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Love and War in the Jewish Quarter
A breathtaking journey across Iran where war and superstition, jealousy and betrayal, and passion and loyalty rage behind the impenetrable walls of mansions and the crumbling houses of the Jewish Quarter.
Against the tumultuous background of World War II, Dr. Yaran will find himself caught in the thrall of the anti-Semitic Governor General, the most powerful man in the country. Dr. Yaran falls in love with the Governor General’s defiant wife, Velvet, upending not only the life of the doctor’s beloved daughter, but the entire community. In his quest to save everything and everyone he loves, Dr. Yaran will navigate the intersections of magic, science, lust, and treachery. His sole ally is the Governor General’s servant, an exotic eunuch, who will do anything to aid his mistress in her dangerous quest to attain forbidden love.
Against the tumultuous background of World War II, Dr. Yaran will find himself caught in the thrall of the anti-Semitic Governor General, the most powerful man in the country. Dr. Yaran falls in love with the Governor General’s defiant wife, Velvet, upending not only the life of the doctor’s beloved daughter, but the entire community. In his quest to save everything and everyone he loves, Dr. Yaran will navigate the intersections of magic, science, lust, and treachery. His sole ally is the Governor General’s servant, an exotic eunuch, who will do anything to aid his mistress in her dangerous quest to attain forbidden love.
Unknown Binding
First published November 8, 2022
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About the author
Dora Levy Mossanen
6 books87 followersDora Levy Mossanen is the international bestselling author of the widely acclaimed novels Harem, Courtesan, The Last Romanov, Scent of Butterflies, and Love and War in the Jewish Quarter. She is the recipient of the prestigious San Diego Editors’ Choice Award and Best Historical Novel of the Year from The Romantic Times. She is a contributor to numerous media outlets such as Huffington Post and The Jewish Journal and has been featured in various mediums and publications including Sh’ma, The Los Angeles Times, The Denver Post, Los Angeles Review of Books (LARB), Authority Magazine, Jewish Renaissance Magazine, KCRW, Radio Iran, Radio Russia, and JWT, and has appeared in numerous television programs. In 2010, Dora was accepted as a contributor to the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, founded in 1926 and hailed by The New Yorker as “the oldest and most prestigious writers’ conference in the country”.
Her writings have been praised by many celebrated authors, among them: Amy Ephron, Steve Berry, Jonathan Kirsch, John Rechy, Rabbi David Wolpe and Adam Kirsch, to name a few.
"In this richly evocative novel, Dora Levy Mossanen conjures Tehran in the 1940s, where age-old customs and prejudices are being challenged by modern ideas - about love and sex, politics and science, and the place of Jews in Iranian society. The story of Soleiman Yaran, a Jewish dentist whose life changes course when he is summoned to treat a royal patient, is as romantic, suspenseful and compelling as the history of the city and people that surround it." – Adam Kirsch, Author, The People and the Books:18 Classics of Jewish Literature
Dora was born in Israel and moved to Iran when she was nine. At the onset of the Islamic Revolution, her family was forced to leave Iran. They eventually settled in Los Angeles. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Master’s in Professional Writing from the University of Southern California (USC).
You can learn more about her at www.doralevymossanen.com.
Her writings have been praised by many celebrated authors, among them: Amy Ephron, Steve Berry, Jonathan Kirsch, John Rechy, Rabbi David Wolpe and Adam Kirsch, to name a few.
"In this richly evocative novel, Dora Levy Mossanen conjures Tehran in the 1940s, where age-old customs and prejudices are being challenged by modern ideas - about love and sex, politics and science, and the place of Jews in Iranian society. The story of Soleiman Yaran, a Jewish dentist whose life changes course when he is summoned to treat a royal patient, is as romantic, suspenseful and compelling as the history of the city and people that surround it." – Adam Kirsch, Author, The People and the Books:18 Classics of Jewish Literature
Dora was born in Israel and moved to Iran when she was nine. At the onset of the Islamic Revolution, her family was forced to leave Iran. They eventually settled in Los Angeles. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Master’s in Professional Writing from the University of Southern California (USC).
