What do you think?
Rate this book
Tehran Moonlight
Love, loyalty and identity collide in Azin Sametipour's compelling debut novel, Tehran Moonlight.
Vividly set in a country where women have no voice, one woman's fight for love and her own identity result in unimaginable consequences. She was 23, beautiful, a violinist in love with her passion. A rebel born into a conservative family where belief was everything and honor shackled women in place. Then she met Ashkan. He was 27, gorgeous, born to an Iranian father in Boston. A successful architect in the States who had returned to Iran to find his past. Then he met Mahtab.
Vividly set in a country where women have no voice, one woman's fight for love and her own identity result in unimaginable consequences. She was 23, beautiful, a violinist in love with her passion. A rebel born into a conservative family where belief was everything and honor shackled women in place. Then she met Ashkan. He was 27, gorgeous, born to an Iranian father in Boston. A successful architect in the States who had returned to Iran to find his past. Then he met Mahtab.
278 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2014
13 people are currently reading
1906 people want to read
About the author
Azin Sametipour
2 books75 followersAzin Sametipour's debut novel, Tehran Moonlight, set in contemporary Iran, was awarded a starred review by Publishers Weekly and Best in the House by Authors in the House@ Grubstreet/Muse 2015 Boston. Azin was born and raised in Tehran, Iran and moved to the United States at the age of 18. She currently lives in Northern California.
Azin loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at:
sametipour.azin@gmail.com
Instagram: @azinwritesbooks
If you enjoyed reading her books, please consider leaving a review. Reviews help other readers learn more about these books.
Azin loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at:
sametipour.azin@gmail.com
Instagram: @azinwritesbooks
If you enjoyed reading her books, please consider leaving a review. Reviews help other readers learn more about these books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 3, 2017
4.25 stars!
I can't believe this is Azin Sametipour's first book! I loved it so much! Even days after I've finished I still find myself thinking about it.
"Tehran Moonlight" is the story of Mahtab, she's a young girl living with her family who are very traditional in their way of thinking and up bringing. One day while out with her best friend she meets Ashkan who has recently come back to Iran after being away for years. At their first encounter they both don't like each other, but each time they meet they both realize they've misjudge each other. Mahtab realizes Ashkan aloofness is not indifference but not knowing how to get in touch with his countries traditions and people.
I really loved the pace of Mahtab and Ashkan's relationship, it was so sweet. Those stolen moments were so treasured for them both. I love both these characters, both strong in their own ways. But Mahtab, she was my favorite and that's a rarity for me, to find a h who completely steals my heart.
Mahtab, this girl who only wanted to play her violin and fall in love. Who fought so hard oh gosh and the things she went through had my heart breaking. I went through all the emotions, anger, sadness, heartache, and oh the tears.
The only problem I had was the ending it felt a bit rushed. Maybe an epilogue where a few years had gone by to see how the characters were doing would of helped.
But regardless I fell in love with this book, with this author's words and memorable characters. I'm always so appreciative of stories that make you think how we take for granted something so simple as a choice, a choice to choose who we LOVE!❤️
I can't believe this is Azin Sametipour's first book! I loved it so much! Even days after I've finished I still find myself thinking about it.
"Tehran Moonlight" is the story of Mahtab, she's a young girl living with her family who are very traditional in their way of thinking and up bringing. One day while out with her best friend she meets Ashkan who has recently come back to Iran after being away for years. At their first encounter they both don't like each other, but each time they meet they both realize they've misjudge each other. Mahtab realizes Ashkan aloofness is not indifference but not knowing how to get in touch with his countries traditions and people.
I really loved the pace of Mahtab and Ashkan's relationship, it was so sweet. Those stolen moments were so treasured for them both. I love both these characters, both strong in their own ways. But Mahtab, she was my favorite and that's a rarity for me, to find a h who completely steals my heart.
Mahtab, this girl who only wanted to play her violin and fall in love. Who fought so hard oh gosh and the things she went through had my heart breaking. I went through all the emotions, anger, sadness, heartache, and oh the tears.
The only problem I had was the ending it felt a bit rushed. Maybe an epilogue where a few years had gone by to see how the characters were doing would of helped.
But regardless I fell in love with this book, with this author's words and memorable characters. I'm always so appreciative of stories that make you think how we take for granted something so simple as a choice, a choice to choose who we LOVE!❤️
August 3, 2016
An interesting novel of oppression, discrimination, and hope in contemporary Iran. Sametipour gives her readers a view of modern day Iran and the oppression women continue to feel and the brutality not only from an oppressive government, but also within their family structures. The ways women have to deal with the reality of their situations and have their own secret society in order to have some support and semblance of a full-filling life. It is this "woman network" I found compelling, much more so than the romance plot. Would recommend to readers of feminist fiction.
