| Title | : | The Stationery Shop |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1982107480 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781982107482 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 312 |
| Publication | : | First published June 18, 2019 |
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?
The Stationery Shop Reviews
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Look at love
How it tangles
With the one fallen in love
Look at spirit
How if fuses with earth
Giving it new life
Five lyrical, heart-wrenching/ripping/breaking into pieces, soul shaking, perception changing, revolutionary, magical, eternal love stars!
The list of the things you need urgently after you finish this book are:
- Rolls of toilet papers, napkins, paper towels, anything helping you out to clean the nasty evidence of your ugly cries!
-Fresh air! So you can howl at the moon like a wolf for getting rid of bottled up emotions, anger, frustration.
-Punch bags and gloves! Some of the characters on this book will piss you off so much as you remember their name (She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named!!!), use the punch bags instead of your lovely house walls or glasses!
- A good comedy movie or TV series to binge watch! Because you're gotta remember, there are still funny things in life!
-Eat pasta, chocolate to rise up your blue mood!
- Stay away from Zanax or any other prescribed pills, hard liquors which could deepen your depression. Try smoothies, ice cream or softer drinks!
- Good make up products to hide your puffy red eyes!
This story was started in Tehran, a stationary shop, it's a place where its owner Mr. Fakhri, helps the young people for their political awakening and fight for reformist changing of their country but it is also the safe place of book lovers who want to devour the words and broaden their intellectual minds.
Young Roya, book-worm, 17, comes to the stationary shop to find herself, her own words and meets Bahman Aslan ( Aslan means lion, Bahram is mostly brave, passionate character just like his last name). As soon as they met, they understood that their life would never be the same.
They fell in love when they were 17. They got engaged and against Bahman's mother's rejection who were suffering from psychological problems, they planned to get marry at the summer as the political turbulence commotion, danger of upcoming coup rising like Damocles' sword over their heads!
But one day, Bahman and his family disappear and Roya can only communicate with him by the letters hidden inside the books with the help of Mr. Fakhri.
Finally young lovers decide to get marry and meet at the square to go to the mayor's office with their documents. Roya waits for Bahman, witnesses Mr. Fakhri`s dying because of a political commotion at the square. And then she gets a letter from Bahman that says he wants to break up with her.
Devastated Roya, decides to go to the US for college education and fresh start for her broken heart with her sister.
So this is 60 year old story of two lovers who have broken up , tried to gather their pieces of their broken hearts, gone to their separate ways to move on their lives and finally they got back together after 60 years to have their closure !But you know that lovers don't finally meet somewhere.. They're in each other all along! As like Bahman ans Roya!
I cried so much! I hurt so much! I cursed so much! This is a poignant, emotional, life changing and heavy story to absorb, digest properly about passion, ideals, dreams, sisterhood, traumas, betrayal, abortion, loss, devotion, trust, friendship, psychological issues !
I still feel lumps on my throat! Especially final pages are so hard to continue! But it's totally worth it! Because this is an incredible journey about faith, love, beautiful Rumi poems!
I enjoyed every second of it.
I'm so lucky that I received this amazing complimentary ARC from the publisher, courtesy of NetGalley, in exchange of my honest review! I think it's safe to say I loved this book so much and again thanks to NetGalley to help me meet this gifted writer!
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2022 re-read
this is a book from which I can never recover 😭 just as enchanting as the first time
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someone hold me, that was beautiful -
this is such an bittersweet book. its the kind of story that is so lovely, yet so sad, so you are left overwhelmed with all of the different emotions you are feeling at the end.
the wonderful parts are such a joy to read. but the depressing parts are so sorrowful that i was constantly asking myself, ‘why am i reading this?’ i was sad at the end and im not sure i like how things turned out - im a fan of a happy ending - but this story is real. life does not always give a happy endings, as one moment can change a life forever.
so i would recommend this to readers who dont mind a more melancholy love story. but honestly, the really touching moments are worth dealing with the unhappy ones.
↠ 4.5 stars -
3.75
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LONG ....BUT NO MAJOR SPOILERS....
There is much to like about “The Stationary Shop”, where we are taken back to the year, 1953 when Mossadegh was the Prime Minister in Iran, during political devastating-havoc.
Many people in Iran loved Mossadegh. They believed he was their democratic leader who had the courage to stand up to foreign powers wanting their oil. Mossadegh was ‘hope’ for the many people in Iran who believed in him. They felt he was the right man to achieve democracy.
