Rooftops of Tehran by Mahbod Seraji is a powerful coming-of-age novel set in Iran on the brink of revolution. Praised as “a striking new talent” by bestselling author Sandra Dallas, this unforgettable debut captures young love, friendship, and political awakening against the backdrop of 1970s Tehran.
Seventeen-year-old Pasha Shahed spends a carefree summer on his family’s rooftop with his best friend Ahmed, sharing jokes, dreams, and questions about life. Beneath the laughter, however, Pasha harbors a dangerous secret: his forbidden love for Zari, a beautiful neighbor promised since birth to another man. Their stolen moments of happiness are abruptly destroyed when Pasha unknowingly attracts the attention of the Shah’s brutal secret police.
As violence erupts and lives are forever altered, Pasha is forced to confront the harsh realities of oppression, loyalty, and sacrifice. Rich in emotion and cultural detail, Rooftops of Tehran offers an intimate portrait of Persian society while exploring universal themes of love, loss, and moral courage in the face of tyranny.
Perfect for readers of historical fiction, Middle Eastern literature, and emotionally resonant novels, Rooftops of Tehran is a deeply moving story that lingers long after the final page.
Rooftops of Tehran, Mahbod Seraji, Iranian historical fiction, Middle Eastern literature, coming-of-age novel, Persian culture, pre-revolution Iran, books set in Tehran, forbidden love story, political oppression fiction, Shah of Iran era, cultural identity novels, literary fiction, emotional historical novels, Iran revolution themes, young adult literary fiction

