A truly beautiful story about love - and loss.

This is one of the most beautiful love stories I have come across in a very long time. The author writes so sensitively about human desire and frailty, with a deep compassion and understanding that permeates her descriptions of each character and the choices they make.

I loved the twists and turns and the ending did not disappoint.

Beautifully read. Thoroughly recommended.

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A tale of two countries

A beautiful reading of an interesting text. Loved the long arc of family history. Felt the epilogue was unnecessary and repetitive

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So beautiful

a lovely story of a place I am so familiar with, of people I have known and love. now I just want to get on a plane and go back to Tehran. now to read her other book.

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2 people found this helpful

Beautifully written and wonderfully narrated

If you are looking for a beautiful story that is exquisitely painted in words that will culminate in a sensory journey, then this is the perfect book!

Usually, I keep books on my wishlist for weeks before buying them. This is of course after reading reviewsafter a very prolonged and serious deliberation session!
And usually, I am disappointed with my choice.

It was different with this book as the beautiful cover and the narrator's voice drew me immediately. But perhaps it was also my own love of stationery shops and books that played a part too.

The author seduced me into falling in love with a city I've never visited and gave me a yearning to find just such a stationery shop. Even as I write this now, I can hear the jingle of the bell above Mr Fakri's shop and I wonder whether I will be reminded of that bookshop every time I hear a doorbell jingle.

Kamali not only paints vivid pictures with her language but she tells a beautiful story that keeps you listening, wanting to know just a little more.
You share in Roya's love, hopes, dreams and loss and you become part of her new journey as a mother and eventually an old woman.

I felt the hopes of young love, I cried and when the story ended I understood yet again how important it is to follow our hearts and the destiny that is written on our foreheads. But the story also gives hope too.
Because even if our lives turn out differently, there is still happiness that we can have from our children and the legacies that we leave.


I am eternally grateful to the author for providing this escape into another world when our own worlds are very much restricted by during this pandemic.


This book will certainly also appeal to lovers of Khaled Hosseini.

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1 person found this helpful

heartbreaking

I listened this book in 2 days because I couldn't turn it off. it's utterly heart wrenching.
it's a beautifully written book; I felt like I was with the characters in every scene. it also taught me a lot about the history of Iran and how the conflict the developed.
I can't recommend this book enough! just have a box of tissues ready.

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1 person found this helpful

Stunning book, beautifully read

I loved this book. It will stay with me for a very long time. It has such heart.

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Gripping & emotional

Transported to another time and another culture, very insightful; now searching for more by author and reader!

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Once in a lifetime ……

I have never heard of Marjan Kamali ……. nor of Mozhan Marnò …..

In a lifetime you could read or listen to a great many books. I know. I have a library of “proper” books ….you know those books you hold in your hand and turn the pages one by one. I have a great kindle library where the books are kept all in one place and all you do is click the corner for the next page…….. and then there are audible books to listen to!

This book ….. if you have ever searched for the “right” book with a narrator that sounded “good” …. This is the ONLY book worthy of your time ……

For me ….. and I have listened to this book twice …… this is a once in a lifetime gem …. a truly wonderful book … read by a great narrator.

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Blew me, away

What an amazing love story interspersed with national and family politics.
Not just love but the grief of loss and when you're so sad for them up pops a Persian recipe.

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7 people found this helpful

Beautifully written

I loved this book, it was so well written, it described living in Tehran so well that I felt I was there. The last few chapters made we cry, it was not over sentimental, but made me sad for the lost opportunities of the two main characters. The narration was excellent, in fact it was the best narration I have listened to. I would thoroughly recommend this book.

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