The anti-Mossadegh folks were angry - they thought Mossadegh was a communist and many not only wanted to replace him - plotting against him for General Zahedi as post-coo Prime Minister replacement - they wanted Mossadegh dead.
Demonstrations got ugly and frightening. Protesters were shouting “Marg Bar Tudeh”....death to Mossadegh. History had never been more frightening- dangerous and ugly. The protesters managed to enter Mossadegh’s house... but he managed to escape through a window to a neighbors.
The coup d’Etat conspirators looted the prime misters house - burned some of the contents -completely destroying his house. The coop had succeeded. The world would be changed the world forever.
The political history written by Marjan Kamali, is clear, accurate, uncomplicated, straightforward, and easily accessible.....making this a great book choice for anyone who is unfamiliar with the political history & culture of Iran. This novel would make a a great pick for American High School and college students.
The history was written simple to understand - yet frustrating for many in Iran to understand why American government had a hand in the coup.
I spent several months in Tehran in 1974....I cherish my memories ....with some crazy stories and great times!
Back to this story.....
During the summer of 1953, a couple fell in love. Roya and Bahman were 17 years old. Both bright educated students. They were engaged to be married.
But for reasons - (much for the reader to ponder), they never married each other.
Bahman literally vanished from Roya’s life on the very same day that they had planned to meet at Sephah Square at Cafe Ghandi.....the same cafe where Roya first tasted coffee during the New Year holiday: ‘Nowruz’.
Bahman ordered them both a steaming Italian espresso with cream.
Passing on Roya’s normal drink - tea - to try coffee - wasn’t the only change for Roya during the most memorable summer of her life. Everything was changing fast and faster since falling in love with Bahman. Her thinking opened politically in ways they never had until she fell in love with an activist.
She planned to secretly marry Bahman at the office of Marriage and Divorce...a few weeks before their real wedding. But on August 19th, 1953....when demonstrations - and violence in the streets were at an all time high....during the overthrow of Mossadegh....the day hundreds were killed...
Roya was alone waiting for her fiancé. August 19, 1953, they were going to marry - meeting at their favorite cafe, but Bahman never showed up.
Roya and Bahman first met in a Stationary/ Book store Shop, run by Mr. Fakhri.
Mr. Fakhri used to refer to Bahman as “the boy who would change the world”. Symbolically....the title of this book will be clear in many more ways than one, once the reader is finished reading it all.
Four and a half years after the coop...four and a half years since Roya and Bahman were to marry....
Bahman was working at a petroleum company....married to another women....with a baby on the way. I found it shocking and sad to learn about Bahman’s job.
The suspense of why - how come - and what happened- that broke up Roya and Bahman, will keep you guessing to the end.
Time kept moving on....
Roya and her sister Zari came to California- both having received an international scholarship at Mills College in Oakland....( a small private college not far from UC Berkeley)....
Our own daughter went Mills College.......and UC Berkeley.
I kept thinking about how political demonstrations changes people ....
I thought about the protesters against the Vietnam war when I was attending UC Berkeley.
Time keeps moving on.....
Bahman - and Roya - both senior Citizens - looked back on their summer - of love - during political chaos. ...August 19, 1953 is a day neither had forgotten -
Time ‘still’ keeps moving on....
Sixy years later....
Bahman wondered what his generation learned. He had worked hard to do all the right things to bring about political change… Democracy…
but in one day, in one afternoon, foreign powers and corrupt Iranians destroyed all his dreams. What had he learned? What regret did he have?
Getting older....
Roya married Walter. Her sister Zari married Jack. Both sisters married Americans...had children .....jobs ....( we get lots of juicy stories about living in America as an Iranian).....
From the SF Bay Area ...to New England....it seemed no matter how many years went by - births...events... happiness and tragedies... when Roya was alone in her thoughts....Bahman was who she reflected on.
I felt incredibly sad for people who worked hard for good changes in the world, but then saw themselves as failures, or worse....dead.
I felt even sadder ....when I learned the why’s and ‘what happened?”
It’s amazing to think about how one WORD can be ‘life-changing’.
Iran was a complex nation in 1953 - still is. History repeats itself...
Politically charged....
In 1979 Iran had its Islamic Revolution- no longer ruled by the Shah - but religious clerics.
