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karlajstrand's review against another edition
4.0
This extraordinary new book from Marjan Kamali is one of love, family, loyalty, regret, and redemption. Full of surprises, The Stationary Shop features a robust plot that spans 60 years and follows a couple, Roya and Bahman, separated by circumstances beyond their control. Set in Iran and the US, the book illustrates how outside influences can change the course of a lifetime. Part historical fiction, part romance, part coming-of-age, this novel has it all. For me, it only got better the more I read. If you enjoyed Song of a Captive Bird by Jasmin Darznik or When a Bulbul Sings by Hawaa Ayoub, you will enjoy this one.
laurlyne's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful story that brought out so many emotions. And I love that the author brought in other cultures for us to learn a little bit about - I enjoyed the cooking and the feelings that the Persian food brought about. Such tradition.
sdecoste's review against another edition
4.0
In Tehran, Iran, Roya and her sister Zari are growing up in a time of change. The Shah has begun to lighten up on women's restrictions. Roya and Zari walk to school, unaccompanied. Roya loves to read, but her father wants her to be a scientist. He has dreams of his daughters making contributions to Iran's future. In 1953, Prime Minister Mosaddegh wants the country to become more independent of British influence. This causes riots and demonstrations and political power struggles. Unfortunately, Roya, at 17, is an unwitting victim. She has met a boy, Bahman, in a stationery shop. They soon fall in love. Bahman is very interested in the politics of the times and on one fateful day, he fails to meet at their appointed time, when they had planned to elope. Now, sixty years later, Roya is married and living in Boston. She has a chance to ask Bahman why he never showed up at their meeting. An interesting look at a particular time in Iran's tumultuous history.
mehecht's review against another edition
5.0
This deserves more than 5 stars. Such well rounded characters. Great storytelling.
martheranne's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Loved the depiction of Tehran in 1953, and certainly the Persian comfort food. The love story was a bit too mushy for my taste, and rather contrived and predictable.
jennitarheelreader's review against another edition
5.0
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
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