Marjan Kamali's second novel, The Stationery Shop of Tehran, presents a poignant love story set against the backdrop of the political upheaval in 1950s Iran.

The narrative centers on 17-year-old Roya, a dreamy schoolgirl who frequently visits Mr. Fakhri's stationery shop, where she meets her love interest, Bahman, a passionate activist.

Roya's parents support her relationship with Bahman, as they share pro-democracy views and aspirations for their daughters' education and futures.

As their romance flourishes amid a changing social landscape, Bahman suddenly disappears, prompting Roya to seek contact through letters via Mr. Fakhri.

On the day of their planned secret marriage, August 19, 1953, Roya waits for Bahman at the town square, but he never arrives, coinciding with a life-altering coup d'état in Iran.

Heartbroken, Roya moves to California with her sister Zari to pursue their father's dreams for them, adapting to American culture while grappling with her past.

Kamali's novel not only tells this bittersweet love story but also delves into themes of immigration, cultural assimilation, and the effects of historical events on individual lives.

Despite marrying Walter and building a new life in America, Roya remains haunted by memories of Bahman and learns years later that he has married someone else and is working in the oil industry.

The narrative reveals the complexities of fate and love, illustrating how political turmoil profoundly impacts personal lives, enriched by cultural references and historical context.