THE HARMLESS NECESSARY CAT: A World War II Family Saga in Allied-Occupied Iran 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. As their world crumbles, the Ahangars must make impossible choices to survive amid the dangerous tides of war. In this coming-of-age story, young Sohrab Ahangar finds solace in an unlikely bond with his sister-in-law Krista and a growing friendship with Karl, two German expatriates whose community's presence in Iran adds to the rising tension. As Sohrab confronts the disintegration of his once-peaceful life, he uncovers a web of hidden loyalties. 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.