You Will Die in Prison: A story of 'ferocious resilience' - Irish Examiner

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NOW WITH AN UPDATED FOREWORD AND ADDITIONAL CONTENT

'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.

Reviews

'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' -- Lara Marlowe * author of Love in a Time of War *
'A taut chronicle of vulnerability, defiance, and, most of all, a ferocious resilience' * Irish Examiner *

Author Bio

Bernard Phelan was detained on 3 October 2022 in the north-eastern city of Mashad in Iran during a wave of anti-government protests that have seen millions take to the streets.

He was held for allegedly taking photographs of police officers and a mosque that had been burned.

After seven months in prison, he was released on in May 2023. This is his story.