Q&A With Nick Berg 

I am happy to be doing this Q&A with the author of the book Shadows Of Tehran by author Nick Berg. Shadows Of Tehran will be available in April of 2025! It’ll be a book to start off my birthday month! 

Q: Nick we briefly interacted with each other on Instagram & you agreed to this interview, and you told me Shadows Of Tehran was your life story but a fictionalized account. Would you please give a brief description of the book and if you can, without spoiling which things in the book are real and which parts are fictionalized?

A: Thanks, Bianca, for this interview.  As you mentioned, Shadows of Tehran is based on my life Story, a true survival story and a love story, following Ricardo, a young boy navigating the chaos of post-revolutionary Iran. “Shadows of Tehran” weaves my life experiences into a gripping narrative that blends fact with fiction. The book follows Ricardo, a young boy whose life in post-revolutionary Iran is fraught with upheaval and danger. His father, a CIA operative, abandons the family as political turmoil escalates with the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini. As Ricardo’s mother remarries, he faces new domestic threats from a stepfather with dangerous secrets.

The story vividly recounts Ricardo becoming “Shadow Rider,” a figure of resistance, fighting against the suppression in Tehran alongside his companion, Bahar. While inspired by the spirit of resistance common in such turbulent times, this element of the narrative is an enhancement to symbolize the broader struggles of many.

Ricardo’s subsequent escape to America, homelessness, and rise to a Special Forces soldier, reflects a dramatized version of my journey through similar struggles and triumphs. While the military missions mentioned—like those in the Gulf War, Bosnia, Rwanda, and Colombia—are real, Ricardo’s participation and experience is a fictional device used to explore themes of resilience and redemption.

The emotional core of the book—dealing with betrayal, the fight for personal freedom, and transformation—is deeply rooted in true personal emotions and experiences, though specific events and characters like Bahar are crafted to enrich the narrative and resonate universally with themes of struggle and overcoming adversity.

Q: How long did it take you to write Shadows Of Tehran & why was now the right time to write and publish it?

A: Writing “Shadows of Tehran” took about a year, a process significantly enhanced by the guidance of Ken Scott, my writing coach. His expertise was invaluable in crafting a narrative that effectively conveys the depth of Ricardo’s experiences rather than merely recounting events.

Publishing the book now felt particularly timely because it taps into current global discussions about identity, resilience, and the quest for freedom—themes that resonate deeply in today’s socio-political climate. Additionally, with a growing interest in personal stories that span cultural and national boundaries, Ricardo’s journey offers readers not only a gripping story but also a reflective mirror on the challenges and triumphs that define the human experience across different contexts.

Q: What lessons & emotions do you hope readers learn and feel after reading Shadows Of Tehran? 

A:  Ricardo’s story is not about a hero.  It’s a human Story with all its failures and mistakes. After reading “Shadows of Tehran,” I hope readers come away with a deep sense of resilience and hope. The journey of Ricardo, facing immense challenges from his troubled childhood in Iran to his redemption and purpose in the American Special Forces, is meant to inspire readers to believe in the power of overcoming adversity. Emotionally, the book aims to evoke empathy for those who endure great personal and political struggles and to appreciate the complex layers of identity and allegiance in a global context. Additionally, the narrative could instill a sense of justice and the importance of fighting for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds.  At its core, “Shadows of Tehran” explores the pivotal role of life choices in shaping our destinies. It illuminates the stark reality that we decide whether to be victims or survivors—not the events in our lives.

Q: Speaking of Iran, currently women are starting to demand their rights from the government, and I remember the protest they did several months back by burning their hijabs! What was your reaction to their protests against the government? 

A: It’s truly inspiring to see the bravery and determination of Iranian women standing up for their rights. The act of burning hijabs not only symbolizes a demand for freedom and autonomy over personal choices but also highlights a broader struggle against oppressive systems. Such protests represent a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equality and human rights, resonating deeply with supporters of the Women, Life, Freedom movement around the world. As a feminist, witnessing this courage and solidarity among women demanding change is both powerful and moving, offering a glimpse of hope for a more equitable future. This is not just a women’s movement it is about freedom and the fundamental right for any human to live free. 

Q: Will your next book be similar to Shadows Of Tehran or will it be about something else entirely?

A: The next book will indeed continue the narrative arc established in “Shadows of Tehran,” focusing on Ricardo’s unfinished commitments to Bahar, Shahla, and his relationship with his father, David. This sequel will delve deeper into the characters’ personal and emotional complexities, exploring how their past actions and promises shape their present and future.

The third book, the prequel to Shadows of Tehran, will shift focus to David’s life, tracing his journey from his childhood through to his final days. This back story will provide a rich context for the complexities and motivations that influenced both David and Ricardo. While the sequel and prequel will maintain the thematic core of resilience and identity found in “Shadows of Tehran,” they will also introduce new layers and perspectives, enriching the overarching narrative with deeper historical and personal insights.