What a Beautiful book jacket! The cover sets the stage for two ill fated teenage lovers who meet in Tehran in 1953 and are determined to marry. However, the impending resistance, and upheaval in the country leads to the overthrow of democracy in the country and to the demise of their plan.
They meet in a stationery shop, where Roya finds solace in the beauty of books, pens and bottles of jeweled ink. The owner, Mr. Fakhri introduces her to his courier, Bahman, who is fighting for social justice and recites the poetry of Rumi.
I enjoyed the plot reversal. The book begins as a mystery. In 2013 the initial setup is in Boston, Mass. Roya is telling her husband, Walter that she "made an appointment to see him." She is referencing Bahman. The romantic stage is set, and the love story ensues, why did Roya marry Walter and not Bahman?
Ms. Kamali does an excellent job describing the upheaval in war torn Tehran, by describing the culture, food and the desire for her family to send her to college, to have a 'better' life. Most poignantly, the haunting love story that permeates throughout the entire book. Why did Roya marry Walter and not Bahman?
The book ends 60 years later, with a destined encounter between Roya and Bahman. The existential question is answered and it brings the book to a painful crescendo. It is a beautifully crafted novel depicting the dichotomy of love,loss and the pain that ensues.
Other Book by this Author:
Together Tea 2013
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