Customers Reviews of Alley of Scented Roses

Date: 6 January, on Amazon Australia, by MB

“Enthralling novel with characters you can’t help but fall in love with

I couldn’t put this novel down. It sucks you right in from the start and makes you care deeply about Mitra, Noosha, Bibi, Rana and all the other incredibly vivid characters in this story. The dilemmas these characters face are real, painful human problems, so beautifully and sensitively depicted by the author, and also completely compelling on the page, so that you just have to keep reading to find out what happens. Will Mitra repair her marriage and write her dream novel? Will Noosha find love? Will Rana be cast out by her family or have the happy ending she is trying so desperately to achieve. And Bibi? Well, you’ll just have to read the novel to be acquainted with this character for the ages. This is a very, very fine read.”

Date: 17 March 2024 on Amazon Australia, by Michael Beaumont

“Trying to recreate the perfect ‘attar’, chasing a childhood memory of a beautiful rose scent, is one of the captivating stories in this beautifully written tale of Australian-Iranian life and becomes an allegory for the reader as the other stories unfold in emotionally complex ways. The tales of shielded hearts being brought into the light are alluring, romantic and sometimes incredibly painful. I loved every word.”

Date 30 April 2014 on Goodreads, Reviewed By Mark Whachett

I bought this book at an evening with Abbas at my local independent bookshop. It’s not the sort of book I would normally read but I’m so glad I did. It’s a great story and gave me some insight as to how Iranian society works.
I liked all the characters, even the mean mother. The flower shop reads like a great place to not only work but to visit. If only all workplaces could be like that.
For a first novel I give it five stars because it is an excellent first book and I believe worthy of some award or more recognition in the literary world. I really hope that Abbas continues with his writing as I’m pretty sure he has a fan here.

Date 30 April 2014 on Amazon US  Reviewed by Arash Janfada

A review of literature is, by nature, highly subjective. A book may be inspirational to one person, but entirely mediocre to another. But there are some attributes that are universal features of a high quality story, and Alley of Scented Roses certainly features those attributes. The characters are convincing and relatable, and the plot is interesting, evocative, and compelling. I would recommend it without hesitation.