A Love Story Without a Strong Spine

Kamalika_Reads 35

Book: The Stationery Shop of Tehran

Author: Marjan Kamali

Publishers: SIMON & SCHUSTER

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 2.5/5

How I came to know about this book:

February being the love month, it was fit for reading a love story. This book was the book read for the month in the WhatsApp group 'Read like a writer' and so picked it up.

What the book is about :

The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali is a tale of love, loss, and fate. It follows the lives of Roya and her teenage love, Bahman. They met, fell in love, and were separated in 1953-55 when they were forced to navigate life apart. With February being the month of love, this book seemed like the perfect pick, evoking nostalgia for the innocent romances we all leave behind—those that linger in our hearts forever.

What I have loved about the book :

Every one of us in our life had an innocent love story that we lost as we aged, something that stayed back in our hearts and so there is always an emotional connection with love stories that do not have a happy ending. It makes you rewind your own story. 

Also, one of the book’s highlights is its rich and mouthwatering descriptions of Persian cuisine, which transport the reader straight into Tehran’s bustling streets. 

What I felt could have been better :

For a novel categorised as historical fiction, it does little to explore the political changes in Tehran. The setting feels like a mere backdrop to an otherwise average love story, lacking the depth expected from a book set in such a tumultuous time.

The narrative leans heavily on overused romantic tropes, making it predictable and repetitive. Phrases like "the boy who wanted to change the world" are overemphasised, appearing at least ten times, making the editing feel subpar. Additionally, the plot twists, such as a devoted lover walking away after reading a single letter, a mother scheming against her son’s love under the guise of mental illness, and a person tampering with personal letters out of guilt, fail to add any real emotional weight. Instead, they come across as melodramatic, reminiscent of a soap opera.

Why one should read or not read this book:

For those who enjoy pure romance without strong subplots, this book is a comforting read. But if you're looking for a love story intertwined with historical depth and political upheaval, The Stationery Shop of Tehran is likely to leave you disappointed.

You can check the book on Amazon: https://amzn.in/d/58wcEwv

Sweet innocent love stories always make my stomach flutter with butterflies like a teenager. Do you love reading love stories? Comment below.