The Harmless Necessary Cat: A World War II Family Saga in Allied-Occupied Iran

by Sepehr Haddad

THE HARMLESS NECESSARY A World War II Family Saga in Allied-Occupied Iran

Tehran, 1941. The world is ablaze, but in neutral Iran, life carries on—until British and Russian tanks roll in.
Though much has been written about World War II, little is known of Iran's trials during the conflict. Many remember the Japanese surprise assault on Pearl Harbor, epitomizing deceitful warfare, just as Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's treacherous invasion of the Soviet Union, played a parallel tune of unexpected aggression.
While these events captivated global attention, the Allies launched a sneak attack on Iran, seeking to secure crucial supply lines and curb the growing threat of German influence.
Overnight, the lives of ordinary Iranian families, like the Ahangars, are thrown into chaos. As their world crumbles, the Ahangars must make impossible choices to survive amid the dangerous tides of war.
In this coming-of-age story, young Sohrab Ahangar finds solace in an unlikely bond with his sister-in-law Krista and a growing friendship with Karl, two German expatriates whose community's presence in Iran adds to the rising tension. As Sohrab confronts the disintegration of his once-peaceful life, he uncovers a web of hidden loyalties.
Inspired by a true story, Sepehr Haddad's The Harmless Necessary Cat weaves a powerful narrative of love, loss, and resilience. This mesmerizing tale depicts innocent lives caught in history's crosshairs, offering a poignant testament to the enduring power of hope and perseverance in the face of war.

KIRKUS REVIEWS:
Haddad, who is Iranian, is a consummate writer, and many readers are likely to learn a lot about his country’s history from this novel, which is set in a time before it became a theocracy. Haddad also reverentially includes passages from classic Persian poets. The book, though fiction, is inspired by true events, and the use of photographs and photocopied documents gives it a strong sense of verisimilitude, which makes for a more effective story overall. Readers will consider his prose to be richly detailed and absorbing. The characters are memorable and subtly drawn, and several scenes, including accounts of brutal interrogations and thrilling car chases, are truly gripping. A satisfying adventure and, for some readers, a primer on timely history.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
Haddad (author of A Hundred Sweet Promises) pens a moving story, inspired by true events, of Iran during the Second World War, illuminating a lesser-known slice of history in its occupation by British and Soviet forces. The book’s title—pulled from an editorial cartoon depicting two beasts toying with a weaker one—serves as a chilling metaphor for the manipulation and control plaguing Sohrab’s country. As that reality unfolds, and Sohrab grasps the loss of his innocence, Haddad captures his confusion with precision, reshaping Sohrab’s simple journey into a harrowing adventure of loss, love, and bravery.

READER VIEWS 5-STAR REVIEW:
A capable historian, Sepehr bases his story on real events and real people that arguably shaped the nation of Iran into what it is today. Not one of those predictable historical fiction tales, this coming-of-age story follows Sohrab Ahanger, a teenage boy from an affluent family whose life is rocked by uncertainty, pain, and turmoil when Allied forces invade his home country, delivering an indelible portrait of love, loss, and war. He captures the emotions, confusion, and ominous atmosphere that engulfed a country once vibrant and full of promise, going ahead to unfurl the hidden agendas and strategic calculations that were at play as the Allied nations coveted Iran’s oil riches. The book is well-written with the author effectively balancing historical details and a family saga. “The Harmless Necessary Cat” by Sepehr Haddad will have historical fiction fans clamoring for more of the author’s work. It teaches, informs, enlightens, and entertains, ultimately arguing for peace.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Literary Fiction

313 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2024

About the author

Sepehr Haddad is an author and recording artist. His latest historical fiction novel, "The Harmless Necessary Cat," is a World War II Family Saga set in Allied-occupied Iran. The book is the #1 Amazon Bestseller in the History of Iran. It has been awarded the 2024 E.M. Forster Gold Medal for Middle Eastern Historical Fiction and the 2025 Xanadu Book Awards Highly Recommended Award of Excellence.

