Review: I adored this novel!  One of my all-time favorites!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 15, 2014
Remember the name Leylah Attar.  I was twice given a recommendation to read her debut novel, 53 Letters for my Lover, so I knew this book must be special.  Although the novel seemed to be relatively unknown, I didn't hesitate to purchase it and begin reading.  I am so grateful for those recommendations because I can honestly say that 53 Letters for my Lover is a noteworthy read.This novel is essentially a series of 53 love letters written to Troy Heathgate.  Spanning over three decades, these letters form the 53 chapters of the book.  Shayda Hijazi shares her life and her beautiful love story with Troy, including events from her life when she lived in Iran.  The novel begins in 1995, when Shayda is 33 years of age, but throughout the story, she reflects on events which take place at different points in her life.  This novel is intense.  If you are sensitive to adultery or rape, you should carefully consider reading this novel.  Although adultery and rape are uncomfortable topics for many people, Leylah Attar handles this story with grace.  If you love angst or stories about forbidden love, you are probably going to love 53 Letters for my Lover.Shayda is the daughter of a wealthy Persian family, sent to Toronto, Canada with the expectation that she will be married.  Her family will then be able to follow her to Canada.  During a small dinner party, Shayda is introduced to Hafez Hijazi, and two weeks later, he proposes marriage.  After another three months, she is married and living with Hafez and his family in a one-bedroom apartment.  Shayda marries Hafez out of a sense of obligation.  As a Persian woman in an arranged marriage, Shayda longs to experience love.Shayda accepts a position as assistant to real estate agent Bob Worthing not long after she is married to Hafez.  The first time she meets Troy, he is a college student on summer break.  Because he is not paying attention to where he is running, Troy nearly runs Shayda over while she is walking from the bus stop to Bob’s house to deliver some important papers.  When I read the scene of their first encounter, I knew this story was going to captivate my attention.  Each time Troy and Shayda connect with each other, the author had me wanting more.Born on the same day in different corners of the world, fate continues to bring Shayda and Troy together throughout the years.  Shayda struggles to be the perfect wife, mother and daughter.  At thirty-three years of age, Shayda has secrets.  She has always been a very giving, selfless individual.  She has denied her feelings for Troy for years in order to hold her family together.  But, no more.After reading this novel, it was apparent to me that Leylah Attar put a lot of thought into planning how her story would unfold.  Where certain scenes are placed is significant for this novel – timing and placement of scenes can mean the difference between an average novel and one that is outstanding.  Another exceptional feature of this novel is that the scenes involving Shayda, Hafez and their families feel as if they accurately reflect Persian culture.  I enjoyed many of the characters in this story, especially Bob, Ryan and Jayne.  And, Troy.  He is such a free spirit.  Sensual.  Sexy.  No wonder Shayda was taken with him.If you enjoy this story, plan to purchase the short story From His Lips.  It includes several scenes from 53 Letters for my Lover that are written from the point of view of Troy Heathgate.  This short story really added to my overall reading experience of the novel.  I absolutely loved 53 Letters for my Lover and consider it to be one of my all-time favorite novels!  I highly recommend this 5-star novel!