August 20, 2014
I won this book from a contest on Goodreads.
Mahtah Sharifi teaches violin three nights a week at the Nava Music Institute. Her love of music is instilled in her, but she had to fight her father, brother and Grandmother tooth and nail to pursue her passion. Living in Tehran, Iran is not easy for women as it is a man's world here and what they say, goes, otherwise a female's objection will face the inevitable consequences. When Mahtah is asked to play in a concert with the Tehran University Orchestra, it could lead to possibly play with the Tehran National Philharmonic. But in order to do this, she is well aware her father and brother will vehemently forbid it. So she must lie as she has had to to get any kind of freedom at all. When Mahtah meets her best friends boyfriend's cousin, Ashkan, over time they become attracted to one another. Unfortunately, at this time her family have arranged her to marry her brother's boss Emad who she wants no part of. But when she tells her father and brother she does not want to marry someone she does not love, their violence escalates. How will she ever escape this nightmare and be with the one she truly loves and to continue pursuing her love of music?
Terrifying, moving, loving story of a 27 year old woman who just wants what her heart wants. Very good story!
Mahtah Sharifi teaches violin three nights a week at the Nava Music Institute. Her love of music is instilled in her, but she had to fight her father, brother and Grandmother tooth and nail to pursue her passion. Living in Tehran, Iran is not easy for women as it is a man's world here and what they say, goes, otherwise a female's objection will face the inevitable consequences. When Mahtah is asked to play in a concert with the Tehran University Orchestra, it could lead to possibly play with the Tehran National Philharmonic. But in order to do this, she is well aware her father and brother will vehemently forbid it. So she must lie as she has had to to get any kind of freedom at all. When Mahtah meets her best friends boyfriend's cousin, Ashkan, over time they become attracted to one another. Unfortunately, at this time her family have arranged her to marry her brother's boss Emad who she wants no part of. But when she tells her father and brother she does not want to marry someone she does not love, their violence escalates. How will she ever escape this nightmare and be with the one she truly loves and to continue pursuing her love of music?
Terrifying, moving, loving story of a 27 year old woman who just wants what her heart wants. Very good story!
July 28, 2017
I just finished Tehran Moonlight and burned through it pretty quickly. It was a fast read and keep me interested. I have always enjoy learning about life in other places and this book was no exception. Mahtab, the main character is a young women who is faced with the struggle of the new and old Iran.She is also torn by her own traditional and modern thoughts. Her family is steeped in tradition and are very religious. At the same time, the modern world around her is opening up and changing at break neck speed. Mahtab's story is heart breaking but is also full of hope for the future of women in Iran.
The only complaint I have is that at the beginning of the novel, it is pretty predictable. If the setting had been America, I would think it was pretty much a beach read. However, since it took place in a far away land, it was intriguing and there was added depth to this story. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and it many different emotions in brought out.
The only complaint I have is that at the beginning of the novel, it is pretty predictable. If the setting had been America, I would think it was pretty much a beach read. However, since it took place in a far away land, it was intriguing and there was added depth to this story. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and it many different emotions in brought out.
November 8, 2014
Azin paints an engaging and disturbing picture of the Iranian woman's oppression. Within the first few chapters, I cheered for Mahtab. I hope her sisters in Iran find freedom for their minds, hearts and spirits to fully flourish.