Sepehr's debut novel, "A Hundred Sweet Promises," won the 2023 American Fiction Awards for Historical Fiction and Historical Romance. It was also the #1 Amazon Bestseller in Middle Eastern literature and Historical Russian fiction and was featured on National Public Radio (NPR).

Sepehr is also a Universal Music Group (UMG) recording artist with the Billboard chart-topping duo "Shahin & Sepehr."

He previously worked for the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for 27 years before retiring to pursue his writing career.

Reviews

[Jody Housenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lifelong fan of historical fiction, I’ve read countless books about WWII from the narrative perspectives of the British, Germans, French, and Polish, among others. The Harmless Necessary Cat is an eye-opening account of this conflict from the citizens of a country about which I, and likely many readers, knew precious little. This meticulously researched and well-written novel, imbued with empathy and compassion, is an interesting, informative, and enlightening depiction of a supposedly neutral Iran’s complicated position and role in WWII. I highly recommend it.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “The Harmless Necessary Cat: A World War II Family Saga in Allied-Occupied Iran” Sepehr Haddad explores a broader view of the war period, setting his tale in the far-flung city of Tehran, Iran. A capable historian, Sepehr bases his story on real events and real people that arguably shaped the nation of Iran into what it is today.

Not one of those predictable historical fiction tales, this coming-of-age story follows Sohrab Ahanger, a teenage boy from an affluent family whose life is rocked by uncertainty, pain, and turmoil when Allied forces invade his home country, delivering an indelible portrait of love, loss, and war. While the drums of World War II grew louder, nations across the world advanced toward the inevitable conflict that would shake the family fabric to the core.

In Tehran, however, life went on as usual, with few people paying close attention to the tidal turns of global alliances as Iran remained neutral to the war. Still, the conflict would eventually knock at Iran’s doorstep in August 1941, when Allied forces invaded the robust and oil-rich nation. British Aircraft dropped leaflets warning of an impending German threat, calling for an immediate evacuation of the city and uncompromised support to the Allied forces. The Soviet air force, too, dropped similar leaflets in other towns as both foreign powers descended upon the once peaceful Iranian neighborhoods with the unforgiving wrath of their bombs, with the residential areas bearing the brunt of these attacks.

The two powers were determined to thwart the cunning German intelligence activities in Iran, making this neutral nation the stage for their grand maneuvering. As the Second World War took over Iran and the citizens’ futures were no longer theirs to control, Sohrab and his family found themselves caught up in these political intrigues, churned by the unforgiving wheels of the greater wars. His life changes irreversibly as he tries to make sense of the war. He faces unimaginable loss and heartache along the way, ultimately having to make compromises that demand his survival.

With a befitting title, “The Harmless Necessary Cat” is a story that lends immediacy and reveals the power behind the resilience of the heart and second chances. I love historical fiction and am always eager to learn something new from books of this genre. Sepehr broadened my scope of knowledge regarding the Second World War and its far-reaching ramifications on nations outside Europe. He captures the emotions, confusion, and ominous atmosphere that engulfed a country once vibrant and full of promise, going ahead to unfurl the hidden agendas and strategic calculations that were at play as the Allied nations coveted Iran’s oil riches.

The blossoming friendship between Karl, a German immigrant, and the protagonist is endearing and a glistening ray amidst the darkness. Characters such as Gabriela, who, despite her heart-wrenching past, wore the scars of war with pride, carry a huge emotional resonance as they allow us to smell the scents, sense the fear, and see the desolation of war-torn nations.

The book is well-written with the author effectively balancing historical details and a family saga. The oscillation between the protagonist’s life and the lives of other characters and their backstories achieves much and is perhaps the book’s main strength. “The Harmless Necessary Cat” by Sepehr Haddad will have historical fiction fans clamoring for more of the author’s work. It teaches, informs, enlightens, and entertains, ultimately arguing for peace.

