On Two Feet and Wings
Abbas Kazerooni and Brilliance Audio
20 min
8 Key Points
4.5 RateWhat's inside?
Experience a young boy's courageous journey as he navigates through life's challenges and adversities, relying solely on his wits and determination to survive.
You'll learn
1. Bouncing back from tough times2. A kid refugee's story3. Adapting to new places4. Bravery in tough spots5. How culture shapes us6. Keep going to reach your goalsKey points
01Childhood in Tehran
In the heart of Tehran, Iran, a young boy named Abbas Kazerooni was born into a life of comfort and privilege. His father, a former military officer, and his mother, a homemaker, provided a nurturing environment for Abbas and his younger brother. Their spacious home in an affluent neighborhood and Abbas's enrollment in a prestigious private school were testaments to the family's prosperity. Abbas, a bright and curious child, developed a keen interest in literature and history, a passion that his parents encouraged and nurtured. However, the socio-political climate of Iran during Abbas's formative years was anything but stable. The Islamic Revolution had just taken place, marking a significant shift in the country's governance from a monarchy to an Islamic republic. This transition was not smooth; it was characterized by widespread protests, strikes, and civil unrest. The Kazerooni family, like many others, was deeply affected by these changes. The father's military background became a liability, leading to job loss and a subsequent decline in the family's financial stability. Despite the political upheaval, Abbas's parents strived to maintain a sense of normalcy for their children. They continued to foster Abbas's love for learning, nurturing his intellectual curiosity amidst the chaos. However, the escalating tension between Iran and Iraq eventually culminated in the Iran-Iraq War, introducing a new threat - compulsory military service for young boys, including Abbas. Faced with the terrifying prospect of their son being drafted into the war, Abbas's parents made a heart-wrenching decision. They arranged for Abbas to travel to Istanbul, Turkey, with the hope that he would eventually find his way to England, where he had relatives. This marked the end of Abbas's childhood in Tehran and the beginning of a new, uncertain chapter in his life. The events of Abbas's childhood in Tehran are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite the political turmoil and personal challenges, Abbas's intellectual curiosity remained undeterred, a beacon of hope in uncertain times. His parents' decision to send him away, while difficult, was a testament to their love and their willingness to make sacrifices for their children's safety. These experiences shaped Abbas's character, instilling in him a sense of resilience and adaptability that would serve him well in his future endeavors.
02The Journey Begins
The Journey Begins The farewell scene at the heart of Tehran, Iran, is a poignant moment that marks the beginning of a young boy's journey. The emotional goodbye with his family is a testament to the harsh realities of war and the sacrifices it demands. The young boy, Abbas, is leaving his home to escape the imminent threat of military service during the Iran-Iraq war. The fear and hope intermingled in the eyes of his family members reflect the uncertainty of the path that lies ahead. The journey to the airport is a microcosm of the emotional rollercoaster that Abbas is about to embark on. The streets of Tehran, once familiar and comforting, now pass by in a blur, mirroring the whirlwind of emotions within him. The stern father figure, trying to impart last-minute wisdom, embodies the desperate attempt to prepare Abbas for the challenges that await him. The pounding heart as they approach the airport is a stark reminder of the reality of his situation. The airport, a gateway to the unknown, is the last bastion of familiarity for Abbas. The final hug from his father, the whispered words of encouragement, and the solitary figure left behind, all serve as poignant reminders of the support system he is leaving behind. The security checkpoint symbolizes the threshold Abbas crosses, leaving his childhood behind and stepping into a world of uncertainty and responsibility. The flight to Istanbul, Turkey, is a transformative experience for Abbas. His first time on a plane, the journey is a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. The changing landscape outside the window mirrors the internal transformation Abbas is undergoing. The familiar terrain of Iran giving way to the unfamiliar terrain of Turkey is a metaphor for the drastic change in his life. Upon his arrival in Istanbul, Abbas is immediately thrust into a world of cultural and linguistic differences. The bustling, vibrant city is a stark contrast to his home in Tehran, symbolizing the drastic shift in his life. The challenges of navigating through the airport and stepping out into the city are the first of many that Abbas will face in his new life. In conclusion, the initial stage of Abbas's journey is a poignant depiction of the sacrifices demanded by war and the resilience of the human spirit. The emotional farewell, the tense journey to the airport, the transformative flight, and the arrival in a foreign land, all serve as significant milestones in Abbas's journey. Each event is a testament to his courage and determination, setting the stage for the challenges and triumphs that await him.
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03Struggles in Istanbul
04Survival on the Streets
05The Fight for a Better Life
06The Journey to England
07Life in England
08Conclusion
About Abbas Kazerooni and Brilliance Audio
Abbas Kazerooni is an Iranian author, actor, and lawyer, known for his memoir "On Two Feet and Wings". Brilliance Audio is a Michigan-based audiobook publisher, producing unabridged audiobooks, primarily of popular fiction and non-fiction titles, for distribution worldwide.