A Hundred Sweet Promises

By: Sepehr Haddad

Narrated by: Tim Fearon

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

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.

quotes to remember

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