[Becky Durstenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book. It is very interesting and I learned a lot of things that I didn't know. It was the based on a true story, but there was information interspersed throughout that seems more factual than fiction. There were some terrible violent unimaginable things that happened which unfortunately really happens in war. There are really no good side in this war, though some people and nations are more evil than others. So the middle section taking place during the war was the hardest part to read. I liked the main character and grieved with him in his losses. In spite of the tragedies we also see resilience. The author gets us very engaged in what is going on. I don't quite understand the title of the book.

[bookhaven__ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful tale of love, loss, and resilience, where the author sheds light on Iran’s tragic fate during World War II—a country that, despite its neutrality, witnessed the deaths of millions of innocent people. Although Iran did not take sides in the war, it was invaded by British and Russian forces. The Iranian military, unprepared for such a massive assault, struggled against the overwhelming strength of the invaders.

The story follows Sohrab, who shared a deep bond with his father during his childhood. Named after the legendary son of Rostam and Princess Tahmineh from Persian folklore, Sohrab grew up with strong cultural roots. His older brother, Arash, had moved to Germany and married a German woman. When Arash returned to Iran after their father’s passing, Sohrab formed a close relationship with his sister-in-law, Krista.

Sohrab later befriended Karl, the son of a German engineer invited by the Iranian government to aid in national development. Their friendship blossomed as they explored each other’s cultures. Karl’s admiration for his own father stirred in Sohrab a deep longing for his own.

The Iranian people’s unbreakable spirit stands as a testament to their enduring civilization. The historical timeline provided at the beginning of the book sparked my curiosity and desire to learn more about Iran. The author’s writing style is captivating, and the depth of research evident throughout the book is commendable. It is truly an insightful and enriching read.

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Harmless Necessary Cat – A World War II Family Saga in Allied-Occupied Iran by Sepehr Haddad is a gripping historical novel.

Sohrab Ahangar was born in Tehran, growing up under the guidance of his beloved father. However, at the age of thirteen, his world shattered when his father suddenly passed away from pneumonia, leaving an irreplaceable void in his life.

Following their father’s death, Sohrab’s older brother, Arash, returned from Germany to take over the family business, bringing along his German wife, Krista.

Meanwhile, Franz Mayer, a skilled German engineer, was invited by the Iranian government to help develop the country. Seizing this opportunity, he embarked on a new journey with his son, Karl. Upon arriving in Iran, Karl quickly befriended Sohrab. Before his passing, Sohrab’s father had warned him about the British and Russian interests in Iran. With the Iranian forces unprepared, what will happen when the country faces invasion by the combined might of the British and Russian armies?

If you're drawn to stories of love, loss, and resilience, this book is a must-read. Richly detailed and deeply immersive, it offers valuable insights into Iran’s history. I found it impossible to put down until the very last page.

[Sneha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a distinctive book that explores how Iran was affected during World War II, despite its declared neutrality. The author presents the narrative in three parts: The Pre-War Years, The War Years, and The Post-War Years.

Set in Iran, the novel sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of history. While the global events of World War II are well-documented, this is the first book I’ve come across that delves into the war’s impact on Iran. In 1941, British and Soviet forces entered Iranian territory, disrupting the nation's efforts to remain neutral.

Having already endured the consequences of World War I, Iran experienced an unsettling sense of déjà vu. Though unprepared for another invasion, the threat materialized. Sohrab, the central character, recalls his father’s warnings about a potential European incursion—warnings that soon became reality.

Reading this book made me reflect on how little we know about Iran’s historical experiences, especially in the context of global conflicts. Our school education often covered World War II extensively, yet never touched upon its effects on Iran. I’m thankful to the author for bringing this narrative to light. His writing is vivid and engaging, and this book of his has truly left an impression on me. It’s a rare and valuable perspective.

[Jack Housenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I wanted to put that up front in case people don’t read my entire review. It is a fascinating story of love, loss, deception, tragedy, and resilience. There are many books written about World War II, but I never realized that Iran also had a role. This book shows the hardships and heartbreaks caused by the war to a sovereign nation and to one family caught in the middle. This is an important book to educate those about what happened Iran during the war and also sheds light on the culture and values of its people. I love a book that is not only entertaining but also educational; and this book does a great job at both.

