The book nicely represents loyalty in friendship and in love. ' A somewhat interesting look at life in Tehran in the mid-1970s, but less intriguing than I'd hoped. I worry, however, that the sequel could never live up to this one!! ' - Jo, Beautifully told, it captures your heart and won't let go long after you have placed the book back in the bookshelf.

' I lived in Iran for four years and and this story made me feel I was back there. ' Great discussion book for book club ' - Marnie, I wish I could have gotten the perspective on the events and way of life from the females characters as well though. Overall Performance: Narration Rating: Story Rating:.“A star-crossed romance captures the turmoil of prerevolutionary Iran in Seraji’s debut…Refreshingly filled with love rather than sex, this coming-of-age novel examines the human cost of political repression.” “Told in Pasha’s unique voice and partially in flashback, Seraji’s wonderful coming-of-age story is at times funny and sweet as well as thought-provoking and heart-wrenching.” As events advance, Ross’ reading provides witness to the anger and fear of those living under the Shah’s repressive government.” “Though his narration is straightforward, Ross evokes Pasha’s emotions of guilt and horror. “Set in 1970s Iran during the shah’s regime, this earnest, semiautobiographical debut novel…captures the thoughts and emotions of a young boy and creates a moving portrait of the history and customs of the Persians and life in Iran.” “Captivating… novel is very cinematic, not only in how it portrays the close-knit neighborhood of the main characters-the alley where the kids play soccer, the rooftops where the teenagers relax, hash out existential questions, and confess their love-but also in the way the story builds momentum…Seraji deftly interweaves the political and the romantic…but at its core, the novel is a compelling coming-of-age story.”

Mahbod seraji books