By the award-winning author of the bestselling novel, "A Hundred Sweet Promises" "THE HARMLESS NECESSARY 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. KIRKUS REVIEWS ”Readers will find Haddad’s 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, …A thoughtful portrayal of Iran during its World War II occupation.” XANADU BOOK REVIEW ”Haddad tells the story with lyricism and depth that linger long after the final page is turned. The Harmless Necessary Cat is a rare a novel that is as rich in historical insight as it is in emotional truth, a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who endure.” READER VIEWS “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.”