This was also a wonderful story exposing the many complex relationships - the challenges facing cultural traditions vs. progressive changes - love and loss.
Young-adult-coming of age - falling in love and all the influential complexities including parents - in-laws - siblings - friends - aging (memories, ailments, regrets, sorrows, perspective)
Besides Iranian political history being brought to life, which historical fiction readers will appreciate...fans of romance novels might enjoy this book as well. Universal themes include family, and friends.....with ‘love’ being at the heart of everything that really matters.
If you enjoy Persian food.... there are many wonderful dishes being served. Yum!
Besides being a very engaging enjoyable book.....this story is timely - given the political relations between the United States and Iran today.
Kudos to author Marjan Kamali! Terrific heartfelt storytelling - written with intimacy and compassion.....
This book - a lovely tribute - offers an understanding of life for Iranians and Iranian-Americans.
Thank you Marjan Kamali. I plan to read more by this lovely author.
Thank You Netgalley and Gallery Threshold -
***Sad but lovely. This is the kind of book you will enjoy reading indoors with a glass of wine or a mug of tea. Because tissues are involved.
This book left me sobbing as it ended. There's too many times where you would want to hug each of these characters and tell them everything was going to be okay when it actually wasn't.
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 grieving; regrets and guilt; political unrest and suffering; acceptance and forgiveness.
The story is based in Iran and America; goes back and forth in the story sequence when the main characters were seventeen and when they're in their seventies.
The first part reminded me of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility in which it portrays the relationship of two sisters and parents who are worried about their future.
The second part reminded me a bit of Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook but it turned out to be more than that.
Misunderstanding, miscommunication and a mental health issue of an important character played a major role leading to heartbreaking events.
I have some issues regarding the mental health description/depression of the character as it's not just depression that she was suffering from. There's also this issue of paedophile which was not made much of a problem in the story.
However, I find this book so damn satisfying to read. It feels complete and soothing for something this sad and heartbreaking. There has been so many deaths of which I find the dead of kids to be most disturbing and sad.
My favourite character is Walter, the husband of one of our main characters, Roya. I wish I come across a person like this in my life.
The ending was everything. It explained everything about the book.
I love the book more because it talked more about the love of books and poetry especially Rumi; food and cooking; old age health issues as well as for showing a complete sense of difference between young everlasting love and the love we end up having.
The characters are so alive and right there in front of you. One of the best character driven stories I have ever read. -
I love these middle eastern stories. Fascinated by their traditions-charmed by some; repulsed by others.
This one is a reflection back on a love story that took place in 1953, Tehran. With a country who fought for democracy; for a couple who fought for it within their family. A couple who are destined to be together until torn apart for reasons unbeknownst to Roya. Fifty years later, she gets her answer.
The beauty and description as well as the character depiction , were captivating.
A beautiful cover to go with this beautiful story of love, loss and the reconciliation of destiny.
5⭐️ -
5 stars
My goodness. Another beautiful and enthralling read in a year full of them for me! I am going to be brief as the less said the better for potential readers of this wonderful novel.
The Stationery Shop (the perfect title for this story) is set in two timelines—1953 and 2013. I would estimate, however, that 90% of the story takes place in 1953, including, believe it or not, the epilogue. Our protagonist is Roya, a young woman who turns 17 years old in 1953. She meets her first love, Bahman, in a stationery shop run by a kind man eager to nurture young people who come in looking for knowledge. Both Roya and Bahman love poetry. The 1953 setting is Tehran, Iran, which is in political turmoil. The author’s research is obvious as we are presented with what Iranian life was like at that time, including the culture, the state of the unstable government, and the accompanying unrest. We also get a flavor of Persian food. And a most touching young romance.
Things do not go as hoped and much grief and sadness ensues. To say more would risk saying too much. What happens to these people involves social mores of the time, mental illness, lies and deceit, familial wishes, deep regret, and again, political unrest. This is NOT your usual young romance - in no way, shape or form. Ultimately, although I felt drained at the end, we get understanding, compassion, acceptance and an abundance of love in many different forms. The Stationery Shop, a most moving and unforgettable tale with exceptional characterization, gets all the stars and is highly recommended. -
A nice enough tale about a lost romance but I was not able to see why so many people have raved about it. Maybe because I am not romantic enough to seriously believe two people could carry a torch for each other for fifty years. A few nostalgic thoughts maybe but not enduring love. And I felt sorry for Walter having to put on a brave face while his much loved wife indulged in a teenager fantasy.
