A Hundred Sweet Promises

By: Sepehr Haddad

Narrated by: Tim Fearon

Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Winner of the 2021 American Writing Awards in Historical Fiction

Recipient of the Historical Fiction Press Awards 5-Star Highly Recommended Rating

A family secret revealed 40 years ago by a grandmother to her grandson is now an acclaimed Russian historical fiction novel. A Hundred Sweet Promises is the tale of the author’s grandfather, Nasrosoltan, a famed composer, who on the eve of World War I travels from Persia to Russia to study classical music at the St. Petersburg Conservatory with such masters as Rimsky-Korsakov. While there, Nasrosoltan falls in love with a Romanov princess, but the royalty surrounding him considers this a forbidden love. Unexpectedly, the Tsar gets involved, and Nasrosoltan suddenly finds himself in a battle between head and heart while being carried forward on a wave of destiny toward an uncertain future. A novel based on a true story set against the backdrop of the final days of Imperial Russia.

"...An exceedingly intelligent tale that thoughtfully juxtaposes the maddening effects of romantic love with the violent paroxysms of political insurrection. Furthermore, the reader is given a rare literary treat: a peek into distinct revolutionary periods — Russia and Iran in the early years of the 20th century and Iran in the century’s last quarter. A dramatically affecting novel that is also politically astute." (Kirkus Reviews)

"....one of the peculiar pleasures of this novel is that its author seems deeply familiar with & fond of 19th century Russian literature; there are hints of Chekhov, of Tolstoy’s “Kreutzer Sonata” and Pushkin’s “The Queen of Spades.” The narrative style evokes the writers of that period, and their influence is felt throughout the text. The novel is well-researched and convincingly recreates the pomp and glitter of St. Petersburg in the twilight of the Romanov empire." (Publisher Weekly)

©2020 Sepehr Haddad (P)2021 Sepehr Haddad

quotes to remember

very well performed and a sweet story with many memorable quotes. I enjoyed it more than I would have reading it.

A Bittersweet Love Story w/ Historic Context

We enjoyed this story and particularly the historic details about both the Russian Dynasty and it's interface with the Persian culture.

Annoying

Contrary to other reviews, I found this story incredibly tedious, recounting
The main character’s insecurities and fragile ego, one moment soaring with hope and joy for his new feelings of love, the next doubting and on the verge of tears. The women in this book haughty, whiney, and arrogant, especially his landlady, and I could hardly bear to listen to the voices the narrator adopted for them.
I thought the story was supposed to be the grandmother recounting this story to her grandson, as that’s what brought this story to the fore at the beginning, but it ended (spoiler) without any further reference to either of them. Perhaps I missed something? Anyhow, if not for it being a selection of my book club, I probably would not have finished it.

Beautiful story. One of my all-time favorites!

I confess the title led me to believe "One Hundred Sweet Promises" was a cheesy romance novel - a bodice-ripper or worse! Was I wrong! The story was fascinating - the best ones provide escapism (much needed these days) with rich historical detail. I was captivated by the story while learning a lot about Persia and Russia in the early 1900s. The narrator was perfect, too. Highly recommended!

Beautiful

A Beautiful and heart wrenching story of love and betrayal. The best book I have read in years .

Historical romance

Sepehr Haddad, the author, shares the story of his grandfather who lived during WWI and grew to love a princess. When one meets their true love, life sometimes has a way of getting in the way. In this moving book, Haddad's grandmother shares the family secret with her grandson.

His grandfather, the famed composer, Nasrosoltan traveled from Persia to Russia to study under famous music masters. While there, he became the music teacher of one of the Romanov princesses. However, both the Tsar and his Persian parents had different ideas and life plans for their children. A sweet romantic love story that shows the depth of broken hearts and how cruel life can be. This book also demonstrates just how powerful politics are everywhere.

Haddad writes the story well, intermingling creative fiction with facts. This book was very well researched and gives an accurate view of that time and culture. This is far more than a love story, it is political intrigue, revolution, and more.

The narrator, Tim Fearon gives a strong performance. His cadence is rich and smooth, his speech is impeccable. He gives an impassioned performance.

There were no issues with the production or quality of this audiobook.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.

Completely captivating and excellent narrator

I listened to the audible version of this book and it was fantastic! Beautifully written, amazing narrative and completely captivating. Especially incredible knowing the story is true! Haddad brings you into the time and place and creates an exquisite sensory experience that is palpable. He also does a great job giving us just enough of the history and politics that is relevant and adds to the story without going into a history/politics lecture. Persian culture is brought to life through a passionate and fascinating love story.
Audible- I really enjoyed the narration by Tim Fearon. His velvety deep voice and English accent add a cherry-on-top to experiencing a phenomenally written book.

Great reading

I liked the narrator. His voice was very clear and elegant as befitted the story.

Sepehr Haddad could be Jane Austin in male form!

Every line in this story flows like a heart felt love note. I am not a writer or a poet so my description can only fall short. Just read and savor for yourself.

Excellent work

Well conceived, interesting, and engaging. The narration was equally good. I highly recommend this novel.