Rooftops of Tehran

by Mahbod Seraji

Book Overview

From "a striking new talent"(Sandra Dallas, author of Tallgrass) comes an unforgettable debut novel of young love and coming of age in an Iran headed toward revolution.

In this poignant, eye-opening and emotionally vivid novel, Mahbod Seraji lays bare the beauty and brutality of the centuries-old Persian culture, while reaffirming the human experiences we all share.

In a middle-class neighborhood of Iran's sprawling capital...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 045122681X
• ISBN13: 9780451226815
• Release Date: May 2009
• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Looking Down from the roof with a brilliance of a smile at a view that shatters my heart in a twist

As time goes by, an alley, best friends, lovers, fights, schools, the rooftop, tears. I can’t seem how it would be without all them. They all have THAT -Pasha

If you loved Kite Runner...

...you're going to adore Rooftops Of Tehran. It's a fascinating debut novel -- full of originality, humor, and poignancy -- that takes place during the final days of the Shah's rule in Iran. Here, in Iran's largest city, 17 year old Pasha Shahed and his wisecracking best friend Ahmed fall head over heels in love with two soon-to-be friends: Zari and Faheemeh. But one problem stands in the way: Pasha's loved one, Zari, is already betrothed from birth to a good-hearted and well-liked man who is called Doctor. This would be a happily-ever-after story were it not for the dreaded SAVAK -- the secret police -- who end up smashing the lovers' dreams. There are unexpected twists and turns in this story (no spoilers!) -- some improbable...but if the reader can suspend belief for a few hours, the story is a strong testimony to the power of love, friendship, and hope over pain and evil. The author sets out to shake up the jingoistic American feelings, and he resoundingly succeeds. The pages devoted to the propping up and support by the CIA of the Shah are downright unsettling, but need to be read and understood. Instead of discovering caricatures, we see these Iranian characters close up: with a grim, fatalistic view on life based on years of tyranny, offset by resiliency, generosity, hospitality, and a "we'll survive anything" attitude. It's not our media portrayal, but then again, we Americans are not the same as the cartoon-figures that are portrayed in Iran. The underlying theme is that we are all united in our humanness. We all have our dreams, our hopes, our loves...and often, our difficult choices. Bravo to Mr. Seraji! This is a book I won't soon forget.

The Longer View

A powerful story of the cost and the reward of rising above the evils, injustices and limits of society. While "Rooftops of Tehran" centers on the relationships of four young Iranians during the reign of the Shah, this is also about the resilience,humor humanity and hope of a nation in the face of adversity. Other reviewers have compared Mahbod Seraji's well written debut novel to "Kite Runner" and I would agree that this is a fair comparison. The book offers a good insight into the culture and practices of Iran as well as the challenges of maintaining core values in changing times. Americans too often believe that they have little in common with our neighbors in the Middle East, holding a narrow view of the people and their beliefs. This book is a reminder that such a belief is far from accurate. Kudos....

Stunning...

I read books all the time, lots of them in great variety, so I can say from experience that there is no bigger treat than to cocoon oneself around a read like Rooftops of Tehran. The experience, for me, was akin to drifting on open water. Stunningly apt, yet subtle descriptions rocked my mind gently, even as the storm built, so that by the time I was in the crashing center of it, I felt completely immersed. It's been a long time since I've fallen so deeply in like with a fictional character as I did after just a few pages with Ahmed. If I had the funds, I would buy a hundred copies of this book and leave them all over the place just so more people could experience the delight that I did while reading it.

Lost innocence, courage - a story for all

I tried to write my review for this novel as soon as I finished reading; however, I was unable to do so. Whether it was from writer's block or from fear of writing an inadequate review, I do not know. I am leaning toward the latter. I considered stringing together a set of adjectives: brilliant, funny, original, haunting. Although they could all be used to describe this novel, it would not have been enough. Instead, I started off with the following: "Rooftops of Tehran", a debut novel by Mahbod Seraji, is a wonderfully written coming of age story of young love. After that I just stared at the page for quite some time and gave up. How could I do justice to Mr. Seraji's masterful prose? From the rooftop of his home, Pasha and his friends talk about life - sharing their dreams, hopes, and fears. They spend an innocent summer falling in love and becoming good friends. Their innocence comes to an end when Pasha unwittingly betrays a friend and leads one friend to a self-destructive decision. But where are the rooftops? New York, London, Paris. Could be but, no, they are in Iran. Not a place nor a people that most Westerners know much about. Through his vivid characterizations and descriptions, Mr. Seraji is able to transport us to Iran and give us a glimpse into this ancient world. I could clearly picture the homes, alleyways, streets and rooftops. He breathed so much life into these characters that they will not be forgotten. I laughed when Pasha's father was unwittingly the perpetrator in ding dong ditch. I felt compassion for Grandma and was awed that the entire neighborhood looked after her - not something that is commonplace here in America. I felt for the characters when tragedy struck and I rooted for them in their moments of rebellion. In short, his characters had That - they had honor, treasured friendship, prized love, had courage and strength to stand up for what they believed in. "Rooftops of Tehran" is much more than a love story. It is a an affirmation of shared human experiences. We all dream, love, laugh and cry. We have fears and and want good things for our children. Mr. Seraji has given us a glimpse into the unknown and it is up to us to recognize that regardless of religion or culture we are more alike than some would like us to believe. At times, this novel is funny and at other times tragic. It is certainly unforgettable. I highly recommend to those wishing to broaden their horizons and learn more about the Persian people and culture. Mahbod Seraji is an author to watch. I know I will be looking and waiting for his next novel.

Best Book of 2009 So Far

I finished Rooftops of Tehran, but I can't get this book and its incredible characters out of my mind. It's like the Kite Runner, but even better: a tale about Iran, but a coming-of-age story that is universal. Mahbod Seraji has a rare combination: major writing talent, deep knowledge of the culture of Iran, and yet an understanding of the American perspective and sense of humor. It made me laugh out loud, and at the book's climax, I cried too. When you read it (or, if you have a good book club, when they read it), you will find yourself wanting to go slowly -- not wanting it to end.