The Stationary shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali #BookReview

Dear readers,

I’ve finally found a book, one which is a must-read and makes your soul happy as a reader after months of searching, the stationary shop of Tehran. It was a random pick from a local bookstore; for once, I didn’t even glance at the blurb. I was so tired of reading books that left me questioning my choices and sanity.

One fine evening, while out with my family, I wandered into a bookstore, a habit of mine. Even if I don’t buy a book, I feel compelled to enter any bookstore.

I decided to grab two books on a whim, without checking reviews or summaries, and hoped these selections would break the curse. I started reading this one with no expectations, and the moment I met Roya and Zari, I knew my prayers had been answered.

This book is everything I could have wished for and more from its genre. Every character is etched into my mind and heart.

Initially, I had my doubts when the story began with a character in her seventies. As a reader, I need some level of relatability to connect with a story truly. As someone who writes occasionally and reads religiously, I believe that:

“In all the stories we tell, there is always some truth or part of yourself embedded within. A reader cannot relate to something that is purely fictional. An author always embeds a fragment of truth in their stories, no matter how small.”

It’s a win for an author when a reader finds pieces of themselves in the narrative that’s where the real magic happens.

Now, my heart is torn between loving the characters or the story itself more. The bond between Roya and Zari, the two sisters will make you fall in love with them. They are so different and yet so similar.

DO NOT READ BEYOND THIS, SPOILERS AHEAD

Listen, I never, ever write reviews with even a hint of spoilers, but my heart is so full after reading this book that I just had to share my thoughts.

Zoya and Bahman are characters I’ll always hold close to my heart. And Walter—he’s a man who showed us that true love isn’t about pretentious ownership or patriarchal dominance. Even the villains in the story aren’t villains. The character development here is an art form, and the author has truly mastered it.

Sometimes, I wish I could see the process of writing such brilliant stories, like watching behind-the-scenes footage of a movie. The emotional depth is the book’s unique selling point, and I’m so glad I picked it up.

Please do not forget to subscribe to our newsletter; we promise not to spam you. Have you checked our parenting zone or recipe section? Also, if you like my work, don’t forget to follow me on INSTAGRAM.