Title: Rooftops of Tehran
Author: Mahbod Seraji
First published October 1, 2009
348 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780451226815 (ISBN10: 045122681X)
Rating: 3.94
Overview
Mahbod Seraji’s Rooftops of Tehran is a touching novel about love and the struggles of growing up in a country that is on the brink of revolution. Set in the summer of 1973, the story follows the life of Pasha Shahed, a 17-year-old boy living in a middle-class neighborhood in Iran’s sprawling capital city.
Pasha spends his days on his rooftop with his best friend Ahmed, contemplating life and his growing love for his neighbor Zari. However, their stolen moments of happiness are cut short when Pasha unintentionally attracts the attention of the Shah’s secret police.
The violent and life-threatening consequences of his actions force Pasha to face the harsh reality of living under a powerful despot. Mahbod Seraji’s poignant and emotionally vivid novel takes readers on a journey through the beauty and brutality of the centuries-old Persian culture while reaffirming the human experiences we all share.
About the Author
Rooftops of Tehran is a captivating novel that explores the themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the power of friendship and love. Mahbod Seraji’s vivid descriptions provide readers with a window into the fascinating world of Iran, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives and customs of a country on the brink of revolution.
Critics have praised the book for its charmingly romantic and thought-provoking storyline, which follows the coming-of-age journey of a young boy. The story is both heart-wrenching and humorous, providing a refreshing perspective on Iran that is often overlooked in Western literature.
Rooftops of Tehran is a poignant portrayal of the human cost of political repression, and a moving tribute to the resilience of the Iranian people in the face of adversity. The book has been hailed as a gripping account of a nation’s violent transition from one form of tyranny to another, while also offering a delicately insightful portrait of how ordinary people react when their worlds suddenly collapse.
Overall, Rooftops of Tehran is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of Iranian culture and society, and a testament to the power of hope and love in the face of oppression.
Editoral Review
Mahbod Seraji’s Rooftops of Tehran is a captivating novel that takes us on a journey through the vivid and colorful streets of Tehran in the late 1970s. The story is masterfully crafted, bringing to life the culture and traditions of the Iranian people during a time of great political unrest.
The protagonist, Pasha Shahed, is a teenage boy who spends his days exploring the rooftops of his neighborhood with his best friends Ahmed and Soroush. He is in love with his neighbor, Zari, and spends his nights dreaming of a future with her.
However, their happiness is short-lived when the Iranian Revolution takes hold of the nation, tearing apart their families and their way of life. The book is a fascinating blend of historical fiction and coming-of-age tale, showcasing the resilience and strength of the Iranian people during this tumultuous time.
Through Pasha’s eyes, we witness the political upheaval and violence that engulfed Tehran, as well as the enduring love and friendship that sustained him and his loved ones. Seraji’s writing is masterful, with a poetic quality that infuses the prose with a sense of wonder and beauty.
The characters are complex and nuanced, with each one grappling with their own personal struggles in the face of wider societal chaos. We see Pasha transform from a carefree teenager to a young man forced to make difficult choices that will shape his future.
The novel is also noteworthy for its portrayal of Iranian culture and traditions, which adds depth and richness to the narrative. From the food to the music, the book immerses the reader in the everyday life of Tehran, providing a rare glimpse into a world that is often misunderstood in the West.
While the book does have some minor pacing issues and some plot points that could have been further developed, these flaws do not detract from the overall excellence of the novel. Rooftops of Tehran is a book that will leave readers moved and inspired, as it reminds us of the power of love, friendship, and hope in the midst of chaos.
Ultimately, Rooftops of Tehran is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in learning more about Iranian culture and society. It is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, and a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.
Washington Post gives Rooftops of Tehran a rating of 4.5 out of 5, based on its evocative writing, compelling characters, and rich historical context. It is an excellent read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and heartwarming story.
