In "Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books," author Azar Nafisi discusses the transformative power of literature. She suggests that great imaginative works often evoke feelings of estrangement, prompting readers to reconsider their own surroundings and beliefs. This feeling of being a stranger in familiar settings encourages a deeper introspection about one's life and values.

Nafisi emphasizes that the most impactful fiction challenges readers to question long-held traditions and societal norms, especially when they appear unquestionable. By prompting this kind of reflection, literature serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery and societal critique.