Not knocking the whole book though. There were lovely parts about food and really interesting bits about history. There was just too much about romance for my taste! That's just me though ( obviously, since the ratings are through the roof!) -
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Maybe I shouldn't have read this alongside a book by
Elif Shafak...a writer who brilliantly evoke multiple cultures and cities populating them with vastly differentiating, and realistic, people. Although in The Stationery Shop there are glimpses of a talented writer, the writing was incredibly repetitive with an abundance of clichéd phrases and observations. The few scenes which managed not to make me roll my eyes were the ones which revolved around cooking.
Perhaps I was hoping for a story with a greater focus on the political conflict in 1950s Tehran but The Stationery Shop is first and foremost a love story. This love story features many clichés and banalities which seem more fitting of a soap opera.
Many of the 'key' plot points were predictable and demanded a huge suspense of disbelief, such as .
The story follows as Roya spends most of her life pining away for Bahman, and that's about it. The revolutions, wars, and marriages that occur are merely a prop to this lacklustre love story which was filled by saccharine declarations and obstacles that were frankly laughable.
And I am sick of reading of 'evil' mother-in-laws. That the story then tries to use mental illness as the instigator for this character's evil actions was little more than a cheap trick.
Kamali should have trusted her readers more rather than reiterating the same things time and again. A lot of pages repeat the same information using exactly the same words, and I was frustrated by this constant 'spoon-feeding'. We get it! There are paragraphs and paragraphs that are just useless or poorly phrased and add little to the narrative.
The story makes completely avoidable, and unnecessary, things happen to its characters as a way of making readers 'feel bad' or sympathize with them..which didn't really work for me. Roya was a boring character whose main characteristic is that she loves Bahman. Bahman is a poorly rendered character whose spotty characterization makes for a really unbelievable love interest. The characters rotating around Roya alternate between being bland and cartoonish.
Overall, this books was frustrating. Not only is everything that happens in this story is predictable but the way in which the narrative reveals major plot points is incredibly grating. I probably won't be trying other novels by Kamali anytime soon... -
Oh my goodness. This book. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Roya lives in Tehran in the 1950s. She’s a teen brimming with idealism, at a time when it could be dangerous with the political upset in Iran. Roya finds peace in Mr. Fakhri’s book and stationery shop. (Can you even believe? This made this paper and book love over the moon with happiness!).
The store is dusty, warm, and inviting, and Mr. Fakhri is kind. There are fountain pens, bottles of ink, and special papers.
Mr. Fakhri introduces Roya to his other favorite customer, Bahman, with hopes love will develop. Bahman is also an idealist with a yearning for change. They are an instant match and continue to visit the shop together.
A couple months later, Roya and Bahman are to be married, and just before they are supposed to meet, the coup d’etat occurs that changes Iran forever. And Bahman never shows up.
Years pass- sixty years, in fact, until Roya and Bahman are reunited. Roya understandably has many questions for him about where he’s been.
Friends, this book is as lovely as that stunning cover. I savored every word. This reminded me a little of another gorgeous book I read about Iran last year, Song of a Captive Bird, which took place during the same time period. I adored both books.
I enjoyed learning more about the culture of Iran, and especially that tumultuous time in the 50s. The love between Roya and Bahman was effervescent, and I loved that they were reunited for some closure.
Overall, The Stationery Shop is not to be missed for fans of stories about families, cultural/diverse reads, historical fiction, and book and paper lovers like me who love all these other things, too, will be absolutely giddy to read this powerful, emotional love story set on a strong historical backdrop. I’m adding Together Tea, the debut by Marian Kamali, to my cart right this very instant.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog:
www.jennifertarheelreader.com -
Book 6 completed for #RamadanReadathon
@ author, please let me know where i can send the bills for the therapy that i now need
i get this deep ache in my chest every time i think about this book
the profound emotions of timeless love and loss and grief and missed chances and forgiveness punched me in the throat and i'm still not over it omg can someone make it STOP HURTING
the Stationery Shop is the story of a teenage girl in tehran during 1953 just before the iranian coup and the whirlwind romance she experiences with a boy (who is going to change the world) she meets in a small, cozy stationery shop.
