IMPERFECT
A Story about Loss, Courage, and Perseverance

by Katy Motiey

“A terrific story about a woman fighting both personal and legal battles to save her children and herself.”
~ Ellen Sussman, New York Times Bestselling Author of French Lessons

“…provides insights into the difficulties encountered by a widow with practically no legal rights who used intelligence, determination and strength to overcome the many obstacles she encountered as she struggled to find a better life for herself and her children.”
~ F. Amanda DeBusk, former Assistant Secretary of Commerce and International Lawyer

“A beautiful, timely, and thrilling story…inspiring us all to fight for justice in our own time and place.”
~ Ann Gelder, Podcaster for The Re-re-read

"Imperfect explores the complexities of familial loyalty, the oppressive nature of outdated traditions, and the spirit of a woman who refuses to bow to them."
~ Readers Favorite Reviews

SYNOPSIS:

Imperfect is the story of one woman’s loss, courage, love, and perseverance before and during the Iranian Revolution. Based on the experiences of the author’s mother, Vida Shamsa’s life takes an unexpected and dramatic turn with the sudden death of her young husband in 1971. Struggling against the patriarchal customs of Iran, she is faced with fighting her husband’s family for control of her children and her life. Never giving up fighting for her son and daughter, she challenges Iran’s legal and personal injustices against the backdrop of political unrest during the Shah’s regime, the rise of Khomeini, and the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis. Imperfect engages the reader in a quest for equality for a single mother who rages against outdated traditions and her need to control her life in order to protect her children, whom she loves above all else.