[Deidre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haddad has crafted a compelling tale of actual events, underscoring the necessity of teaching/learning about brutally honest historical accounts, even if they reflect poorly on certain players. Until I read this fictionalized account of the occupation of Iran by Allied (British, Soviet, and US) troops during World War 2, I had never heard about these world powers' attempts to take advantage of Iran's resources and location, even though Iran had declared itself neutral.

[Timothy Frandsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this book and read the introduction I knew instantly that this could be a terrific story. It din not disappoint. Prior to reading this book I knew only a small portion of this history. The research is thorough and the story telling is wonderful. Thank you for telling this story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sherry Kilmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written and compelling read. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of an Iranian family during World War II and learned a lot about the affect of the conflict on that part of the world. Definitely a must read and I have already purchased the next book by this author.

[Fred Parvaneh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched book. Anyone interested in the history of Iran should purchase this book. Haddad is a great storyteller and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel based on true events.

[Sarah Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many historical fiction books set during WWII. This is the first one from the Irania perspective. I had no idea what they went thru until I read this book. I like that the author included many facts about what happened during the time in addition to the story.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the writing was not fantastic…more telling than showing…but I’m glad to understand a part of history that I had no idea about. It was a compelling story and sad to learn about all that Iran—a neutral country—suffered under occupation by the allies. Helps me to have a more nuanced understanding of Iranian culture in light of current events.

[Travelmaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much history, and such a story! Very thoughtfully and passionately written family history that explains so much without being dry or preachy. I wonder what happened to these characters for the rest of their (fictional) lives.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells the story of an Iranian family during WWII. I learned a lot about Iranian history & how they were stuck between Allied & German occupiers. The book was a little slow in parts where it veered from the family's story and became a little textbook like. Recommended.

[Charlotte Lesemann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story, of a place and time (Iran before and during WW II) that I knew little about, is definitely worth picking up. It tells the story, from the perspective of a teenage boy, of a people who tried to remain neutral and yet ended up occupied or otherwise controlled by the British, Russians and Germans.

Unfortunately, the writing is extremely amateurish and detached. The author never enters into the characters' experience emotionally, and he seems especially fearful of prolonging the suspense even though there should have been plenty of that in several parts of the saga. That made it very difficult for me to engage with the story.

However, I thought he had a great story to tell and I'm glad the book exists.

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sepehr Haddad does a very good job elucidating the relatively unknown history of Iran prior to and during WWII, which unfortunately became a battleground among the Allies (Britain/U.S.), the Third Reich, and Russia. Its natural resources, oil and food, were coveted by foreign powers, leaving many citizens starving or worse. While focusing on the plight of an Iranian family, with a German in-law, there were elements of smuggling and spycraft. For me anyway, the primary characters were not sufficiently compelling to give the book a higher rating.

[Roberta Schloss · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This historical novel is about the effects of the Ally’s occupation of Iran during WWll. There is a great deal of historical data which I found slow moving and somewhat boring, although informative. I looked forward to the story of the family, of which there was not enough. I felt like I was reading a history book.

[Lorie Lucky · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was sporadically very good, but it was sometimes hard to connect the family issues to the sudden reappearance of a story about the war, particularly early pages regarding the super-spy. But it opened the reader's eyes to atrocities occurring far from Europe during WWII.

[Vicki Galvano · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Harmless Necessary Cat: A World War II Family Saga in Allied-Occupied Iran is a wonderfully written book. I really enjoyed the history of Iran during World War II. Really interesting.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at the historical context of 20th century Iran. Rather than harmless, the Persian cat is resilient and resourceful.

[RoyalTeaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audible and absolutely LOVED it! I have read many books about WWII and know a lot about the European perspectives but never knew about the history and dealings in Iran. Haddad's writing is beautiful and transports you to a different world. The characters are well developed and the plot twists are excellent! I didn't see the ending coming and love being surprised. Best of all I had fun learning about the history of Iran and it's involvement in the war. The narrator, Dustin Naylor, has a great voice and was very nice to listen to. Highly recommend this book AND Haddad's debut novel A Hundred Sweet Promises as well.