November 23, 2014
This novel tells the heart-wrenching, passionate love story of a beautiful and talented young woman named Mahtab who lives in Tehran, Iran and works as a music teacher. Mahtab's family is a very conservative, highly observant religious family who does not support or approve of her ambitions to pursue a career in music (orchestra). Mahtab lives under the oppression of her violent brother and strict father and is constantly living in fear of punishment based on their disapproval of her personal life decisions.Despite these constant threats, Mahtab cannot be broken and she continues to live her life in secret, which forces her to lie and hide on a daily basis.When she meets Ashkan, an American man of Iranian descent, they fall in love but things take a tragic turn. Although the story is fictional, the story told offers an insight of what life is like for women of different classes within Iranian society. The story tells not only of families like Mahtab's but of families and individuals who are highly educated, successful, ready for change within Iran. The writer does an excellent job of educating the reader on Iranian culture, customs, mentality, and language. This novel definitely had an impact on me and I stand in solidarity with all the women that remain so strong and courageous in their hopes and dreams for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
June 26, 2015
I read “Teheran Moonlight” by Azin Sametipour in December last year and read it again last week. I was enthralled by the travails of her main protagonist, Mahtab, a young Iranian girl who is a sensitive and talented musician. She faces destructive onslaughts of familial and societal rigidity that could stifle and suffocate all that is tender and natural in her. Flashes of humour, friends who stand by her and clearly etched family members, gleam throughout the book like flashes of gold in the surging and muddy river of life. Stingingly honest portraits of various characters in the narrative are part of life for this young woman in Iran. The author’s understanding and love for a Teheran she left as a child shines over it all like silvery moonlight. Bitter-sweet wanderings through that city’s streets and homes, open doors into a lot of minds and hearts that populate it. I found that many of my stereotypical impressions of Iran are broken or proven right in this honest book. To me, it felt like a movie that passed before my eyes as I read it, this time and before….I hope someday soon, a discerning producer will actually make a thrilling movie of “Teheran Moonlight” to grace the silver screen. I for one, would love to watch it and the wonderful message it would carry........
May 17, 2014
Tehran Moonlight, Azin Sametipour (Independent)
through the women's eyes
Tehran revealed, good and bad
the oldest of crimes
This is a story of contemporary Tehran, but threaded through the narrative are echoes of the past. I was reminded of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, with the early emphasis on young women being judged only on their potential husbands, as well as the interplay between mothers and daughters and sisters. The early chapters were really engaging and light. Despite Mahtab's oppressive home-life, dominated by a weary father and a zealous brother, she has a great spark of life which seems to hint at an uplifting, positive story. She has a great circle of girl friends, a passion for music and this 'sense' that despite the limitations placed upon her by society and religion, Mahtab will get what she wants.
Mahtab and her friends are faced with dilemmas ranging from unwanted and impending marriages, the lure of parties and drinking, concerns over whether their families are prestigious, religious or rich enough, and miscarriages. Again, these are written with such a modern style that the reader can't help but think that despite everything, these young women will survive and overcome their obstacles.
Now, I will be revealing some 'spoilers' in this review. Just a warning, but even if you know where this is going I would seriously recommend this book.
There are two men in Mahtab's life (apart from Pasha, her physically and emotionally overbearing brother). There is Emad - the man who has arranged to marry her. And then there is Ashkan - the man she has accidentally fallen in love with. These men are presented as polar opposites. One is truly mean and cruel, while the other is almost whimsical in his open-mindedness. Ashkan is not religious, but does not push his views on others; whereas Emad is superficially religious and hides his true nature. There is a brutal, selfish energy from Emad, while Ashkan and Mahtab enjoy a playful, light connection.
It is a nice touch that while Ashkan was born overseas and hasn't grown up in the Iranian culture, he is the one who effectively shows Mahtab a new world. They are able to explore parts of the city she is unfamiliar with, and explore conversations she is also unable to pursue with anyone else (except, perhaps, her girl friends).
The lightness and optimism of the early parts of the novel and cruelly broken. I think the darkness which strikes out at the reader is an integral part of the novel and provides it some surprising depth. Mahtab's independence is disassembled by Emad when he takes her to his parents' house, knowing they are not home, and then sexually assaults her. And later when everything falls apart in such a shuddering, painful manner - Azin Sametipour manages to grab the reader and force them to look at the darker side of contemporary Tehran.
Mahtab's mother says 'There's no such thing as love".
The closing chapters of this book seem to reinforce this anti-romantic sentiment, although the conclusion of the story allows the reader to feel some hope (alongside the brutal fallout).
I recommend this book because it tells the story of a young Iranian woman who is an independent and spunky woman, but who is also unable to overcome the restrictions placed upon her by family, community and State.
through the women's eyes
Tehran revealed, good and bad
the oldest of crimes
This is a story of contemporary Tehran, but threaded through the narrative are echoes of the past. I was reminded of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, with the early emphasis on young women being judged only on their potential husbands, as well as the interplay between mothers and daughters and sisters. The early chapters were really engaging and light. Despite Mahtab's oppressive home-life, dominated by a weary father and a zealous brother, she has a great spark of life which seems to hint at an uplifting, positive story. She has a great circle of girl friends, a passion for music and this 'sense' that despite the limitations placed upon her by society and religion, Mahtab will get what she wants.
Mahtab and her friends are faced with dilemmas ranging from unwanted and impending marriages, the lure of parties and drinking, concerns over whether their families are prestigious, religious or rich enough, and miscarriages. Again, these are written with such a modern style that the reader can't help but think that despite everything, these young women will survive and overcome their obstacles.
