THE PURSUIT OF BELONGING – Salma Ashtari Shaylor

“One woman’s journey across continents and generations in search of the one place she’s never truly known—home.”
Based on a true story spanning eight decades and four continents, this powerful debut novel unfolds primarily through the eyes of the author, beginning in childhood and tracing her extraordinary journey through revolution, war, love, addiction, betrayal, fate, displacement, grief—and ultimately, redemption.
Salma Ashtari Shaylor weaves together the rich histories of her grandparents and parents in pre-revolutionary Iran with her own remarkable life story, which begins in Bristol, UK, and travels through Tehran, New Delhi, Toronto, Melbourne, and London.
Told in vivid, evocative prose, The Pursuit of Belonging is a deeply personal exploration of identity, resilience, and the universal search for home. With every twist and turn, Salma offers an unflinching, heartfelt account of the human experience—raw, honest, and unforgettable.

Salma Ashtari Shaylor was born in Bristol, England, and has called many places home—Iran, India, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Her global journey has shaped a lifelong passion for storytelling, painting, and human rights advocacy. Now based in Toronto with her family, Salma brings a deeply personal lens to her writing.
Her debut novel, The Pursuit of Belonging, explores the intricate threads of identity, resilience, and generational connection. It is both a literary journey and a reflection of her own. For those seeking to understand the heart behind the story, everything you need to know is within these pages.