By the award-winning author of the bestselling novel, "A Hundred Sweet Promises" comes the "THE HARMLESS NECESSARY CAT: A World War II Family Saga in Allied-Occupied Iran"

- Winner of the 2024 E.M. Forster Gold Medal for Middle Eastern Historical Fiction.

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.

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.

For further information visit: SepehrHaddad.com or the publisher: AppleyardandSonsPublishing.com