Why a Booktrail?
1981: The story of an unexpected friendship of two children, on either side of war and peace.
The Garden of Inside-Outside
What you need to know before your trail
In the summer of 1981, Chiara and her family join their father in Iran. At their beautiful palace, there is an inside and an outside, separated by a wall. Inside, there is a wild garden where princes and princesses used to walk. Outside, in the black city, there are soldiers with heavy boots, big beards and bombs. One day, a boy from outside climbs the wall into the garden. The garden no longer feels inpenetrable but Chiara has made a friend, Massoud, who will keep the secret of the inside-outside.
Travel Guide
Travel to Tehran with The BookTrail
Inspired by the childhood of the author, whose father was appointed Italian ambassador to Tehran in 1980, this picture book is a beautiful evocation of a country struck by war, where friendship arises despite the rising walls.
Come inside the garden where the author played when her father was Italian ambassador to Iran.
The book incorporates fairy tales and explores Iran’s artistic heritage whilst also being a book about the various facets of conflict.
If it’s noisy and terrifying even from the safety of their diplomatic compound, how must it feel out there on the street?
BookTrail Boarding Pass: The Garden of Inside-Outside
Destination: Tehran Author/guide: Chiara Mezzalama Departure Time: 1981
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