Now, I will be revealing some 'spoilers' in this review. Just a warning, but even if you know where this is going I would seriously recommend this book.
There are two men in Mahtab's life (apart from Pasha, her physically and emotionally overbearing brother). There is Emad - the man who has arranged to marry her. And then there is Ashkan - the man she has accidentally fallen in love with. These men are presented as polar opposites. One is truly mean and cruel, while the other is almost whimsical in his open-mindedness. Ashkan is not religious, but does not push his views on others; whereas Emad is superficially religious and hides his true nature. There is a brutal, selfish energy from Emad, while Ashkan and Mahtab enjoy a playful, light connection.
It is a nice touch that while Ashkan was born overseas and hasn't grown up in the Iranian culture, he is the one who effectively shows Mahtab a new world. They are able to explore parts of the city she is unfamiliar with, and explore conversations she is also unable to pursue with anyone else (except, perhaps, her girl friends).
The lightness and optimism of the early parts of the novel and cruelly broken. I think the darkness which strikes out at the reader is an integral part of the novel and provides it some surprising depth. Mahtab's independence is disassembled by Emad when he takes her to his parents' house, knowing they are not home, and then sexually assaults her. And later when everything falls apart in such a shuddering, painful manner - Azin Sametipour manages to grab the reader and force them to look at the darker side of contemporary Tehran.
Mahtab's mother says 'There's no such thing as love".
The closing chapters of this book seem to reinforce this anti-romantic sentiment, although the conclusion of the story allows the reader to feel some hope (alongside the brutal fallout).
I recommend this book because it tells the story of a young Iranian woman who is an independent and spunky woman, but who is also unable to overcome the restrictions placed upon her by family, community and State.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2015
Actual Rating: 3.5 / 5
I discovered Azin Sametipour's debut novel Tehran Moonlight at The Muse & The Marketplace back in May. Good thing I bought it based on its captivating blurb - because it won the conference's Authors In The House Contest for self-published authors!
Set in Iran's capital city, Tehran Moonlight follows 23-year-old violin teacher Mahtab as she falls for an Iranian-American man and struggles with her family's rigid traditionalism via an arranged marriage to another man. This is not a love triangle story by any means. Instead, it's about a young Muslim woman who wants to pursue her heart's desires in both life purpose and love and experiences cultural oppression while doing so (the most graphic examples being a couple instances of sexual and/or physical abuse).
Tehran Moonlight was incredibly eye-opening for me. I know little about Iran except for what I hear on the news, and Sametipour's portrayal is astonishing. It contrasts how some families remain strict about women's rights with how others are more tolerant and open-minded, all while their country embraces a modern, consumerism-based society. Mahtab is also a fascinating protagonist. She's outspoken, courageous, and persistent - traits that aren't always respected by other characters. She also maintains a strong sense of self-respect and encourages others to follow their dreams. Sometimes the dialogue comes across as puerile, and many of the supporting characters are one-dimensional. However, Sametipour stills excels with telling a jaw-dropping, heart-wrenching story with Tehran Moonlight, and delivers it with unblinking frankness and sincerity.
I discovered Azin Sametipour's debut novel Tehran Moonlight at The Muse & The Marketplace back in May. Good thing I bought it based on its captivating blurb - because it won the conference's Authors In The House Contest for self-published authors!
Set in Iran's capital city, Tehran Moonlight follows 23-year-old violin teacher Mahtab as she falls for an Iranian-American man and struggles with her family's rigid traditionalism via an arranged marriage to another man. This is not a love triangle story by any means. Instead, it's about a young Muslim woman who wants to pursue her heart's desires in both life purpose and love and experiences cultural oppression while doing so (the most graphic examples being a couple instances of sexual and/or physical abuse).
Tehran Moonlight was incredibly eye-opening for me. I know little about Iran except for what I hear on the news, and Sametipour's portrayal is astonishing. It contrasts how some families remain strict about women's rights with how others are more tolerant and open-minded, all while their country embraces a modern, consumerism-based society. Mahtab is also a fascinating protagonist. She's outspoken, courageous, and persistent - traits that aren't always respected by other characters. She also maintains a strong sense of self-respect and encourages others to follow their dreams. Sometimes the dialogue comes across as puerile, and many of the supporting characters are one-dimensional. However, Sametipour stills excels with telling a jaw-dropping, heart-wrenching story with Tehran Moonlight, and delivers it with unblinking frankness and sincerity.
