Early Reviewers

Inspired by Marsha Mehran’s writings and as a tribute to her achievement, the lyrical allusive Alley of Scented Roses is embellished with the mesmerising beauty of Australian flowers, imbued with the intoxicating aroma of the Persian rose attar, and infused with humour, humanity, and affection.

It explores the magical power of flowers and the miraculous consequences of women working together. It is packed with captivating stories of friendship, family, trauma, and triumph.

Mitra Johnson, a successful young writer, lives in New York with her husband, Benjamin. Mitra’s childhood friend, Rana, is forced by her wealthy parents to marry the son of another rich Iranian in Melbourne. There will be a flashy and pretentious Persian wedding at her parents’ mansion, but she loves another man. Rana has implored Mitra to come and help with her plan to escape the wedding.

Mitra’s mother, Noosha, owns the Alley of Scented Roses, a lively flower shop and rose garden in Dandenong. She and her staff are cheerfully preparing flower arrangements to artistically beautify and glorify Rana’s bridal hammam and wedding party.

When Mitra reluctantly returns to Melbourne, she tries to hide from her critical mother that her husband has left her, and she has writer’s block and can’t write anymore.