In "Reading Lolita in Tehran," Azar Nafisi reflects on how a simple living room, with a view of the magnificent Elburz Mountains, served as a personal refuge from the harsh realities of life in the city. This space symbolized a world of comfort and safety, contrasting sharply with the oppressive atmosphere of urban life. The mountains, framing their sanctuary, portrayed a sense of beauty and hope amidst turmoil.

The living room became more than just a physical place; it transformed into a universe for Nafisi and her friends where they could explore literature and their thoughts freely. In this intimate setting, they could escape the constraints imposed by society, allowing them to connect deeply with each other and the books they cherished, while the struggles outside remained a distant reality.