November 4, 2016
This book is a wonderful and fast read. The main character is easy to relate to and her sorrows became the reader's sorrows, as do her happy moments. It's an emotional roller coaster reading about Mahtab's struggles to pursue her passion of playing the violin and being able to live her own independent life in a very traditional and conservative Islamic household in Iran. While for most readers it will seem hard to imagine that a family can force a daughter into marriage with a man she doesn't even like, the author makes it easily believable through Mahtab's thoughts and struggles to get out of her forced engagement with Emad. The story is heartbreaking and I don't think I would have been able to be happy again for a while after reading this book if Ashkan did not come for her in the end. Thank God for happy endings! Overall, it's a great read and I would definitely recommend it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2015
This is a love story on many levels...love of country despite its oppression and disregard of women, love of family despite their dysfunction, love of career and the fulfillment it brings. love of friends who provide a sustainable community, the unconditional love of another human being when it is not allowed and most of all the fierce love that arises from being true to oneself.
October 28, 2014
This book is a treasure. It is a rare glimpse into clashing cultures of traditional and youthful Iran. I literally could not put it down.
March 21, 2020
This review is a long time coming.
I have never read a book quite like this one before or since. I was inspired, touched, angered and challenged. This is realistic fiction at its finest, written by an author who has the credibility to describe the painful realities of being a woman who doesn't fit the mold in Iran. Her story is about a beautiful young woman who is different but, according to her country's culture, is "wrong" and must be kept within her bounds. The adversity she walks through made me so angry! Why? Because this fictional story isn't just a horrific sample of rare occurrences. Unfortunately, injustices described in Tehran Moonlight happen all the time worldwide. Prepare your heart to be pricked...
***I received this book through the GoodReads First Reads giveaways in exchange for an honest review***
I have never read a book quite like this one before or since. I was inspired, touched, angered and challenged. This is realistic fiction at its finest, written by an author who has the credibility to describe the painful realities of being a woman who doesn't fit the mold in Iran. Her story is about a beautiful young woman who is different but, according to her country's culture, is "wrong" and must be kept within her bounds. The adversity she walks through made me so angry! Why? Because this fictional story isn't just a horrific sample of rare occurrences. Unfortunately, injustices described in Tehran Moonlight happen all the time worldwide. Prepare your heart to be pricked...
***I received this book through the GoodReads First Reads giveaways in exchange for an honest review***
November 23, 2015
A fascinating and compelling read about the complexities of love in a distant and different culture. I particularly enjoyed learning about a society that I knew very little about… A terrific novel!!
January 29, 2018
Tehran Moonlight by Azin Sametipour
--------5/5 stars--------
I have already read Azin’s second book Awakened by Love a few months ago and liked it very much. So enjoying her debut novel was not surprising at all. Tehran Moonlight was really eye opening, a bit darker than ABL but equally astonishing and legible.
Before I tell you what the story is about, I would like to quickly comment on the physical copy. The book has 268 pages plus the acknowledgments, the leaves, (which can only be described as chic) are large, ivory, super soft, and the text font is really pretty. In addition to that, the author used many Iranian terms and words which I thought was very original and unique.
Ok so the story is about Mahtab, 23 y/o bright, beautiful woman, with a passion for the violin, living with her over conservative family in Tehran. Her home was always charged with negative energy, caused mainly by her psycho, cave man like brother Pasha, her nagging grandmother Boji, and severe father. Her only escape from that tension was teaching her young students music in the institute, and the free time she spent with her best friend Nasim. Although her parents never approved of her career choice as a musician, she still pursued her dream of playing with the national orchestra of Iran, and secretly sneaked out for rehearsals whenever she could.
Then Mahtab met Ashkan, the handsome 27 y/o architect who came back from Boston to finish a project in Tehran. Although their first encounter wasn’t pleasant, getting to know him, the real him, with his slight accent, free spirited soul and open minded behavior, made her fall in love with him.
Mahtab’s life was going as planned until her family decided, without her approval, to marry her to Emad, her brother’s boss, who, according to her family’s standards was perfect for her, with his religious manners, stable job, and respectful background. Rebelling against her family’s oppression only made the situation worse and her living a nightmare.
Even though the events took such a dark turn, an innocent, slow romance blossomed between Ashkan and Mahtab. The pure, stolen moments they shared made their love story so precious and sweet.
