The Stationary Shop: Book Review

Book Review

Title: The Stationary Shop
Author: Marjan Kamali
Genre: Historical Fiction

Set in 1953 amidst the political upheaval in Tehran, The Stationary shop is a powerful love story between two individuals and how circumstances tear them apart.

Seventeen year old Roya meets activist Bahman in the city's stationary shop. Their love blossoms over several meetings and exchange of letters.  The owner Mr Fakhri encourages their love to thrive amidst the pages of Rumi and books are used as a vehicle of communication between the 2 lovers. One fine day Roya agrees to meet Bahman near the marriage registrar. He fails to show up.  A shattered Roya is forced to move to America after her efforts to contact him are futile. Years later, an accidental encounter gives her a chance to find answers to her questions. Will Roya gain closure?

In her vivid style, the author captures the emotions, political tyranny and the sense of smell of some of the delicious cuisine and spices. Readers get a taste and feel of Tehran in a literal sense. She manages to explore a the perils of class differences and social hierarchy which eventually results in heartbreaks and scars. Irrespective of how time elapses, the past tends to lurk in a remote corner of the memory.  This in turn showcases the importance of gaining closure. The author also subtly showcases the dire effects of mental health issues and Parkinson's disease.

The stationary shop depicts how certain losses tend to change your life forever. With its intense characters, this captivating and heartbreaking story leaves the scent of Tehran lingering in the minds of the readers.

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