The Stationery Shop Of Tehran

Marjan Kamali has magnificently scripted a fresh and pure teenage love, which started in a stationery shop and bloomed in the streets, cinema halls, and youngsters' parties in Trehan. Roya, a girl from a middle-class background, gets captivated by an upper-class, wealthy, nationalist boy, Bahman. But the fate is eternally engraved on the forehead when we are born. The author has blended the political journey of Iran since the early 1950s to 2013, from the fall of the Shah in 1953, the emergence of democracy under Prime Minister Mossadegh, the coup to dethrone Mossadegh and the revival of the Shah. And finally, it was taken over in 1979 by a religious leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, who made it the Islamic Republic of Iran. The language and prose are sweet and flawless, moving like an incense stick, gentle with a soft fragrance. Ms Kamali has beautifully incorporated the downward shift of the open American culture of Shah's time of the fifties to the recent rigid and dogmatic chauvinistic regime. The writing transports us to the roadside vendors, small shops, ancient bazars, streets, backlanes, squares, mosques, cafes, festivals, celebrations and parties, unrest, demonstrations, pro and anti-government, arrests, shootings, coups, and countercoups in Trehan. The description of the cuisines is so vivid that the reader can whiff and savour the delicacies. Lastly, the cover page picture of the raw, teenage girl in a long green frock also left a mark. Overall, my first refreshing read from an Iranian author. Dr Brij Mohan Author -Second Innings. Five stars.

I just love being left with the feeling of awe and sentimentality and this book hits hard with both. This tale is a depiction of having loved and then lost paired with beautiful writing. The story is so gorgeous yet so sad and leaves you overwhelmed with multiple emotions in the end. The political-historical setting is very straightforward and clear and helps in the portrayal of the culture. There is also the depiction of how time heals all but the scars are always there. It is unpredictable and unfurls the tiniest of secrets or twists all of a sudden. It also talks about the love of books, poetry and stationery shops. The love stories in the story are very passionate and at times very practical as well. I also loved the sister dynamic of Roya and Zari. The whole arc of “Why didn't you reply to my letters?” to “What letters??!!!” was as traumatizing as ever. And the ending is sad yet satisfactory.

After *Rooftops of Tehran* by Mahbod Seraji, I didn’t think I could find a better book, being a fiction reader only. But Kamali’s novel proved me wrong in the most wonderful way. *The Stationery Shop of Tehran* has the rare ability to transport the reader to the streets of Iran — so vivid are the descriptions, so heartfelt are the emotions. I was captivated by the story of Roya and Bahman — their love, their struggles, their dreams, and the bittersweet turns their lives take. Kamali masterfully captures both the personal and the political, set against a backdrop of historical upheaval. It was hard for me to put the book down for even a moment. The story of Roya and Bahman is one that stays with you long after you close the book. Their innocent, youthful romance unfolds in the cozy warmth of Mr. Fakhri’s stationery shop, which becomes a symbol of hope and refuge. One of the lines that touched me deeply was: “A good bookstore is like an anchor in a storm.” This simple yet powerful metaphor reflects how that little shop sheltered not just books, but dreams and promises of a better tomorrow. Kamali’s writing shines in the way it captures moments both tender and tragic. She doesn’t glamorize love or suffering — instead, she paints them in honest, often heartbreaking strokes. As Roya reflects on her life, we are reminded: “Love is not about what you feel. It’s about what you do.” It is a fantastic novel that draws its power from authenticity, subtlety, and emotional depth. A must-read for anyone who enjoys fiction that touches the soul and lingers long after the final page.

The stationary shop of Tehran is a historical romance fiction set in Tehran, Iran. The book follows a girl named Roya who loved spending her time in the stationary shop of Tehran which is also a book store where she meets a political activist Bahman Aslan. Amidst the political turmoil in Tehran, Roya and Bahman fall in love but destiny has different plans for them. The book is written so beautifully and amazingly. I just couldn't put the book down. The book is unpredictable yet it unfolds many tiny secrets from time to time. It's a story about loss and grief; regrets and guilt; political turmoil ; acceptance and forgiveness. This book made me cry so much. This book was sad and heartbreaking yet beautiful. I still feel a lump in my throat! Especially the final pages -they're so hard to get through! But it's all worth it. And to my fellow Indian readers, you guys must be familiar with the ending of Veer Zara, this book has a similar kind of ending.

The Stationery Shop of Tehran had the potential to be a deeply moving and layered story, but it ultimately fell short for me. The plot felt somewhat predictable, which lessened the emotional impact of the narrative. I also found the characters lacking depth; they never quite developed the complexity or nuance needed to make their journeys fully engaging. While the book carries moments of charm, it misses the richness and resonance that define a truly compelling novel. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but it could have been much stronger with more intricate character development and a less foreseeable storyline.

Lovely book! Easy read but were touching

Bellissimo libro che ricorda che anche l’amore non vissuto, se è vero, dura per sempre

one of my favourite books!

It’s 1953 in Tehran, the streets are filled with protestors and all sorts of commotion. Roya, a young lady finds solace in a stationery shop which is also a bookshop with translated literature, love finds her right there in the midst of the poems she loves to read. Bahman, the boy who will change the world, an activist and a book lover is captivated by Roya from the moment he sets his mind on her. Their lives are separated by class but brought together by their passion for justice. Will this last? Will they change the world together? Who is rooting for them or willing to tear them apart and why? Other themes explored include education, mental health, love, loss and family All the characters in this book are well developed, there is no wasted character, they way their lives intertwine is amazing, the build up suspenseful. The writing is accessible and beautiful. Heartbreaking and heart warming in equal measure. A great read.

Not finished reading the book but it has me captivated. I'm loving every page and the turns and twists of the story.