The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (Book Reviews: 5/5)

The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali is one of my first few books of the decade, and I'm so glad I came across this book at my local bookstore. This is one of books that stay with you for a long, long time. Marjan Kamali has poured so much love and pain and emotions in this book, it's almost impossible to finish it without teary eyes.

The protagonists Roya and Bahman are a young couple whose romance starts and grows in a stationery shop belonging to Mr. Fakhri, who too has a small yet powerful role in the story. The narration, particularly of the Iranian lifestyle and households is remarkable and the reader finds her/himself in the streets of Tehran. All the side characters, including Zari, Mrs. Aslan, Jahangir, and Mr. Walter have been given enough and perfect amount of text space and power in the story.

There's always something happening in the story and it's really hard for the reader to out the book down. The dilemma of relationships between Roya and Bahman, Bahman and his mother, Mrs. Aslan, and Mr. Fakhri and Mrs. Aslan, leave the reader in an emotional turmoil. The story paints a beautiful picture of old Iran when it was all about savoring delicacies, rising standards of education, and delightful seasons. It is heartbreaking to see the devastating change the country had to go through in the previous decades.

After a long time I have read a book that has touched my heart and soul. I believe the soul of it will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend it to everyone from age group 14 and above.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Title: The Stationery Shop of Tehran

Author: Marjan Kamali

Genre: Fiction

No.of pages: 312

Suitable for age group: 14 years and above

Publishing House: Simon and Schuster Ltd

Find the book: Amazon | Flipkart | Goodreads

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