You can learn more about her at www.doralevymossanen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 20, 2023
Set in Iran in the 1940s, Love and War in the Jewish Quarter captures Jewish life and culture as it existed in tense contest and precarious harmony with and within the majority, ruling Islamic community. On the fringes of World War II, but dangerously within the political reach of the Nazi regime and Soviet pressures, Iranian Jews must balance their interactions with Muslims even more carefully than they always had. The Allies are a distant factor; they are not a guarantee of safety as news of Hitler’s internment of Jews creeps ever closer.
It is in this tension that Jewish dentist, Dr Soleiman Yaran, finds himself. He is trapped in the conflicting intersection between his Jewish community and roots, the powerful Iranian royal family and governors of the land, his family, and his personal desires. The novel revolves around his attempt to unravel and reconcile his responsibilities and his personal happiness. Embedded in these tensions are deeper, more global undercurrents: as a medical professional schooled in Paris, Yaran also finds himself — as an agent of a Westernized modernity — at odds with ethnic, religious traditions, Jewish and Muslim alike. The war is not the only conflict highlighted in this novel; friction also exists in culture between the traditional past and the modern present. There is a shedding of superstition and tradition in favor of new technologies and practices, beliefs about the roles of men and women in their communities. Gendered expectations, visible through the performances of wife, husband, child, lover, parent, elder, and filial piety, duty to one’s community, and duty to one’s self are strong themes throughout.
Mossanen delivers this internal and historical drama through a romantic storyline, but readers will be disappointed if they expect a historical romance, for a romance it is not. This is a love story about love in the real and brutal world, where individuals are buffeted by cultural and community expectations and traditions. Its realistic setting and story are the novel’s appeal; the unpredictability of life will keep you, Reader, on your toes throughout.
The characters too, are fascinating — multi-faceted and tangible — because they are reflections of real internal conflicts. They are flawed and spurred on to their actions by subjective logics, some which make little sense, except when viewed within the larger landscape of this history and cultural context. The villains in this novel are human in their cruelties. The heroes and heroines are human, unable to manifest impossible archetypes.
A worthy read for all fans of historical fiction of the 20th century.
It is in this tension that Jewish dentist, Dr Soleiman Yaran, finds himself. He is trapped in the conflicting intersection between his Jewish community and roots, the powerful Iranian royal family and governors of the land, his family, and his personal desires. The novel revolves around his attempt to unravel and reconcile his responsibilities and his personal happiness. Embedded in these tensions are deeper, more global undercurrents: as a medical professional schooled in Paris, Yaran also finds himself — as an agent of a Westernized modernity — at odds with ethnic, religious traditions, Jewish and Muslim alike. The war is not the only conflict highlighted in this novel; friction also exists in culture between the traditional past and the modern present. There is a shedding of superstition and tradition in favor of new technologies and practices, beliefs about the roles of men and women in their communities. Gendered expectations, visible through the performances of wife, husband, child, lover, parent, elder, and filial piety, duty to one’s community, and duty to one’s self are strong themes throughout.
Mossanen delivers this internal and historical drama through a romantic storyline, but readers will be disappointed if they expect a historical romance, for a romance it is not. This is a love story about love in the real and brutal world, where individuals are buffeted by cultural and community expectations and traditions. Its realistic setting and story are the novel’s appeal; the unpredictability of life will keep you, Reader, on your toes throughout.
The characters too, are fascinating — multi-faceted and tangible — because they are reflections of real internal conflicts. They are flawed and spurred on to their actions by subjective logics, some which make little sense, except when viewed within the larger landscape of this history and cultural context. The villains in this novel are human in their cruelties. The heroes and heroines are human, unable to manifest impossible archetypes.
A worthy read for all fans of historical fiction of the 20th century.
October 28, 2022
Love and War in the Jewish Quarter opens in Tehran in 1941. The main protagonist is a Jewish dentist who treats the Governor of Iran and his wife. The dentist, Dr. Soleiman Yoran, had introduced novocaine to Iran. He had brought his supply of novocaine from Paris where he went to dental school.
We learn that Iranian Jews were required to have houses with low doors so they had to bow low as they left their homes. Jews also weren't allowed to leave their homes on rainy days because they could supposedly drip Jewishness and defile Muslims. So Iran was far from an ideal environment for Jews.
I found Soleiman a sympathetic character and I admired him. I also thought that Mossanen wrote very authentically about Jews.
The book ends with Soleiman's wedding to his second wife. We don't find out what happens to Soleiman afterward. I would like to believe that he and his second wife successfully fled Iran, and eventually settled in Palestine.
