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liadra's review against another edition
5.0
So good. I gobbled this one up. I loved the story of Pari (and it was interesting to find out the facts which were authentic at the end of the book), but I really wanted more of Jahaver's story when then last page came. Really, I just wanted more. It was that good.
kbaj's review against another edition
5.0
Another amazing book by this author- still such engaging characters, story, and she lets you figure things out on your own. If she ever writes another book, it'll be first on my list.
saramariebt's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to love this book I was so excited about reading it. Well it just fell flat for me. It seemed to take 250 pages to get the plot rolling. I was disappointed.
heylois's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
essinink's review against another edition
3.0
Somewhat to my surprise, I'm going to give this a solid "3".
I had to slog through the first third of this book. The writing at first felt cold and distant, overwrought at times and barely passing in others. I didn't particularly care for the narrator, either, which didn't help. The premise was interesting, though. I fully expected to give this two stars.
That said, as I continued to read, the book started to grow on me. Maybe the writing got better or the pacing improved, maybe I just got used to it. Regardless, by about 60% of the way through the book I had long since stopped setting it down to take a break.
The author allows the relationship between Pari and her servant to grow slowly, naturally, until the story peaks with events and emotions that are profoundly moving. That's when I admitted that I liked this book.
Things I could have done without:
Sex scenes. Generally not my thing. I acknowledge their existence, but I've never liked them.
The author also takes some interesting license with history. In fairness, for her chosen subject, there's not a lot of record to work with. I understand the need especially to invent servants to "fill in the blanks". More difficult to accept was a choice regarding Pari's sexuality that I found intriguing, but was subsequently disappointed to find no historical grounding either for or against.
I've already mentioned the writing, itself.
But, In sum... I liked it, It is flawed, as most endeavors are; I don't know if I'd reread it, but by the end of the book I definitely cared about the characters... and that definitely makes a difference.
I had to slog through the first third of this book. The writing at first felt cold and distant, overwrought at times and barely passing in others. I didn't particularly care for the narrator, either, which didn't help. The premise was interesting, though. I fully expected to give this two stars.
That said, as I continued to read, the book started to grow on me. Maybe the writing got better or the pacing improved, maybe I just got used to it. Regardless, by about 60% of the way through the book I had long since stopped setting it down to take a break.
The author allows the relationship between Pari and her servant to grow slowly, naturally, until the story peaks with events and emotions that are profoundly moving. That's when I admitted that I liked this book.
Things I could have done without:
Sex scenes. Generally not my thing. I acknowledge their existence, but I've never liked them.
The author also takes some interesting license with history. In fairness, for her chosen subject, there's not a lot of record to work with. I understand the need especially to invent servants to "fill in the blanks". More difficult to accept was a choice regarding Pari's sexuality that I found intriguing, but was subsequently disappointed to find no historical grounding either for or against.
I've already mentioned the writing, itself.
But, In sum... I liked it, It is flawed, as most endeavors are; I don't know if I'd reread it, but by the end of the book I definitely cared about the characters... and that definitely makes a difference.
kdmr's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
freemajo's review against another edition
3.0
Amirrezvani has a tendency to tell depressing stories about women that end poorly and are over written.
colourfulthreads's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A wonderful way to learn about Iranian culture and politics in the early Renaissance. The plot is enough to drive the book, but the rich description of the court, the lives of the women, and the eunuchs who serve them was fascinating. Interspersed with intrigue and musings about gender and the place of women and eunuchs within the greater culture made this a fascinating read. I am grateful to have learned the story of an actual historical woman, and to have journeyed alongside Javaher as he observed the tale.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Sexism, Medical trauma, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, and War
Minor: Slavery