The Stationery Shop

A Novel

By: Marjan Kamali

Narrated by: Mozhan Marnò

From the award-winning author of Together Tea - a debut novel hailed as “compassionate, funny, and wise” by Jill Davis, best-selling author of Girls’ Poker Night - comes a powerful love story exploring loss, reconciliation, and the quirks of fate.

Roya is a dreamy, idealistic teenager living in 1953 Tehran who, amid the political upheaval of the time, finds a literary oasis in kindly Mr. Fakhri’s neighborhood book and stationery shop. She always feels safe in his dusty store, overflowing with fountain pens, shiny ink bottles, and thick pads of soft writing paper.

When 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 - she loses her heart at once. As their romance blossoms, the modest 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, but suddenly, 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 resigns herself to never seeing him again.

Until, more than 60 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 he leave? Where did he go? How was he able to forget her?

The Stationery Shop is a beautiful and timely exploration of devastating loss, unbreakable family bonds, and the overwhelming power of love.

©2019 Marjan Kamali (P)2019 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

"Mozhan Marnò gives an extraordinary narration of this audiobook... Marnò's expressive narration reveals every nuance of Roya's emotional journey.... Sensitive portrayals of Roya's family and friends, and vivid descriptions of Iranian food and customs, add depth to this moving listen." (AudioFile Magazine)

magnificent

it was lyrical and romantic without being sappy. I learned so much about Iran and the human heart. I especially loved the tension: a woman can be in love with two people fully.

Fantastic Read

I loved every page of this book and the many lessons of love, loyalty and family bonds!

Historical Fiction fans read this.

I did a mix of Audible and read “manually”. I never would have pronounced the names correctly. The author had just a very subtle accent that made the story telling more authentic somehow. A well told story with just enough hints and twists to engage the reader.

We both loved this book

on a long road trip, my husband and I were captivated by this book. I learned a lot about thre culture of Iran, told thru a beautiful love story of heartache and redemption.

Grabs from the get go

I loved this book and couldn’t stop listening. From the very first lines, I knew this was a well-written book, and I was not disappointed. The descriptions, the dialogue, the characters..... you won’t be disappointed.

Stunning Prose

From the writing to the performance, this book was simply stunning. I was reeling from the romance to the circles the plot took me in. Absolutely beautiful book!

a novel like no other

a book that will guarantee tears. I have not a book this good in a very long time.

What a fantastic Historical Fiction

This was such a beautiful story of life. What we do to and for others. Historical Fiction is my favorite genre but I had never read an account of Iran before. I find this a very important story that should be read .

So good!!!

This book is both sad and beautiful. It is my new favorite. I highly recommend.

Excellent read

A story set primarily in Iran that is especially timely given the current state of the country.