I hope that Mossanen will write other books dealing with the less known aspects of Jewish history like this one.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
We learn that Iranian Jews were required to have houses with low doors so they had to bow low as they left their homes. Jews also weren't allowed to leave their homes on rainy days because they could supposedly drip Jewishness and defile Muslims. So Iran was far from an ideal environment for Jews.
I found Soleiman a sympathetic character and I admired him. I also thought that Mossanen wrote very authentically about Jews.
The book ends with Soleiman's wedding to his second wife. We don't find out what happens to Soleiman afterward. I would like to believe that he and his second wife successfully fled Iran, and eventually settled in Palestine.
I hope that Mossanen will write other books dealing with the less known aspects of Jewish history like this one.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
October 6, 2022
Set in Iran in the 1940s, Love and War in the Jewish Quarter captures Jewish life and culture as it existed in tense contest and precarious harmony with and within the majority, ruling Islamic community. On the fringes of World War II, but dangerously within the political reach of the Nazi regime and Soviet pressures, Iranian Jews must balance their interactions with Muslims even more carefully than they always had. The Allies are a distant factor; they are not a guarantee of safety as news of Hitler’s internment of Jews creeps ever closer.
[For those interested in the Jewish experience of WWII in this region of the world, One Hundred Saturdays: Stella Levi and a search for a Lost World by Michael Frank is about Rhodes and its Jewish community before and during WWII.]
It is in this tension that Jewish dentist, Dr Soleiman Yaran, finds himself. He is trapped in the conflicting intersection between his Jewish community and roots, the powerful Iranian royal family and governors of the land, his family, and his personal desires. The novel revolves around his attempt to unravel and reconcile his responsibilities and his personal happiness. Embedded in these tensions are deeper, more global undercurrents: as a medical professional schooled in Paris, Yaran also finds himself — as an agent of a Westernized modernity — at odds with ethnic, religious traditions, Jewish and Muslim alike. The war is not the only conflict highlighted in this novel; friction also exists in culture between the traditional past and the modern present. There is a shedding of superstition and tradition in favor of new technologies and practices, beliefs about the roles of men and women in their communities. Gendered expectations, visible through the performances of wife, husband, child, lover, parent, elder, and filial piety, duty to one’s community, and duty to one’s self are strong themes throughout.
Mossanen delivers this internal and historical drama through a romantic storyline, but readers will be disappointed if they expect a historical romance, for a romance it is not. This is a love story about love in the real and brutal world, where individuals are buffeted by cultural and community expectations and traditions. Its realistic setting and story are the novel’s appeal; the unpredictability of life will keep you, Reader, on your toes throughout.
The characters too, are fascinating — multi-faceted and tangible — because they are reflections of real internal conflicts. They are flawed and spurred on to their actions by subjective logics, some which make little sense, except when viewed within the larger landscape of this history and cultural context. The villains in this novel are human in their cruelties. The heroes and heroines are human, unable to manifest impossible archetypes.
A worthy read for all fans of historical fiction of the 20th century.
[For those interested in the Jewish experience of WWII in this region of the world, One Hundred Saturdays: Stella Levi and a search for a Lost World by Michael Frank is about Rhodes and its Jewish community before and during WWII.]
It is in this tension that Jewish dentist, Dr Soleiman Yaran, finds himself. He is trapped in the conflicting intersection between his Jewish community and roots, the powerful Iranian royal family and governors of the land, his family, and his personal desires. The novel revolves around his attempt to unravel and reconcile his responsibilities and his personal happiness. Embedded in these tensions are deeper, more global undercurrents: as a medical professional schooled in Paris, Yaran also finds himself — as an agent of a Westernized modernity — at odds with ethnic, religious traditions, Jewish and Muslim alike. The war is not the only conflict highlighted in this novel; friction also exists in culture between the traditional past and the modern present. There is a shedding of superstition and tradition in favor of new technologies and practices, beliefs about the roles of men and women in their communities. Gendered expectations, visible through the performances of wife, husband, child, lover, parent, elder, and filial piety, duty to one’s community, and duty to one’s self are strong themes throughout.
