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Equal of the Sun A Novel Anita Amirrezvani 9781451660463 Books

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Equal of the Sun A Novel Anita Amirrezvani 9781451660463 Books

I picked up this book after enjoying Amirrezvani's first novel, The Blood of Flowers. This one turns from the lives of regular people to those of royalty, which tend to interest me less (weird, I know), but still proves to be a compelling read.

This is the story of Princess Pari Khan Khanoom Safavi, told through the eyes of Javaher, a eunuch in her service. Pari has long been an adviser to her father, the Shah, and when he dies, she's neck-deep in intrigue: trying to put the brother she prefers on the throne, but more fundamentally, trying to rule Iran herself. Meanwhile, she and Javaher come to trust and respect one another, and Javaher searches for the man who murdered his father many years before. As a eunuch, Javaher has access to both the harem and the outside world, giving readers a full picture of the times.

I wasn't sure about the characters at first, but Amirrezvani does a good job with the two principals. Books about female historical figures have a tendency both to whitewash them to the point of bland sainthood and to "feminize" them by focusing on their insecurities and their love lives, and I was glad to see nothing like that here. Pari is arrogant, ambitious, and focused; she seems entirely capable of running a government, but is also far from perfect. She's a product of her culture but has learned to work around it, for instance, by holding political meetings from behind a lattice (so unrelated males won't see her). Meanwhile, Javaher also turns out to be an interesting character; you don't see many fictional eunuchs in lead roles, and his relationships with women are unusual and add an extra layer to the story.

It's important to note, though, that ultimately these characters are courtiers/politicians, and that this book is as much about the politics as it is about the people. Many of the characters' interactions are quite formal, and minor characters often remain enigmatic. This book does an excellent job with the drama of deadly court politics and with bringing its setting to life, and I'd expect those who love reading about royalty but are tired of England to gobble it up. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves the "historical" aspect of historical fiction or enjoys political intrigue. But I'm less certain about how well more literary-minded readers will like it; the characters can feel distant at times, and the writing style is adequate but falls short of elegant. Amirrezvani seems to be going for accessibility in Javaher's voice and the dialogue, which ring a bit modern in style, but not anachronistically so.

Finally, a warning to readers: there's a character list at the front of the book, but those sensitive to spoilers may prefer to avoid it, since it lists rulers and the dates of their reigns. All the names and affiliations can be a bit complicated at first, but I could generally follow events without reference to the list.

In the end, this is an enjoyable and interesting historical drama, covering a fascinating time period. I wish there was more historical fiction available in English about the Middle East and hope Amirrezvani continues to write books like this in the future!


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Equal of the Sun A Novel Anita Amirrezvani 9781451660463 Books Reviews

A fast paced novel illuminating a period and place so very different from our own. The beautifully drawn characters navigate a complex web of intrigue that defies imagination. Of thoroughly entertaining book. Historical fiction doesn't get any better than this.
I read this book only because I am in a book group. Who knew I would love reading about Iran in the 1500's? Ruthless power struggles, tribal jealousies, and a princess who should have been king when her father dies are revealed through the eyes of a eunich whose father was murdered by someone in the court. A little heavy at times in the descriptions I tried hard to picture, but worth the effort.
It was a good story but I enjoyed the last half of the book. The first half seemed to be to wordy. I kept waiting for the reason for the information. I enjoyed the time period study but the names were hard to grasp. I guess that's my shallow mind. Definitely take notes of the people if you read this book. It will be more meaningful.
I really loved this book, I was fascinated with the details of the Safavi reign, I bought the book as I enjoyed 'The Blood Of Flowers'. I was not disapointed, couldn't put it down. I learned so much about the power that women in the harem had. It was a revealing look into life in the court of 15th century Iran. Amirrezvani's attention to detail and descriptive prose was wonderful.She is now one of my favorite authors and I cant wait for the next novel. I read Blood of flowers twice, I highly recommend both books.
This was a very enjoyable book to read--the descriptions of court life in Persia are lyrically and charmingly painted, and you can just smell the jasmine and orange blossoms...loyalty and love for one's leader are explored deeply, and the strong female character is shown in all her glory and flaws. I definitely recommend this--it keeps one's attention and moves quickly. You will come away with an interest in the period and the culture!
A terrific historical fiction, bursting with vivid characters! Fascinating period of history--Storytelling at its best! (addictive read). "

