had a convert from Muslim to Christianity stick with it due to the hostility to Christianity within their culture. But I don't believe they knew that behind them went others who reaped the reward of their work. I only came to realize this after finding the book written by their pastor. It makes me wonder how many heroes of the faith have existed and still exist today in these lands despite the severe persecution they must endure.

    So yes, this is my grandmother's story but this is a story about great people who were simply willing to put God and the Gospel message of salvation ahead of their own agenda, willing to live God's adventure instead of one of their own choosing.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Eris Perese
    5.0 out of 5 stars Doing it all and doing it superbly in the 1920's
    Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2014
    Passage to Persia that describes the life of an American woman who served as a missionary doctor in Persia, now Iran, for four decades starting in 1920 is an elegantly written testimony to an extraordinary woman. Through the story, the reader experiences the hardships of war--rationing, fighting, being shut off from the world and also the hardships of life for the poor people of Iran--lack of basic preventive health care, superstitions that controlled their lives, and lack of education. It is a moving story of a woman who managed to be a dutiful daughter, a wife, a mother, a doctor, a missionary and a wonderful friend to all. I highly recommend it.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jack Scott
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absorbing and Heartfelt
    Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2016
    An absorbing, heartfelt and very personal account of pre-revolutionary Iran before the rise of political Islam.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Mahmoud Sharifi
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very good book
    Reviewed in Canada on September 16, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoy it a lot.
    Report