Picture an Iranian-American storyteller who weaves tales of love, loss, and cultural identity with the finesse of a poet—meet Marjan Kamali! Born to Iranian parents and raised across continents, Kamali’s novels, like The Stationery Shop and Together Tea, capture the heartbeat of the Iranian diaspora with lyrical prose and emotional depth. Her stories don’t just entertain; they bridge cultures, inviting readers into a world where history and heart collide.
The Making of Marjan Kamali
Born in Turkey in 1971 to Iranian parents, Marjan Kamali’s childhood was a global adventure, spanning Turkey, Iran, Germany, Kenya, and the U.S. Her diplomat father’s career meant constant moves, but Persian culture—think fragrant stews, Rumi’s poetry, and family pride—remained her anchor. After settling in the U.S. in 1982, Kamali earned a bachelor’s in English literature from UC Berkeley, an MBA from Columbia, and an MFA in creative writing from NYU. These academic roots, paired with her multicultural upbringing, shaped her unique voice, blending Persian heritage with universal themes.
Marjan Kamali’s Unforgettable Stories
Kamali’s debut, Together Tea (2013), is a heartwarming tale of an Iranian-American mother and daughter navigating love, identity, and a trip back to Tehran. Praised as “compassionate, funny, and wise,” it became a Massachusetts Book Award finalist and was adapted for the stage. Her sophomore novel, The Stationery Shop (2019), is a national bestseller, weaving a poignant love story set against the 1953 Tehran coup. It follows Roya, a teenager whose romance in a book-filled stationery shop is torn apart by political upheaval, only to reconnect decades later. Kamali’s latest, The Lion Women of Tehran (2024), explores friendship and feminism across transformative decades in Iran, earning acclaim as an NPR Best Book of the Year.
Kamali’s style is a feast for the senses—vivid descriptions of Persian cuisine, from saffron rice to melon smoothies, make her pages almost edible. Her themes of love, loss, and the immigrant experience resonate universally, while her historical backdrops educate readers about Iran’s complex past. Whether it’s the glamour of 1950s Tehran or the post-revolutionary diaspora, Kamali’s storytelling is both intimate and epic.
Why Marjan Kamali Matters
Marjan Kamali’s work is a cultural bridge, illuminating the Iranian-American experience for global readers. Her novels, translated into over 25 languages, have touched hearts from Tehran to Boston, with The Stationery Shop even inspiring an HBO series. As a 2022 National Endowment for the Arts Fellow, Kamali continues to champion stories that celebrate resilience and human connection. Her ability to make readers laugh, cry, and crave Persian food ensures her legacy as a voice of the diaspora.
- Born: 1971 in Turkey
- Key Works: Together Tea, The Stationery Shop, The Lion Women of Tehran
- Awards: 2022 NEA Creative Writing Fellowship, Prix Attitude (France) for The Stationery Shop
- Fun Fact: Kamali’s essays appear in The Wall Street Journal and Literary Hub.
Snag The Stationery Shop and dive into Marjan Kamali’s soulful, culture-rich storytelling—you’ll be hooked!