A good novel is one that shows the complexity of individuals, and creates enough space for all these characters to have a voice; in this way a novel is called democratic - not that it advocates democracy but that by nature it is so. Empathy lies at the heart of Gatsby, like so many other great novels - the biggest sin is to be blind to others' problems and pains. Not seeing them means denying their existence.

Every great work of art ... is a celebration, an act of insubordination against the betrayals, horrors and infidelities of life.

Reality has become so intolerable, she said, so bleak, that all I can paint now are the colors of my dreams.

When I was teaching at the University of Tehran we were struggling against the implementation of the revolution rules.

Living in the Islamic Republic is like having sex with someone you loathe.

I no longer believe that we can keep silent. We never really do, mind you. In one way or another we articulate what has happened to us through the kind of people we become.

When I first left Iran at the age of 13, Iran had become such a shining star - it was the point to which all my desires and dreams returned.