From the award-winning author of TOGETHER TEA --- a debut novel hailed as “compassionate, funny, and wise” by Jill Davis, bestselling 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, amidst 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. And, 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.
THE STATIONERY SHOP will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick. Don't miss Carol Fitzgerald's commentary in the June 21st Bookreporter.com Weekly Update newsletter.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here to visit Marjan Kamali's website.
- Connect with Marjan Kamali on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click here to enter the contest
by 11:59am ET on Wednesday, June 19th.