The behind-the-scenes story of an innocent man, arrested and imprisoned in Iran and finally released after 222 days

'An affirmation of the power of love, kindness, courage and human resilience' - Lara Marlowe, author of Love in a Time of War

Bernard Phelan was working for an Iranian tour operator when he was arrested on false charges of spying on 3rd October 2022, becoming a political hostage.

He shared "Satan's block" in Mashhad prison with political prisoners and drug traffickers - and condemned inmates awaiting execution.
He was released from prison in May 2023 after being held hostage for seven months.

Bernard Phelan grew up in Stillorgan, Dublin and lives in Paris with his husband.

"'Bernard Phelan has written a moving, engrossing, suspenseful and at times humorous account of his seven-month ordeal as a hostage in Iran. The book is filled with memorable characters, for example 'George', a sinister Iranian interrogator who is eager to discuss same sex marriage, atheism and French cassoulet. Phelan denounces Iran's 'grisly human chess game' and the cruelty of jailers, judges and fellow prisoners. But his story is also an affirmation of the power of love, kindness, courage and human resilience. Though one would not wish such a terrible experience on anyone, imprisonment in Iran has revealed Phelan's promise as a writer'" - author of Love in a Time of War

"'A taut chronicle of vulnerability, defiance, and, most of all, a ferocious resilience'" - Irish Examiner