In 1984, the author's father left Tehran to serve on the front line of the war zone against Iraq. In her excitement to have her grandmother stay with her, 12-year-old Shirin denies her fears about her father's safety. Her grandmother's wonderful tales offer the girl strength and insight into coping with her emotions. Family bonds also offer consolation. But life during the war is not easy. After her father's safe return, Shirin accidentally learns from him about life in the war zone and the horrific scenes he had witnessed. Struggling with her own confusion and longing for normalcy, Shirin is then told by her father that they are leaving Iran. The heartache of forever leaving behind her grandparents and extended family is overwhelming, and the child's relief in finding safety is overcome by fears of the unknown world. Her family life starts to unravel as the consequences of her father's decision become reality. Once Upon a Time in Tehran is a fictionalized memoir describing life in Tehran during the war between Iran and Iraq. The longing for a normal life in an unfamiliar world is interwoven with cultural insights, celebrations, family bonds and the facts of living in a post-revolution Iran.The author has not returned to Iran since she left in February 1985. Since then she has lived in Sweden and the United Kingdom. A counsellor/therapist, Shirin Amani Azari wrote this book so her daughter, Maya, will come to know her late great-grandmother.