I loved how the author portrayed the female voice in Iran. Despite the rigid traditionalism, the unfairness and barbarism of men, the strength, compassion and strong will of women was remarkable and eye opening. Azin did a great job introducing us, readers who do not have much knowledge about the Iranian culture.
i must say that some parts of the book were very predictable, almost eye rolling, and the end was a bit rushed in my opinion, I would have enjoyed a longer ending, maybe an epilogue would have been great. Nevertheless, I recommend this book to anyone curious about the Iranian culture, give it a chance, you will like it.
--------5/5 stars--------
I have already read Azin’s second book Awakened by Love a few months ago and liked it very much. So enjoying her debut novel was not surprising at all. Tehran Moonlight was really eye opening, a bit darker than ABL but equally astonishing and legible.
Before I tell you what the story is about, I would like to quickly comment on the physical copy. The book has 268 pages plus the acknowledgments, the leaves, (which can only be described as chic) are large, ivory, super soft, and the text font is really pretty. In addition to that, the author used many Iranian terms and words which I thought was very original and unique.
Ok so the story is about Mahtab, 23 y/o bright, beautiful woman, with a passion for the violin, living with her over conservative family in Tehran. Her home was always charged with negative energy, caused mainly by her psycho, cave man like brother Pasha, her nagging grandmother Boji, and severe father. Her only escape from that tension was teaching her young students music in the institute, and the free time she spent with her best friend Nasim. Although her parents never approved of her career choice as a musician, she still pursued her dream of playing with the national orchestra of Iran, and secretly sneaked out for rehearsals whenever she could.
Then Mahtab met Ashkan, the handsome 27 y/o architect who came back from Boston to finish a project in Tehran. Although their first encounter wasn’t pleasant, getting to know him, the real him, with his slight accent, free spirited soul and open minded behavior, made her fall in love with him.
Mahtab’s life was going as planned until her family decided, without her approval, to marry her to Emad, her brother’s boss, who, according to her family’s standards was perfect for her, with his religious manners, stable job, and respectful background. Rebelling against her family’s oppression only made the situation worse and her living a nightmare.
Even though the events took such a dark turn, an innocent, slow romance blossomed between Ashkan and Mahtab. The pure, stolen moments they shared made their love story so precious and sweet.
I loved how the author portrayed the female voice in Iran. Despite the rigid traditionalism, the unfairness and barbarism of men, the strength, compassion and strong will of women was remarkable and eye opening. Azin did a great job introducing us, readers who do not have much knowledge about the Iranian culture.
i must say that some parts of the book were very predictable, almost eye rolling, and the end was a bit rushed in my opinion, I would have enjoyed a longer ending, maybe an epilogue would have been great. Nevertheless, I recommend this book to anyone curious about the Iranian culture, give it a chance, you will like it.
June 24, 2016
I love when I discover a beautiful story on Kindle Unlimited. This is very much the case with this story. Iran is one of those places that is very foreign to most Americans. So reading a book set in Tehran was fascinating. The description of buildings and life was memorizing.
Overall this was very easy to read story, the story flowed and had me tapping the kindle page by page hoping to finish it quickly.
Love is powerful and love is what makes this story powerful.
This was the first book I have read from this author, another reason I love Kindle Unlimited, and I will continue to read Azin in the future. This was a fantastic introduction and I can't wait to read more in the future.
Overall this was very easy to read story, the story flowed and had me tapping the kindle page by page hoping to finish it quickly.
Love is powerful and love is what makes this story powerful.
This was the first book I have read from this author, another reason I love Kindle Unlimited, and I will continue to read Azin in the future. This was a fantastic introduction and I can't wait to read more in the future.
July 7, 2019
I can say that this is one of those books you get addicted, you can't stop reading, but at the same time you feel anxious to finish it because you know it's hard to bare the emptiness it'd leave.
Besides the story, Tehran Moonlight got me lost in Tehran's streets.
It drove me furious about Farsi social issues, but I fell in love with their history, architecture and culture.
I loved how it described every single detail, to make you travel in time and place, to make you live is Tehran for a while.
I'm thrilled to know more about Iran thanks to this book.
Besides the story, Tehran Moonlight got me lost in Tehran's streets.
It drove me furious about Farsi social issues, but I fell in love with their history, architecture and culture.
I loved how it described every single detail, to make you travel in time and place, to make you live is Tehran for a while.
I'm thrilled to know more about Iran thanks to this book.
September 10, 2017
What a fantastic read! This book takes you into another culture and tells a story of forbidden love. It had me hooked. Azin's writings immerse you in another culture yet in a way that is easy to relate with. She makes you feel every emotion, and keeps you turning the pages. I definitely would recommend this book.