Mossanen delivers this internal and historical drama through a romantic storyline, but readers will be disappointed if they expect a historical romance, for a romance it is not. This is a love story about love in the real and brutal world, where individuals are buffeted by cultural and community expectations and traditions. Its realistic setting and story are the novel’s appeal; the unpredictability of life will keep you, Reader, on your toes throughout.
The characters too, are fascinating — multi-faceted and tangible — because they are reflections of real internal conflicts. They are flawed and spurred on to their actions by subjective logics, some which make little sense, except when viewed within the larger landscape of this history and cultural context. The villains in this novel are human in their cruelties. The heroes and heroines are human, unable to manifest impossible archetypes.
A worthy read for all fans of historical fiction of the 20th century.
May 31, 2024
Overall, this was less about Iran in WWII and more about the forbidden romance between a Jewish doctor and a married Muslim woman. Overall a good story but it irritated me to no end that a one-year-old (who was a major character) was having adult conversations and speaking in complete sentences with a complex vocabulary. It was attributed to a miracle but that's just fantasy right there.
December 21, 2022
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
Love and War in the Jewish Quarter is a unique and eye-opening experience. While I feel I’ve learned a lot about World War II, I haven’t seen much out there about the experiences a Jewish community goes through while trying to survive in 1940s Iran. Whenever Dr. Yaran has to travel in order to assist the Governor General, I feared for him, but I appreciated seeing the world through his viewpoint. There is a particular scene where there are several violent marching men and the Jewish Quarter knows it is safe to stay indoors, not be seen–yet, Yaran has been tasked to help the General, so he must go. It’s that, or risk death by the hands of the General. Which is the lesser of the two evils? It seemed he lived his life by that motto. Going with what is the lesser of the evils in a world where it is nothing but.
The story of Tulip the eunuch was so sad, only adding more ire to my feelings towards the General. For some, human life is not precious. And, even after Yaran does all he can for the General, it doesn’t mean feelings will change. Yaran and Velvet are like a trauma-based Romeo and Juliet–born out of a way of life that is hard, doing what they can to attain what little beauty and love they can find. It’s hard to imagine anything good could come from loving someone who is married to violence and anti-Semitism. Things aren’t so easy for Yaran, either. They want him to find a woman who can be a mother to his little girl, but not Velvet. No one supports their relationship, other than Tulip, and even that ebbs and flows depending on the risk.
Yaran’s little girl was an interesting character. Born from tragedy and also from a strange, rare circumstance, she became an advanced child who could talk in full sentences and accomplish other feats at a very early age. If anything, that was the one part that I had a hard time reconciling with. It seemed even as an infant she could do things that a lot of children can’t do. I get that she is written in such a way to show that her extraordinary circumstances allowed her to do extraordinary things, but I still snagged on that fact whenever I read scenes with her in it. It didn’t seem as believable to me. But that aside, I enjoyed who she was as a character, particularly when it comes to orchestrating what becomes necessary in order for Yaran to be happy.
There were a lot of moments that dealt with doing what is considered right by society, or culture, or religion, and trying to reconcile doing what is right for yourself. This concept played out on both sides of the coin, eventually leading Yaran and Velvet to really reconsider what it would mean to have a relationship during a time when they would never feel as though they are accepted. The way that played out felt realistic and honest, and I was eager to see how things would turn out for them.
Love and War in the Jewish Quarter is a unique and eye-opening experience. While I feel I’ve learned a lot about World War II, I haven’t seen much out there about the experiences a Jewish community goes through while trying to survive in 1940s Iran. Whenever Dr. Yaran has to travel in order to assist the Governor General, I feared for him, but I appreciated seeing the world through his viewpoint. There is a particular scene where there are several violent marching men and the Jewish Quarter knows it is safe to stay indoors, not be seen–yet, Yaran has been tasked to help the General, so he must go. It’s that, or risk death by the hands of the General. Which is the lesser of the two evils? It seemed he lived his life by that motto. Going with what is the lesser of the evils in a world where it is nothing but.
The story of Tulip the eunuch was so sad, only adding more ire to my feelings towards the General. For some, human life is not precious. And, even after Yaran does all he can for the General, it doesn’t mean feelings will change. Yaran and Velvet are like a trauma-based Romeo and Juliet–born out of a way of life that is hard, doing what they can to attain what little beauty and love they can find. It’s hard to imagine anything good could come from loving someone who is married to violence and anti-Semitism. Things aren’t so easy for Yaran, either. They want him to find a woman who can be a mother to his little girl, but not Velvet. No one supports their relationship, other than Tulip, and even that ebbs and flows depending on the risk.