from the beginning of the story, we know the time they have together is numbered and yet you cannot stop yourself from getting swept up in the love and passion and adoration they share
the aspects of iranian culture are history are so seamlessly entwined in the story. it's like you've entered a time machine and gone back to experience life with these characters during this time. it's not so much a commentary on the iranian coup, but more just a reconstruction of historic events and how life changing they were for the people in that time
i am so attached to the characters aaaaaaaaaaa
the author has a way of being so real and honest with the reader about these characters. she's able to grab that special aspect of human interaction and vulnerability and put it into words and give you a glimpse of something so personal and precious.
something like making a favourite childhood meal with someone left me with so much yearning jfkldjfkla my goodness it's just SO, SO, SO GOOD
there are so many subtle hints that the author leaves for the reader to piece together and theyre left in such a clever and brilliant way that when they do come together, you're left breathless and shaken
the parallels between the lives of the characters are truly incredible. in some ways the main couple of the story are doomed to repeat the actions of those before them. and the reader is well aware of this. which makes it so MUCH MORE HEARTBREAKING because you know where it's headed but there's nothing you can do but watch your own heart shatter into a million pieces :D yay for pain :D
AND THE ENDING!!!!!!!! I KNEW IT WAS COMING!!!!!!!
AND STILL!!!!!!!
the way the story is crafted with absolute care and attention to fine detail is what makes it such a timeless story about two young people falling in love during a turning point in their country's history
and my goodness, what a story this was -
How powerful young love can be. ❤️ This book is a very slow, sometimes agonizing, burn. But it’s heartbreakingly good. 🤓 There is so much packed in those last several chapters, that it really makes it worth the read. 👍
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review to follow. This is a good book but I would classify it more as historical romance, there is little history in this book :(
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A high 4 stars!
The Stationary Shop was an unexpected treat. This novel is partly set in Iran in the 1950s and partly set in contemporary US. The story focuses on Roya, who is a teenager in the 1950s and in love with Bahman. Through politics and family, things don’t work out for them, but they meet again in their 70s in the US. Roya and her journey are told lovingly. A number of characters do terrible things, but no one is terrible — life is complicated and people make bad choices. It’s a story about class, politics, Iran, food and family bonds. There’s one coincidence that was necessary but a bit irksome. But otherwise I loved this story of love, regret and strength and of character. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy. -
This is a beautifully written love story set against the political upheaval of Iran in August 1953, which saw the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh ousted by a coup designed to keep Iran in the hands of the Shah and its oil under control of the British and Americans.
Roya, a poetry loving teenager in her last year of high school in Tehran loves nothing more than spending time browsing Mr Fakhri's stationery shop where as well as paper and pens he stocks all her favourite Persian poetry as well as translations of International novels. There she meets and falls in love with a handsome young man, Bahman who is a political activist supporting Mosaddegh. For both of them it is their first love and with help from Mr Fakri to continue meeting in his shop they fall head over heels. However, after they become engaged to marry their plans go badly awry for reasons that neither of them fully understand and they end up going their separate ways. Set in 1953 and 2013, Roya looks back at the events of August 1953 that stole away her first love and shaped the rest of her life.
Not only is the novel beautifully written and moving, it's also filled with the sights and sounds of Tehran during its brief period of democracy. The scents of delicately flavoured mouth watering Persian food leap off the pages whenever Roya or her family cook for special events or a dinner to cure homesickness. The book is also filled with wonderful characters from wide-eyed Roya and her fun loving sister Zara to the energetic but tender Bahman, the nostalgic, kind-hearted Mr Fakhri and Bahman's mentally fragile and bitter mother. A book I have no hesitation recommending to those who enjoy a tender love story.
With many thanks to Simon & Schuster AU for a copy of the book to read. -
I decided to read this after reading reading the enthusiastic review from my GR friend, Elyse. Unfortunately I didn't respond in the same manner. There are parts of it that I really liked and parts that just drove me up the wall.
I don't know if it's because I am old and cranky but the romance section just dragged out so long I wanted to scream. It just went on and on. I know many people like that so this could be the book for you. I was more interested in the political situation of Iran in 1953. There was a democratic Prime Minister overthrown by the Shah, backed by the Americans. That was fascinating. In fact it was that political situation that broke up the young lovers, Roya and Bahman. Bahman is a staunch supporter of the Prime Minister.
The couple meet at a Stationery Shop that also operates as a post office for young lovers. Roya is determined to read all the foreign translated novels. Bahman enjoys the poetry. The romance blossoms and blossoms and blossoms.
