In her memoir, Azar Nafisi reflects on Vladimir Nabokov's assertion that his work is not universally accessible, describing it as "a violin in the void." This metaphor captures the essence of navigating a seemingly empty space where freedom emerges from the absence of options. Nafisi connects to this idea, recognizing that within limitations lies the potential for creativity and self-discovery.

After distancing herself from the university, Nafisi confronts the void, which symbolizes both a challenge and an opportunity. The act of creating, akin to playing a violin amidst emptiness, becomes her means of survival and expression. Through her journey, she illustrates the profound relationship between restrictive circumstances and the pursuit of artistic and personal freedom.