In her memoir "Reading Lolita in Tehran," Azar Nafisi reflects on how the revolution transformed public life in Iran. Activities that once encouraged social interaction, like going to the movies or dining out, were largely restricted. As a result, people began to retreat into their private homes to partake in social experiences that had once been part of public culture.

For Nafisi, venturing out to any public event became a rare and refreshing experience. The nostalgia for the vibrant social life that existed before the revolution underscores a longing for connection and the joy of shared experiences, highlighting the impact of societal changes on personal freedoms and communal activities.