Lincoln, 30 September 2026 — The human cost of war, the resilience of ordinary people and the search for hope were at the heart of the UK public launch of When the Sparrows Grow Anxious: Diaries from Tehran at War, held at the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln.
The venue provided a particularly fitting setting, connecting remembrance of past conflict with a contemporary account of civilian life during war. It offered a meaningful space to reflect on peace, reconciliation and the human consequences of violence.
The hybrid event brought together attendees in Lincoln and online participants from Newcastle, Australia, Canada and the United States. Iranian author Ali Asghar Seidabadi joined from Tehran, enabling audiences to hear directly about the experiences behind his book.
Ali delivered his opening reading in English. His daughter, Ghazaleh, translated his subsequent responses during the audience discussion. Published in Persian and English, the book explores everyday life during war and the ways families, friendships and familiar routines endure amid fear and uncertainty.
Subash Chellaiah, Founder and Executive Director of The Centre for Reconciliation, opened the evening with welcoming remarks. Publisher Dr Nick Owen MBE welcomed participants, while editor Alexander Moore and members of the international publication team shared their perspectives on bringing the book to readers.
Following the readings, questions from the audience prompted a thoughtful conversation about children, healthcare, family life and the role of literature in sustaining hope.
Asked about the hardest part of living through war, Ali focused on the suffering of children. He reflected that children have no control over the political decisions that lead to conflict, yet bear some of its most devastating consequences. He described the loss of children’s lives as one of war’s most painful realities, alongside the tensions and uncertainty experienced within communities.
Discussing healthcare, Ali said hospitals continued to operate, but rising medicine prices and difficulties obtaining supplies were placing increasing pressure on people. He described an established medical network facing growing challenges, with war, sanctions and internal problems, including corruption, making access to medication and resources harder.
Ali also spoke about his family’s wellbeing. Although they were managing, economic pressures and fears of another war remained. He explained that the kindness shown by friends during the conflict had brought comfort and helped his family feel connected to others.
Hope became a central theme of the evening. Drawing on literature, Ali reflected that hope must be actively sought and nurtured, even when circumstances make it difficult to find. He described writing the book as a therapeutic process and expressed his aspiration to reach readers in further languages through collaboration with Nick Owen and the wider team.
Editor Alexander Moore highlighted the manuscript’s warmth, humour and tragedy. He praised Ali’s writing and described the editorial process as shaping and presenting an already powerful account while preserving the author’s voice within a short publication timetable.
International collaborator Trish Amichi reflected on the shared values that brought the team together, particularly the importance of finding common ground and recognising one another’s humanity. She praised the manuscript’s poetic qualities and its portrayal of Iranian people, culture and landscape, finding moments of beauty and hope alongside the distressing realities of war.
The evening offered an opportunity to listen, ask questions and connect across geographical and cultural boundaries. Through personal testimony and discussion, the launch encouraged reflection on human dignity, compassion and the relationships that sustain people during conflict.
When the Sparrows Grow Anxious: Diaries from Tehran at War is published in the UK by Nick Owen Publishing.
Further informationBook details — Nick Owen Publishing
Copies of When the Sparrows Grow Anxious: Diaries from Tehran at War by Ali Asghar Seidabadi on display at its UK launch at the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln.
