The Stationery Shop
From the award-nominated author of Together Tea and The Lion Women of Tehran, a poignant, "powerful" (The Wall Street Journal) and "affecting novel about first love" (Real Simple) that explores loss, reconciliation, and the quirks of fate. Roya, a dreamy, idealistic teenager living amid the political upheaval of 1953 Tehran, finds a literary oasis in kindly Mr. Fakhri's neighborhood stationery shop, stocked with books and pens and bottles of jewel-colored ink. Then Mr. Fakhri, with a keen instinct for a budding romance, introduces Roya to his other favorite customer--handsome Bahman, who has a burning passion for justice and a love for Rumi's poetry--and she loses her heart at once. Their romance blossoms, and the little stationery shop remains their favorite place in all of Tehran. A few short months later, on the eve of their marriage, Roya agrees to meet Bahman at the town square when violence erupts--a result of the coup d'etat that forever changes their country's future. In the chaos, Bahman never shows. For weeks, Roya tries desperately to contact him, but her efforts are fruitless. With a sorrowful heart, she moves on--to college in California, to another man, to a life in New England--until, more than sixty years later, an accident of fate leads her back to Bahman and offers her a chance to ask him the questions that have haunted her for more than half a century: Why did you leave? Where did you go? How is it that you were able to forget me?
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Book Review:
In “The Stationery Shop in Tehran,” Marjan Kamali weaves a poignant tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. Set against the backdrop of 1953 Tehran, we follow the lives of Roya, a spirited young woman, and Bahman, her passionate suitor. Their love story, tender yet fraught with the complexities of political upheaval, is beautifully depicted through the lens of a charming stationery shop—a sanctuary of dreams and aspirations.
Kamali’s characters are richly developed, each embodying the struggles and hopes of a nation on the brink of change. Roya’s resilience and Bahman’s idealism resonate deeply, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of love and sacrifice. The vivid imagery of the bustling streets of Tehran and the intimate moments shared within the shop create an immersive reading experience.
This novel is not just a story about romance; it is a heartfelt exploration of the ties that bind us, even in the face of adversity. Kamali’s lyrical prose and emotional depth make “The Stationery Shop in Tehran” a must-read for anyone seeking a narrative that lingers long after the last page is turned. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to readers who cherish stories that touch the heart and illuminate the human spirit.
I know this is branded as a love story, but perhaps due to my aversion to love stories, I didn't come away with that. Really good book - worth reading!
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