I did enjoy the food descriptions. It all sounded quite delicious. I also liked the story of the two young sisters traveling to America on scholarship to Mills College in the Bay Area. It was quite interesting to read of them making new lives in America. This could have been a better book. for me, if there was less romance.
Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review. -
A mediocre read with too many coincidences and a bit unbelievable on the romance part.
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4+ stars
In Tehran 1953, Roya and Bahman both 17 yrs old, first meet at a stationary shop that they both frequent. They are rapidly and intensely taken with each other, a romance blooms and quite soon they are engaged.
Fate has other things planned for these two souls and theirs is a powerful love story with feelings that last a lifetime, despite occurrences and people that separated them.
This book made me cry. -
This was absolutely magnificent! I'm still trying to catch my breath and dab away a few last tears after gently closing the cover. Ahhh my.
This was a historical fiction novel that took place during the 1953 political uprising in Tehran, Iran. Roya and Bahman meet in Mr. Fakhri's stationery shop, a favorite place for them both. After falling in love against all odds, they plan to meet in secret and marry, but when that day comes, Roya finds that Bahman doesn't show. There is commotion in the square, and great tragedy strikes.
Years later Roya and Bahman meet again, and secrets are unearthed about what happened on that fateful day.
This story romanced me with how beautifully it was written. I learned so much about the politics, customs, clothing, food. It was a delight for the senses, and I felt as if I was almost reading one of Jhumpa Lahiri's novels, the way the author used sensory imagery.
Oh my gaaaawd, if you have been thinking of picking up this little masterpiece, I assure you, you will adore this novel. Adore it! -
This book absolutely destroyed me in the best way possible. My heart aches for these characters, this story that consumed me with its lyrical writing, beautiful love story, and exploration of time, culture, religion, family, and the cruelty of fate.
The Stationery Shop is a poignant, moving novel infused with a rich writing style that left me in awe of how moving it was. This is the type of story I have been looking for in 2021, a book that would leave a lasting impression on me, that would have me hooked from the beginning, a story I won't forget.
God, read this book.
AT A GLANCE
• Persian MC dealing with heartbreak, finding herself, moving to a new country
• Star-crossed lovers
• Heartbreaking yet absolutely beautiful
TW: Gun violence, sexual assault, abortion -
Maybe I have ice in my veins or am too cynical, but this "romantic" novel about two doomed lovers just didn't captivate me. The political background in 1950s Tehran was interesting as was the delectable cooking, but most of the novel was formulaic and predictable. And I was impatient with mopey, sorrowful Roya. I'm feeling generous, so three stars for potential.
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SOBBING FOREVER AND EVER IM JUMPING OFF A CLIFF AND NO LONGER BELIVE IN HAPPINESS GOODBYE
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The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali. WoW! What a book! This was low on my TBR list. I thought it was just another romance. Well there is romance that is integrated into the book so casually that it leaves the reader wondering if it even existed.
The book took place starting in 1953 Tehran and to America 2013. Roya and Bahman meet at a Stationary Shop in Tehran. They were to be married. In times of political unrest (and the unrest of Behran’s mother fate pulled them apart. Later in their 70s, fate, in a stationary shop, this time in the US, they are briefly brought back together again. -
beautifully written book, i just couldn’t get invested or believe the emotional connection between these two characters
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Wiping away tears... I loved The Stationary Shop so much! Author Marjan Kamali tells us about a love story gone wrong among political unrest in Iran 1950s.
We begin in 2013 in Massachusetts when an older woman, Roya, is visiting an old man in a nursing home. Then we go back in time to the 1950’s where young Roya finds solace in Mr. Fakhri’s quaint shop full of writing materials and books. She meets a handsome political activist, Brahman, in The Stationary Shop and they fall in love. They are separated for a time for safety reasons and communicate via letters passed back and forth through Mr. Fakhri’s books. Through their messages, they make a special plan to meet in the square, but protests were erupting, something goes horribly wrong and Roya is devastated; crushed with disappointment and despair. She and her younger sister, left with little hope for a future in Iran, leave their country to attend college in the United States. Both fall for American men and they stay in America and marry.
Roya’s passion for literacy and passion for young love are taken away with the tragic happenings in Iran, but she creates a life outside of Boston with Walter, a good man. After the devastating loss of a child, her life with Walter seems like it is headed nowhere and then another baby shines light but Roya’s happiness is continually clouded by loss due to her teenage dream of the handsome activist Brahman, back in Tehran.