December 26, 2017
This book was amazing. I was a little unsure when I started to read the book, as it is not my typical genre of book. However, once I started, I could not put the book down.
This book has everything a romance novel needs...love, conflict and a strong heroine overcoming conflicts.
I cannot wait to start Azin's second book.
This book has everything a romance novel needs...love, conflict and a strong heroine overcoming conflicts.
I cannot wait to start Azin's second book.
November 21, 2019
I felt so attached to the characters in this book. I fell as in love with the story as the characters do with one another. Romance is not my preferred genre but I took a step into uncharted territory with this book and can confidently say that I’ll be reading more romance after this lovely introduction to the genre! I highly recommend, worth the read.
Read
October 2, 2015an easy and fun read! very emotional and I think it is great for a first novel.
January 3, 2016
Loved it! The author is quite gifted.
October 1, 2014
More like 3.5/5. This novel shows the clash between the conservative and the modern Iranian, as shown in the story of a young woman violinist, whose ambition is to play with the Tehran Philharmonic. Pressured by her conservative family into engagement with a sadistic [and supposedly religious] man, Mahtab struggles against her family's forcing her into a loveless marriage. She strives against almost overwhelming odds to maintain her individuality and independence.
I was impressed that the author wrote so well in English, seeing that her mother tongue is Farsi. The grossness of some of the fiancé's actions against her made me uneasy. I did like the author's explaining the Iranian Norooz [New Year] celebration in Chapter 18 and also the whole setting and conclusion of the story. Although the novel was over melodramatic and exaggerated in parts, the author did a fine job with her characters. The music pedagogy system for young kids is the Orff Program, not orf, as the author wrote.
Goodreads First Reads gave me this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was impressed that the author wrote so well in English, seeing that her mother tongue is Farsi. The grossness of some of the fiancé's actions against her made me uneasy. I did like the author's explaining the Iranian Norooz [New Year] celebration in Chapter 18 and also the whole setting and conclusion of the story. Although the novel was over melodramatic and exaggerated in parts, the author did a fine job with her characters. The music pedagogy system for young kids is the Orff Program, not orf, as the author wrote.
Goodreads First Reads gave me this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read
March 11, 2016This book was read by "Pages" group in the Khair Jalees book club.
February 27, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book until the ending. It was rushed and I felt that we could have at least been given an epilouge. Also, I wanted justice for Mahtab! More specifically, reading about that prick Emad and her no good brother getting what they deserved. If Ashkan hadn't come and get her, I would have lost it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2016
Tehran Moonlight by Azin Sametipour
2.5 stars rounded to 3
Mahtad, 23 during the novel, grew up believing she would give final consent to the man she married even though she was raised in a conservative Muslim family. Unlike most young women, marriage is not at the forefront of her mind. She has her sights set on admittance to the national orchestra as a violinist. When she meets Ashkan, a 27 year old young man born to an Iranian father in Boston who has returned to Iran to connect to his heritage, a romance blossoms. Unfortunately, exasperated by her unwillingness to acquiesce to a suitable marriage, her parents have promised her to a staunch and sadistic wealthy fundamentalist.
I typically adore literature set in the Middle East and written by natives. However, this one was incredibly underwhelming. The strength of the work is in the portrayal of Iranian traditions and holidays. But, everything else simply falls flat. The story is utterly predictable. There are some works that I become aware of the eventual conclusion that are still satisfying. This is not one of them. You can literally predict every single move the characters undertake. It became tiresome. But worse, was the amateurish writing. It did feel as if it were targeted to a young audience, which in and of itself is not to be criticized. I adore many YA novels. It is that the writing itself is adolescent, sprinkled with phrases like, "he's so hot." Um.....okay. It was a shame because the draw of Ashkan, who had the potential to provide a wider world view and provide Mahtad's ambitions validation was short-changed.
There are way too many fabulous works set in this locale to go with a dumbing down version.
2.5 stars rounded to 3
Mahtad, 23 during the novel, grew up believing she would give final consent to the man she married even though she was raised in a conservative Muslim family. Unlike most young women, marriage is not at the forefront of her mind. She has her sights set on admittance to the national orchestra as a violinist. When she meets Ashkan, a 27 year old young man born to an Iranian father in Boston who has returned to Iran to connect to his heritage, a romance blossoms. Unfortunately, exasperated by her unwillingness to acquiesce to a suitable marriage, her parents have promised her to a staunch and sadistic wealthy fundamentalist.
