The Stationery Shop

Marjan Kamali has created a world so vivid, so filled with light and sound, so rife with emotions, so rich with the intoxicating scents and sights of Iran, that you want to live in its pages. 1953, Tehran. Roya loves nothing better than to while away the hours in the local stationery shop run by Mr. Fakhri. The store, stocked with fountain pens, shiny ink bottles, and thick pads of writing paper, also carries translations of literature from all over the world. And when Mr. Fakhri introduces her to his other favorite customer -- handsome Bahman, with his burning passion for justice and a shared love for Rumi's poetry -- Roya loses her heart at once. But around them, life in Tehran is changing. On the eve of their marriage, Roya heads to the town square to meet with Bahman. Suddenly, shockingly, violence erupts: a coup d'etat that forever changes their country's future. Bahman never arrives. Roya must piece her life back together. Her parents, wanting her to be safe, enroll her in college in California, where she meets and marries another man. But, nearly sixty years later, an accident of fate finally brings her the answer she has always wanted to know - Why did you leave? Where did you go? How is it that you were able to forget me? As I first started reading, I was pulled into the beauty of this story initially through the words on the page and the idea of a romance. From there the plot and characters took me so much deeper into their world and culture. Therefore, as I delved further into the pages of this exquisite story, I began to learn so much more about Iran’s history during a tumultuous time, along with the politics and customs of the region. Not only was this story beautifully written, it was also filed with the savory tastes of Persian food. Whenever Kamali would write about Roya’s family cooking my mouth would water. She really has a way of making the each of the delicacies jump off the page, and had me looking up Persian recipes to try in my own kitchen. I cannot thank Kamali enough for creating the perfect ending to a timeless story. The ending was not rushed, it wasn’t fake, it wasn’t convoluted, and it wasn’t cheesy…It was moving, poignant and real. When I turned the last page and closed the book, I went to bed knowing I had read not only an amazing story, but that I had read a wonderful work of art. Overall, The Stationery Shop is not to be missed for fans of stories about families, cultural reads, delectable food, and historical fiction lovers like me who love all these other things, too. Get ready to read a powerful, emotional love story set on a strong historical backdrop.

I thought the storyline was good but it was a little slow to start. It took me awhile to get interested in it - a few chapters in - but once I did the story was more enjoyable. The story jumps back and forth a bit making it sometimes a little hard to follow but after a reread of the paragraph or refresher of the previous chapter I would be able to catch on. I like the insight she gave to each character, especially Ali and Badri. At first I didn’t understand why we were being told of their past but then towards the end we find out why and how it connects to the main characters’ storyline. The writing style was different from what I’m used to but again not difficult to follow, just an adjustment. Although, I wish the epilogue was written differently. To me, it seemed like it wasn’t edited at all. It was hard to read because of the missing commas. I had to mentally add the pauses myself. Otherwise, good read. I might check out the author’s other books.

Love this story. It was a fast read and so so good.

Just finished the book. Wonderful but sad story which we are living through now. I was with the characters throughout. A perfect ending to a perfect love story. Sometimes things just work out.

Let me start by saying this is out of my typical reading genre. I got this book as a result of one of those Blind Date with a Book offerings and liked it so much that I bought another copy for a friend. This following section is basically a synopsis with no real spoilers, but if you're someone who doesn't read the inside of the jacket cover, you may want to skip this section. This story centers around a young boy and a girl (Bahman and Roya) who fall in love in 1953 Iran. The political turmoil is great. The threat of violence is ever present and it's hard to know who is a spy and who is on the political side you favor. When the young couple meet in a stationary shop, it is instant attraction. Each Tuesday they continue to meet until Bahman asks Roya to marry him. Not everyone is pleased with this match however. Bahman's mom, in particular, is vehemently opposed. Bahman, who is a political activist, needs to escape from the city and abruptly leaves. Roya knows little but she corresponds with him through letters hidden inside of books in the stationary shop. Bahman suggests they meet in the square and spontaneously get married. This never happens leaving Roya to always wonder why he stood her up that fateful day. This book is a surprising gem. I enjoyed so many things about it. I was pulled into Bahman and Roya's love story. The idea of young love and knowing that there are so many obstacles that stand in the way of their happiness was attention grabbing and heartbreaking. Learning so much about the political climate of Iran in 1953 was quite interesting. Furthermore, all of the cultural elements that were included in the text rounded this book out nicely. I enjoyed reading about customs, traditions, the culinary practices, and how America may have been viewed by Iranians during that time in history. Kamali did a great job developing the characters. It was easy to love Roya as both a young girl and the woman she eventually becomes. I felt her loss and struggle along the way. On the other hand, certain characters were easy to dislike because of their actions. In some ways, this book is so well written that I felt like I was tagging along for Roya's entire journey. Highly recommended!

