A review by thisblondeisbooked
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Roya, a teenager living in Iran in 1953, finds her safe haven in Mr. Fakhri's stationary shop amongst the books and fountain pens every Tuesday. One day, the bell rings and in walks a boy named Bahman. They lock eyes and from that moment on, they knew they were destined to spend their lives together. A few months later on the eve of their wedding, Roya agrees to meet Bahman in the town square so they can get their marriage papers signed at the marriage office. However, while Roya waits for Bahman to show up, violence erupts and she never sees Bahman again - until 60 years later when fate brings them together. Roya is living in America married to another man. And she needs the answer to her question: "Why did you leave and where did you go?" 
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I am UNWELL. I had full on hyperventilating sobs while reading this one. It turned me into an absolute puddle. When I gained my composure again, the epilogue punched me right in the gut. I went into this book not knowing what to expect, and I felt like my body was on an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. This book was so eloquently written and the author's writing was so descriptive that I imagined myself walking among the fountain pens and pages in the stationary shop. I absolutely loved (and loathed) the characters and I felt emotionally invested in their story.
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The Stationary Shop has easily become one of my top 5 favorite books of all-time.  I highly recommend this one (but I do not recommend starting this as an audiobook on your way to work - just from personal experience). This book is going to stay with me for a long time.
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