Yaran’s little girl was an interesting character. Born from tragedy and also from a strange, rare circumstance, she became an advanced child who could talk in full sentences and accomplish other feats at a very early age. If anything, that was the one part that I had a hard time reconciling with. It seemed even as an infant she could do things that a lot of children can’t do. I get that she is written in such a way to show that her extraordinary circumstances allowed her to do extraordinary things, but I still snagged on that fact whenever I read scenes with her in it. It didn’t seem as believable to me. But that aside, I enjoyed who she was as a character, particularly when it comes to orchestrating what becomes necessary in order for Yaran to be happy.
There were a lot of moments that dealt with doing what is considered right by society, or culture, or religion, and trying to reconcile doing what is right for yourself. This concept played out on both sides of the coin, eventually leading Yaran and Velvet to really reconsider what it would mean to have a relationship during a time when they would never feel as though they are accepted. The way that played out felt realistic and honest, and I was eager to see how things would turn out for them.
May 28, 2023
This is a captivating historical novel that takes readers on a journey through the complexities of life in Teheran, Iran, during World War II. With its beautiful prose, intricate character development, and rich historical backdrop, the book offers a compelling and immersive reading experience.
One of the standout features of Mossanen’s writing is her ability to craft poetic and evocative sentences. Her prose flows effortlessly, painting vivid images of the setting and creating an immersive atmosphere that transports readers to a different time and place.
Set against the backdrop of Teheran during World War II, the novel offers a unique perspective on a lesser-known period in history. Mossanen expertly weaves together the historical events and cultural intricacies of the time, immersing readers in a world filled with political tension, wartime challenges, and the resilience of the human spirit. The author’s meticulous research shines through, and the rich historical context adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.
One minor drawback of the story is its portrayal of homosexuality. The book, set in the 1940s, reflects the attitudes and biases of the time and place, which unfortunately includes criticism of homosexuality. It is important to remember that the novel was published recently and not during the time it is set in.
The warm and expressive narration by Steven Jay Cohen enhances the audiobook edition. His skillful delivery brings the characters to life, capturing their emotions and infusing the story with an additional layer of depth. Cohen’s narration adds an immersive element to the experience, making it a delight for the listeners.
This book is a beautifully written historical novel that intertwines love, war, and the complexities of making impossible decisions. Despite the criticism of homosexuality within the book, I found it to be an engaging read, and I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in this specific period of human history.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
One of the standout features of Mossanen’s writing is her ability to craft poetic and evocative sentences. Her prose flows effortlessly, painting vivid images of the setting and creating an immersive atmosphere that transports readers to a different time and place.
Set against the backdrop of Teheran during World War II, the novel offers a unique perspective on a lesser-known period in history. Mossanen expertly weaves together the historical events and cultural intricacies of the time, immersing readers in a world filled with political tension, wartime challenges, and the resilience of the human spirit. The author’s meticulous research shines through, and the rich historical context adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.
One minor drawback of the story is its portrayal of homosexuality. The book, set in the 1940s, reflects the attitudes and biases of the time and place, which unfortunately includes criticism of homosexuality. It is important to remember that the novel was published recently and not during the time it is set in.
The warm and expressive narration by Steven Jay Cohen enhances the audiobook edition. His skillful delivery brings the characters to life, capturing their emotions and infusing the story with an additional layer of depth. Cohen’s narration adds an immersive element to the experience, making it a delight for the listeners.
This book is a beautifully written historical novel that intertwines love, war, and the complexities of making impossible decisions. Despite the criticism of homosexuality within the book, I found it to be an engaging read, and I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in this specific period of human history.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
February 3, 2023
Being in a book club does open doors to books I would not likely choose for myself. Such is the case with Love and War in the Jewish Quarter by Dora Levy Mossanen. To be candid, when I first began reading the book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The story is set in Tehran, Iran starting in 1941. This is a place and a period during WWII about which I knew nothing.
Jews living in Iran are thought to be unclean by the Muslim leaders of Iran. Yet when Queen Fawzia Pahlavi needs a dentist, she calls upon Soleiman Yaran, a Jewish dentist educated in Paris, to treat her decayed tooth. From that successful encounter, Soleiman is then engaged by the Governor General, a cruel and dangerous man, to treat the Governor’s teeth.