Great love story set in Tehran during the USA led takeover by the Shah. There are snatches of this history throughout the story but mostly it is about Roya and Bahman who fall in love at the stationery shop when they are 17 yrs old. They are engaged and set to run away together but end up at different squares due to being set up by the stationery shop owner because he was in love with Bahman’s mother. This mother is vindictive and only wants Bahman to marry another. She gets her way and the two lovers live the rest of their lives not knowing what happened until the end of the book. This is a book club suggestion and the discussion will be interesting. I would recommend the book IF you want a love story, but if you want to know more of the history, I’m sure there are better stories.

Absolutely loved this book! A wild wave of emotions. I love the cover of the book and the recycled pages as well! A niche detail

Such a beautiful book. By far a personal favorite (I am sure I will re-read it soon). It was beautifully written, and I knew I had to reach out to Marjan Kamali on instagram to let her know how much I loved the story. Lovely as could be, she responded and we had a short conversation about the story and I will never forget how nice and grateful she was. Authors who interact with their audience are treasures Going into the book I didn’t know much about it, especially about the different timelines, and I loved it. The way it was written made this such an enjoyable read, I finished it in one day. The characters in the story were strong and (most of them) well rounded. Every character had a purpose, especially the antagonists and the ones you think are just background characters, you will be surprised. And this story will make you feel ALL the feels. I mean it. You will cry, you will laugh (it is so funny, especially Roya’s mom lol), you will be enraged, and mad, and in awe, etc. I appreciated the culture and history that we got. I wish we could have gotten to see a little more from Bahman but because of he POV and him being an Activist it would have been difficult, because the main characters were not together all the time. In fact, we only get to see and feel what Roya tells us from her side, so I understand if some people don’t feel the “love” connection”. But we have to remember that they fell in love in the 1950s - some people got married after only seeing each other twice for like an hour, (like my grandparents lol). But there are so many themes besides young love in this story, like motherhood, forgiveness, migration, politics and culture, and other love stories. Spoilers: Everything came full circle by the end, and it wasn’t just to tie a beautiful bow at the end but for closure. This is not only a book about young love but of loss. The loss of a child, the loss of a friend, the loss of love, loss of your family (migration to the US), and so much more, and finding peace with it all.

Lovely book! Easy read but were touching

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

The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali is a deeply emotional and beautifully crafted novel that explores love, loss, and the lasting impact of choices made in youth. Set across decades and continents, the story begins in 1953 Tehran and follows the life of Roya, a young girl whose world changes forever after she falls in love. At the heart of the novel is a timeless love story between Roya and Bahman, who meet in a cozy stationery shop filled with books and poetry. Their romance blossoms quickly, but political unrest during the 1953 coup separates them in a heartbreaking way. What follows is a life shaped by unanswered questions, missed chances, and emotional scars that never fully fade. One of the most powerful aspects of the book is how it blends personal emotions with historical events. The political tension in Iran is not just a backdrop—it directly affects the characters’ lives and decisions, showing how history can shape individual destinies. The novel also explores themes of memory, regret, and reconciliation. As Roya grows older, she carries the pain of her past while building a new life. Decades later, when she finally gets a chance to confront what really happened, the story delivers a deeply satisfying emotional payoff. What makes this book a great read is its simple yet poetic writing style. The descriptions of Tehran, the warmth of the stationery shop, and the emotional depth of the characters make the story feel vivid and real. The cultural details and relationships add authenticity and richness to the narrative. Overall, The Stationery Shop of Tehran is a touching and unforgettable novel. It reminds readers that first love can leave a lifelong mark—and that sometimes, understanding the past is the only way to find peace.

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.