In "Reading Lolita in Tehran," Azar Nafisi reflects on the aftermath of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, emphasizing that the movement, which aimed to uphold Islamic values, ultimately betrayed those ideals. Instead of promoting justice and enlightenment, the regime exploited Islam as a tool of oppression, causing deeper harm to the faith than foreign influences ever could.

Nafisi's memoir illustrates the struggle of individuals striving to protect their intellectual and cultural identities in a repressive environment. Through her narrative, she highlights the conflict between authoritarianism and personal freedom, showing that the use of religion as a governmental instrument can lead to a profound disillusionment with its principles.