A woman, (a Princess), married with no children --(educated & brilliant)-- how does she manifest her power in 16th century Iran? Is it possible?
How can a eunuch manifest 'his' power? (do people think of him as a woman or a man, or both?)
These were questions which stayed with me while reading th complex juicy story in the Muslim world.
A dysfunctional government --secrets, and a country at war with itself ....

It was a surprise how completely enjoyable this book was --(the relationship between the Princess and the eunuch was superior).
I rarely read historical fiction - it's not easy for me. Sometimes when I do, I feel rewarded. . .this time, I had to expend too much effort for the reward. This is the story, from the eunuch servant's point of view, of a princess who wanted so much to be able to be in power. Funnily enough, what I found interesting was just how much she reminded me of myself and other women I've known as we struggle not to appear "too strong" or "opinionated" in work settings. But the story went on far too long. . .too many coups. . .killings, etc. The story made me so glad for our logical and peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next. The writing is fine, and the descriptions of the intricate interiors and fine clothing are well done - it's just not a book for me.
I picked up this book after enjoying Amirrezvani's first novel, The Blood of Flowers. This one turns from the lives of regular people to those of royalty, which tend to interest me less (weird, I know), but still proves to be a compelling read.

This is the story of Princess Pari Khan Khanoom Safavi, told through the eyes of Javaher, a eunuch in her service. Pari has long been an adviser to her father, the Shah, and when he dies, she's neck-deep in intrigue trying to put the brother she prefers on the throne, but more fundamentally, trying to rule Iran herself. Meanwhile, she and Javaher come to trust and respect one another, and Javaher searches for the man who murdered his father many years before. As a eunuch, Javaher has access to both the harem and the outside world, giving readers a full picture of the times.

I wasn't sure about the characters at first, but Amirrezvani does a good job with the two principals. Books about female historical figures have a tendency both to whitewash them to the point of bland sainthood and to "feminize" them by focusing on their insecurities and their love lives, and I was glad to see nothing like that here. Pari is arrogant, ambitious, and focused; she seems entirely capable of running a government, but is also far from perfect. She's a product of her culture but has learned to work around it, for instance, by holding political meetings from behind a lattice (so unrelated males won't see her). Meanwhile, Javaher also turns out to be an interesting character; you don't see many fictional eunuchs in lead roles, and his relationships with women are unusual and add an extra layer to the story.

It's important to note, though, that ultimately these characters are courtiers/politicians, and that this book is as much about the politics as it is about the people. Many of the characters' interactions are quite formal, and minor characters often remain enigmatic. This book does an excellent job with the drama of deadly court politics and with bringing its setting to life, and I'd expect those who love reading about royalty but are tired of England to gobble it up. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves the "historical" aspect of historical fiction or enjoys political intrigue. But I'm less certain about how well more literary-minded readers will like it; the characters can feel distant at times, and the writing style is adequate but falls short of elegant. Amirrezvani seems to be going for accessibility in Javaher's voice and the dialogue, which ring a bit modern in style, but not anachronistically so.

Finally, a warning to readers there's a character list at the front of the book, but those sensitive to spoilers may prefer to avoid it, since it lists rulers and the dates of their reigns. All the names and affiliations can be a bit complicated at first, but I could generally follow events without reference to the list.

In the end, this is an enjoyable and interesting historical drama, covering a fascinating time period. I wish there was more historical fiction available in English about the Middle East and hope Amirrezvani continues to write books like this in the future!