The story ends with an unpredicted twist that brings understanding to all the characters and their relationships. Kamali closes the loop at the very end, where the now old Roya and Brahman reunite, mend broken hearts and revisit all that went wrong in Iran when they were young and in love.
The Stationary Shop was a beautiful and emotional story. Great for book clubs, lovers of historical fiction, and love stories.
Author q&a on
https://booknationbyjen.com -
This is historical fiction done right! The Stationery Shop is the beautifully told story of Roya Kayhani, a 17-year old lover of Persian poetry and Bahman Aslan, an energetic young man already known as a political activist. The two meet in Mr. Fakhri’s stationery shop and begin to fall in love. Despite the objections of Bahman’s class-conscious mother, they become engaged. Their passionate romance is set against the political passions of 1953 Iran. Roya and Bahman decide to marry and arrange to meet, but a coup d’état against Mossadegh causes chaos in Tehran and Bahman does not show. Heartbroken, Roya decides to go to college in America where she meets and marries a young Boston law student and settles down. Sixty years later, she discovers that Bahman is a resident in a nursing home nearby. Roya decides to visit him and finally piece together the truth about their ill-fated story.
A deeply moving plot and wonderfully drawn characters make this novel a pleasure to read. The sights, sounds and aromas of 1953 Tehran permeate the first part of the story, while Roya’s heartache, resilience and determination to go on with her life fills the later parts. The historical events in Iran and the fate of some of those involved are a fascinating backdrop and very relevant to today’s politics. Fans of historical fiction, women’s fiction and romantic fiction will find this a great read. Moving and heart-achingly beautiful, please don’t miss this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Galley Books for the e-ARC. -
Compassionate and intelligent. A sensitive portrayal of Persian-American history through the eyes of a woman, that indulges all of the senses -- bravo! Kamali has written a lovely book -- & performer Marnò elevates it further!
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I'm not a very emotional person--I'm usually left dry eyed when others are sobbing over books all around me--but this novel gutted me in the very best way possible. I am wowed by The Stationery Shop.
The story of Roya and Bahman begins when they are teenagers in 1953 in Tehran. The two fall in love, meeting in secret at the Stationery Shop. They become engaged, although the political upheaval around them and family demands threaten to tear them apart. The two decide to marry anyway, but when Roya goes to meet Bahman for their wedding, he doesn't show up. The story then moves forward--through the 1950s, into 2013--as we trace Roya's life, which has the mystery of Bahman's rejection constantly dangling over it. In 2013, they meet again in the United States, where Roya settled.
The details in this novel are exquisite. Kamali has a light touch--never does the story feel weighed down--but she paints a rich portrait of what life was like in Iran in the 1950s, with the foods, the smells, the customs. The setting is as beautifully drawn as the characters. Kamali also includes the Iranian politics of the time in an incredibly seamless manner. The upheaval plays a large part in the story but doesn't weigh it down. (In 1953, Iran was on the brink of revolution as the Shah was in power but in direct conflict with Prime Minister Mosaddegh, all the while a Communist faction looked to gain a foothold in the government.)
This novel, which I read courtesy of NetGalley, is one I didn't want to end. The images are haunting, the story both heart-breaking and uplifting. It's a story of love and family and the things we give up and the losses we deal with. I am now eager to search out more books that take place in Iran. In the meantime, I can say that though the year has only just begun, this will absolutely be one of the best books of 2019. -
The Stationery Shop is a place you will want to visit again and again! In this skillfully plotted novel author Marjan Kamali introduces us to the violent upheaval leading up to the fall of Mossadegh in 1953 Iran. Against this political unrest we are introduced to a wonderful cast of characters you will immediately bond. I would argue fate is also a major character in the novel.
The novel’s true beauty lies in its capacity to emotionally move the reader. You cannot read this story without feeling something. I predict the book will touch a vast majority of readers in a way they did not think a novel capable.
Due to the fact the story begins in Iran and the American audience has little experience with this setting, the rise of this novel may be slow. Word of mouth will play a major role in expanding book sales. How many times have you picked up a book you might normally bypass because a trusted reading friend raved about it?
Consider me your trusted reading friend and pick this book up on June 18th when it is released. Visit The Stationery Shop and I guarantee it will be one of your favorite reads of 2019!