Soleiman tries to delay going to the Governor General because Ruby, Soleiman’s beloved wife, is in labor. He wants to be there to help deliver the baby even though Shamsi, his aunt is a well-known midwife. Unable to deny the Governor’s demand, Soleiman goes, leaving Ruby in Aunt Shamsi’s hands.
This original treatment of the Governor General sets in motion a series of events which hold Soleiman in the Governor’s grips. Because of his opium addiction, the Governor’s teeth are in terrible condition. That also means that giving the new-found Novocaine would endanger the Governor’s life. Soleiman has developed what he calls Ruby Magic, a potion that numbs the gums without endangering the opium addict.
The story involves war, betrayal, death, and superstition. Readers learn about how the Jewish people live in Tehran at the time. They also learn about the treacherous path Soleiman must tread as he continues to treat the Governor.
For book clubs, the story will provide much for discussion. The war itself with its occupation by Russian troops along with the constant threat of invasion by Nazi soldiers keeps people on edge. Soleiman and his friends are also trying to save a number of orphaned Jewish children and get them to safety. The treatment of women is another hot topic in the story.
Jews living in Iran are thought to be unclean by the Muslim leaders of Iran. Yet when Queen Fawzia Pahlavi needs a dentist, she calls upon Soleiman Yaran, a Jewish dentist educated in Paris, to treat her decayed tooth. From that successful encounter, Soleiman is then engaged by the Governor General, a cruel and dangerous man, to treat the Governor’s teeth.
Soleiman tries to delay going to the Governor General because Ruby, Soleiman’s beloved wife, is in labor. He wants to be there to help deliver the baby even though Shamsi, his aunt is a well-known midwife. Unable to deny the Governor’s demand, Soleiman goes, leaving Ruby in Aunt Shamsi’s hands.
This original treatment of the Governor General sets in motion a series of events which hold Soleiman in the Governor’s grips. Because of his opium addiction, the Governor’s teeth are in terrible condition. That also means that giving the new-found Novocaine would endanger the Governor’s life. Soleiman has developed what he calls Ruby Magic, a potion that numbs the gums without endangering the opium addict.
The story involves war, betrayal, death, and superstition. Readers learn about how the Jewish people live in Tehran at the time. They also learn about the treacherous path Soleiman must tread as he continues to treat the Governor.
For book clubs, the story will provide much for discussion. The war itself with its occupation by Russian troops along with the constant threat of invasion by Nazi soldiers keeps people on edge. Soleiman and his friends are also trying to save a number of orphaned Jewish children and get them to safety. The treatment of women is another hot topic in the story.
November 8, 2023
☆☆☆☆☆
☆☆☆☆☆
5 out of 5 stars
Historical Fiction At It’s Best!
Book Title: Love And War in the Jewish Quarter
Author: Dora Levy Mossanen
Gene: Historical Fiction
Book Reviewed By Sylvia Jacobs
This story takes place during WWll in the Jewish Quarter of Tehran. The year is 1941. There is much pride and much fear in the Jewish quarter. Doctor Soleiman Yaran is on his way to see Queen Fawzia Pahlavi. He is a Jewish dentist. Will he become the Queen’s dentist? Does the queen have a toothache? Will the doctor have a safe journey? Will he have a safe return home? Will he be back before nightfall? Is he told to keep his mouth shut and his eyes wide open by his father? Why did the Queen want a Jewish dentist and not a Muslim dentist? How is this Jewish dentist all of a sudden welcome into the royal kingdom? He is a young dentist. He is known for his innovative treatments, specifically an alternative to Novocaine.
Will the palace have grand chandeliers, gold leaf furniture? Would the queen consider the dentist to be impure? Will the queen have a dental chair? Will it be fully equipped with a drill, tray table, saliva ejector, control panel, and air and water syringes?
The Iranian Jews must balance their interactions with the Muslims. Dr. Soleiman Yaran falls in love with the Governor General’s wife, Velvet. The Government General is an anti-Semite. He's also the most powerful man in the country. Will Dr. Yaran have the Governor General as a patient? What will happen with the love affair of Dr. Yaran and Velvet?
When Dr. Soleiman Yaran’s wife Ruby dies while giving birth, Yaran dedicates himself to his daughter Nedra, his people and his work.