I typically adore literature set in the Middle East and written by natives. However, this one was incredibly underwhelming. The strength of the work is in the portrayal of Iranian traditions and holidays. But, everything else simply falls flat. The story is utterly predictable. There are some works that I become aware of the eventual conclusion that are still satisfying. This is not one of them. You can literally predict every single move the characters undertake. It became tiresome. But worse, was the amateurish writing. It did feel as if it were targeted to a young audience, which in and of itself is not to be criticized. I adore many YA novels. It is that the writing itself is adolescent, sprinkled with phrases like, "he's so hot." Um.....okay. It was a shame because the draw of Ashkan, who had the potential to provide a wider world view and provide Mahtad's ambitions validation was short-changed.
There are way too many fabulous works set in this locale to go with a dumbing down version.
Read
November 6, 2015I was stunned to see how many reviewers gave this book four or five stars -- I rate it among the worst books I have ever finished (and I only finished it because my book club chose it, otherwise I would have thrown it down on about page 10). NO stars for this one.
Every character is a cartoon stereotype: the studious and devout father; the mousy, peace-making but terrified mother; the grumpy, outspoken grandmother; the sneering, violent older brother; the modern rebel daughter; the plump, nebbishy younger daughter. And the boyfriend! Oh, the boyfriend! His chiseled jaw, his flashing green eyes, his thick gelled hair, and he smells divine! Plus he drives a BMW with leather seats.
Please dear Lord give me a break from this maudlin romance novel couched as an insightful glimpse into the still-circumscribed lives of contemporary Iranian women. It's probably true, but a better writer would have given this story some character development and some unexpected plot twists. I felt like I could predict what would happen at the turn of every next page.
Do. Not. Waste. Your. Time. On. This. Book.
Every character is a cartoon stereotype: the studious and devout father; the mousy, peace-making but terrified mother; the grumpy, outspoken grandmother; the sneering, violent older brother; the modern rebel daughter; the plump, nebbishy younger daughter. And the boyfriend! Oh, the boyfriend! His chiseled jaw, his flashing green eyes, his thick gelled hair, and he smells divine! Plus he drives a BMW with leather seats.
Please dear Lord give me a break from this maudlin romance novel couched as an insightful glimpse into the still-circumscribed lives of contemporary Iranian women. It's probably true, but a better writer would have given this story some character development and some unexpected plot twists. I felt like I could predict what would happen at the turn of every next page.
Do. Not. Waste. Your. Time. On. This. Book.
August 29, 2025
برای گوش کردن این رمان بسیار جذاب به فارسی رو یوتیوب به من مسج بزنید تا براتون لینکشوبفرستم. رمان مهتاب تهران پر از روایت های نو و خواندنی برای خواننده است. راوی از یک فضای سنتی به تدریج به فضای مدرن میرود. و تجارب جالبی رو برای اولین بار کسب میکند. یک روایت کاملا زنانه که پر از جذابیتهای پنهان و آشکار است. در حین خواندن رمان مخاطب جزیی از داستان میشود و با شخصیتهای داستان زندگی میکند درد میکشد شاد میشود عاشق میشود و دلتنگ میشود و طعم شیرین اولین های عشق رو میچشد. مهتاب و اشکان از دو دنیای بسیار متفاوت، هر دو در های جدیدی تو زندگی هم باز میکنند و یک دیگر رو با عشق به دنیای هم وارد میکنند. اما آیا این عشق ممنوعه سرانجامی خوش دارد؟
February 13, 2018
This was a Goodreads winner. Very interesting story.
August 28, 2025
This self-published debut novel tells the ever-fresh story of the immense power of love under brutally-harsh circumstances. Ashkan, a successful young architect born to an Iranian father in Boston, travels to Iran in search of his past. While in Tehran, he meets Mahtab, a beautiful, free-thinking woman and a violinist, struggling with the shackles put on her by a conservative family and a backward, misogynistic government. Sparks fly and a forbidden love ensues, a love that opens their eyes and hearts to new experiences in their heretofore divergent lives.
I liked this novel, but a nagging question persists for me from a feminist perspective. Even though it depicts two people from diverse cultures connecting, it is the girl who is saved by her “knight in shining armor,” not the man by his bright love interest.
The author indicates that the Persian version of the book is available for free on her Instagram page, @azinwritesbooks, but I could not access the said Persian version.
I liked this novel, but a nagging question persists for me from a feminist perspective. Even though it depicts two people from diverse cultures connecting, it is the girl who is saved by her “knight in shining armor,” not the man by his bright love interest.
The author indicates that the Persian version of the book is available for free on her Instagram page, @azinwritesbooks, but I could not access the said Persian version.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews