The Page Turners Dec Meeting: The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali

We will be discussing The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali.

This beautifully written novel takes us from 1950s Tehran to modern-day America, weaving together themes of love, fate, memory, and the quiet strength of women. At the center is Roya, a bright and book-loving teenager whose world changes when she falls in love with Bahman in a small stationery shop — a place that becomes a sanctuary for ideas, poetry, and connection.

But a political coup tears their lives apart, and what follows is a decades-long story about lost love, the impact of choices made in youth, and the haunting power of what-ifs. Kamali explores how history and politics can change the course of very personal lives — and how even after loss, there can still be grace and growth.

As we start our conversation, think about:
• How did the backdrop of 1953 Tehran shape the story?
• Did Roya’s choices — and her sense of regret or acceptance — feel relatable?
• What role did memory play in how the characters understood their own pasts?
• And how did the concept of “closure” evolve by the end of the book?

There’s so much to unpack in this story — from its rich setting to its emotional complexity. Looking forward to hearing what moved or stayed with you most.

RSVP guidelines:
If you attend a meeting, you will be automatically RSVP'd Yes for the following month's meeting. If you will be unable to attend, please let us know by changing your RSVP to No.
Please support the restaurants that host our meetings and purchase while we are there.

Upcoming Meetings:
01/29: Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict
02/26: Martyr by Kaveh Acbar
03/26: Culpability by Bruce Holsinger