The Stationery Shop of Tehran: A country in turmoil. A love story just beginning Paperback – 28 Nov. 2019

The story starts during the political coup in Iran in 1953. Roya is an idealistic teenager who spends a lot of time at the stationery shop of Mr Fakhri, a magical place full of books, pens bottles of ink and little trinkets. There, Roya meets Bahman and falls for this young man involved in politics, passionate about justice, and a great lover of Rumi poetry. The coup of 1953 will change the country, and the lives of Roya and Bahman for ever. Their lives continue, apart, until by accident, they reunite and can bring closure to questions left unanswered, truths unspoken, and the painful loss over all these years ago.This book is beautifully written, and the characters are very deep and interesting. They are depicted in the context of Iran in the time of the 1953 coup and the right balance was found between the story and the context. I loved the sensory part of the book, the scents of the stationery shop, the touch and scent of the characters, and above all, the description of the delicious Persian foods, how they connect to traditions and times of the year, and how they are prepared.This is really a strong story of how two people can have such an intense connection that although life has taken them to different directions, when they meet again in the twilight of their lives it is still all there, intact and deep and they can close the circle and find peace and closure in a beautiful way.A very moving story I could not put down.

I really enjoyed the book, it took some time to get in to it fully, the first 7-8 chapters are quite slow but the pace starts to pick up and it gets really good.

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 familyAll 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.

A beautiful story opening the western reader to another world, a culture, a history that is lesser-known. A story of generational heartache and characters whose actions have long-lasting consequences. A story that reminds the reader of the joy of young love and all that it can be and the consequences of not having the courage to follow your heart. Overall, a well-written story, but like other reviewers, I felt the middle section was the weakest. However the use of letters to convey portions of the story was enjoyable and the connection made between Roya and Claire at the end was a heartwarming end to the book. For me, this is a 4.5/5 book.

The Iranian Revolution is the backdrop for this love story. Revolves around a young teenage couple who meet in a local bookshop in Tehran & the predictable conditions that drive them apart. Although background scenes of life in Iran are depicted well enough, there is not enough depth in the narrative. Predictably the couple meet up again in later years in the US & reignite their friendship. This is a nice, soothing story, but I have read better. Khaled Hosseini's novels set in Afghanistan spring to mind. Enjoyable but forgettable.

Nice book, readable but not overly exciting.

Brilliant, an excellently written and most enjoyable story of love and loss and life. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading others by Marjan Kamali.

This was a very interesting story about Iran and recent Iranian history and culture from an insider's point of view.

Great writing kept me interested through out the whole book.

A wonderfully written novel that captures your attention from the beginning. It takes you on quite the journey and has the reader flipping pages in the quest to know the outcome of the story. Sweet book.

Loved the book

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

The story and the actual book is beautiful!