This is much going on in this book, one will rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommends this product ✔ Yes
October 15, 2022
I love reading historical fiction about a period about which I know nothing. This is such a book. A beautiful and moving story about a French educated Jewish doctor in WWII Iran. Dr Yaran is a doctor and dentist who is called to serve the young Queen, the wife of the Shah who was basically placed on the throne by the British who made his father abdicate and exile to South Africa. The same Shah who fled in the revolution. There are many wonderful characters and as I was reading it I could not imagine how it would end.
The politics are complicated and we see the Tehran conference with Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt meeting and the Iranians not happy about it.
The problems of the Jews in Iran, as well as the beautiful culture are shown to great effect. This is a book I plan to share with my bookclubs. I also plan to read more of her books, 2 of which are on my TBR shelves. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my review copy.
The politics are complicated and we see the Tehran conference with Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt meeting and the Iranians not happy about it.
The problems of the Jews in Iran, as well as the beautiful culture are shown to great effect. This is a book I plan to share with my bookclubs. I also plan to read more of her books, 2 of which are on my TBR shelves. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my review copy.
March 24, 2023
The story takes place in Iran, mostly in the Jewish Quarter of Tehran, during WWII. This would have been a good book to read on Shabbat, but as I was gifted an e-copy instead of paper, I could not. The story is interesting and the descriptions quite extensive, showing much research on the part of the author. The characters are well developed, the good, the bad and the ugly. The main characters are dentist and widower, Dr. Soleiman Yaran, his precosous daughter, Nada, his superstitious aunt, the evil anti-semitic Governor General, his wife Velvet and his eunuch, Tulip. Yarn was trained in France, but finds himself called upon to perform medicine far beyond dentistry. The author wove her story into history, but parts became tedious to me and I found myself scanning some pages, wondering when this book would end. But that's me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.com. The is my unbiased and voluntary review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.com. The is my unbiased and voluntary review.
March 9, 2023
The desires of the human heart are difficult to define, whether their focus is religion, politics or love. Trying to fulfill these desires is not always easy, especially if someone or something must be sacrificed in order to make them a reality. Two recent novels portray these conflicts and choices: “My Mother’s Secret: A Novel of the Jewish Autonomous Region” by Alina Adams (History Through Fiction), which focuses on life in the U.S.S.R., and “Love and War in the Jewish Quarter” by Dora Levy Mossanen (Post Hill Press), which takes place in Iran. Both novels look at life in the mid-20th century, although the Jewish culture of each location is very different.
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/past...
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/past...
October 28, 2022
This is a gripping story set during WWII in Iran. Some of the history I was unaware of, but the story brings to life the struggles of the people who lived this experience and the constant fear they faced. It shows a lovely dynamics of a family struggling with tragedy and trying to make sense of it all. The ending is reminiscent of Bridges of Madison County leaving me wondering what the point of true love is if we (or the characters) are not allowed to embrace it, but instead must make a decision based on theory that it is for the best. So, the ending frustrated me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2022
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and it is because of books like this one. It was well written with a compelling storyline and incredibly well developed characters, some of which I fell in love with. This focuses on World War 2 in a setting that I don't really think about when it comes to the holocaust and so forth and I will definitely be doing so more from now on. I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to end.
November 15, 2022
Bringing to you an epic, sweeping novel from the wonderful Dora Levy Mossanen, Love and War in the Jewish Quarter. #fridayreads #historicalfiction Watch: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ck0zpo...
January 21, 2024
Interesting story about Iranian Jews living in the time of WWII. Difficult to read at times with some Iranian words and some phrasing maybe lost on the translation? Some strange Iranian? Jewish? Superstitions. A strange young child with powers?
October 19, 2022
A beautifully written historical fiction.
November 17, 2022
A good read
December 10, 2022
I found the book to be a painfully boring read! The only reason I did not give it a one star rating is that I did not totally hate the last 10 pages.
April 18, 2023
I just found this to be a very odd book. With characters, I didn't understand. Had a hard time getting through the book.
July 5, 2023
Wonderful, complicated love story during WWII
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July 12, 2023I really was interested to read this and learn about the times and the place. But it was so overwritten that it became tedious so D N F.
January 20, 2024
*****5stars***** - my ratings keep disappearing!
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