Sattareh

Sattareh's father gave her an unusual name which meant "star" but was spelled more like the Persian word for measuring stick. She was called Satti by her friends and family throughout her life.Because she had no sisters or half-sisters near her age, Satti was allowed to play outside the harem, running and climbing trees with her step-brothers and cousins, which was very unusual. Satti was a leader among the children, which imbued her with the lifelong knowledge that she was as intelligent and capable as any male.

Later, as a young teen, Satti longed to study abroad like her older brothers instead of having a French governess like her sisters. However, her father can afford neither. Instead, he sent her to the American School for Girls in Tehran, where she developed an affection for the generous, energetic, independent Americans who seemed to want independence for Iran. After...