The Stationery Shop of Tehran Review: A Nostalgic Tale of Love and Longing

The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali is a beautiful, bittersweet journey that takes you back to 1953 Iran. It’s a nostalgic tale of love and longing that blends youthful romance with the simmering tension of political change.

My Rating:

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

“A nostalgic tale of love and longing.”

Check The Stationery Shop of Tehran on Goodreads

What’s The Stationery Shop of Tehran About?

At its heart, The Stationery Shop of Tehran follows the life of a young girl called Roya. Her life is forever marked by a stationery shop she frequents as a safe space amid the chaotic streets of Tehran. Run by the warm and perceptive Mr. Fakhri, the shop provides her with a sanctuary filled with books and poetry, offering her comfort and escape from her world’s turmoil.

In the stationery shop, she meets Bahman, a politically driven and idealistic young man. And the two fall deeply, almost inevitably, in love. Their romance, however, is gradually tested by a military coup and a string of life-altering events.

What Works?

Kamali’s prose is gentle yet deeply evocative, bringing the streets of Tehran to life, especially the stationery shop itself. The small yet vibrant world packed with books, scents and memories feels almost tangible. The author crafts a narrative where Tehran itself becomes a character, echoing Roya and Bahman’s joy, hope, and heartbreak.

Her portrayal of Iranian culture—the aromas of Persian dishes, the family traditions, the complex dynamics of a society on the edge of revolution—adds an enriching depth. Much like The Kite Runner, Kamali’s work offers a look into a world that feels achingly personal.

What Falls Short?

There’s nothing specific that falls short. However, you may find the pacing stretched in parts. Yet, this slower pace suits the story, letting emotions unfold as they would in real life.

Who Should Read It?

This novel is perfect for those who appreciate historical fiction richly woven with personal, heart-warming stories. Fans of slow-burn romance with heartache will also love this emotional ride worth the time.

Final Thoughts

The Stationery Shop of Tehran is a tribute to a love that couldn’t last yet lingers in the heart. Kamali’s story, with its quiet yet profound storytelling, reminds you of the power of love and the weight of memories that last a lifetime.

Liked this book review?

Join Book Blabbers WhatsApp group to bond over books, memes and quotes.

Subscribe to Book Blabber's Bulletin to get book summaries, reading tips and occasional hugs in your inbox.