65 pages 2 hours read

Mahbod Seraji

Rooftops of Tehran

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Rooftops of Tehran, 17-year-old Pasha navigates teenage life amid political turmoil in 1973 Iran, feeling torn between his love for his engaged neighbor, Zari, and his friendship with her fiancé, Doctor, a political dissenter. As Doctor faces arrest and execution by the SAVAK, Pasha grapples with guilt and political unrest, culminating in tragic events that alter his and Zari's futures. The book features depictions of political oppression and physical violence, including scenes of torture, mentions of sexual assault, and self-immolation.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Rooftops of Tehran by Mahbod Seraji has been praised for its evocative depiction of pre-revolutionary Iran and richly developed characters, capturing both the beauty and turbulence of the era. The narrative is heartwarming and poignant, though some readers found the pacing uneven at times. Overall, it offers a compelling glimpse into a pivotal historical period.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Rooftops of Tehran?

A reader who enjoys Rooftops of Tehran by Mahbod Seraji likely appreciates poignant coming-of-age stories set against rich historical backdrops. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis will find a similarly engaging and emotionally resonant narrative that explores love, friendship, and political upheaval.

RecommendedReading Age

16-18years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Romance

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Themes

Relationships: Friendship

Society: Colonialism

Society: Politics & Government

Topics

History: World

Arts / Culture