Equal of the Sun: A Novel

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!

The best thing about this book is that the author weaves her tale without burdening you with the weight of the research that she put into her subject. This is not your common "historical fiction" that is borne of the mere imaginings of women who allow the realities of their modern world to seep through their literary meanderings. It is based on scholarly research and Ms. Amirrezvani's disciplined creative process allows you to immerse yourself in exotic Persia with absolutely no anachronistic distractions.Equal Of The Sun effortlessly transported me behind the harem screens and into the world of the politically powerful eunuchs. It is amazing how Ms. Amirrezvani very credibly recreated the words and deeds of a Persian princess who is only indirectly referred to in that country's written history. And what is even more amazing is the amount of power that favored women actually wield in that milieu, all fueled of course by a mother's instinct to preserve her progeny.I have no scholarly pretensions. I am a mere reader who likes to lose herself in a book once in a while. But in The Equal Of The Sun, I feel I have uncovered a gem and I just have to keep digging around the same place to uncover more of the treasure. So, on to my next Amirrezvani volume!

This historical fiction book is loosely based on a real princess in Iran. I enjoyed the book so much. I really felt the "exoticness", if you will, of being set in a different country and time. The descriptions of everything make it very easy to picture it in your mind. Beautiful writing. I loved the two main characters and cared about what happened to them.

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.

The other reviews do a very nice job of summarizing the plot, so I don't need to do that. I just want to say that before I bought this book I wish I had know this: this book isn't anything like the author's first book, The Blood of Flowers. In TBoF, the characters are developed first and the story and history became part of each character. I felt like I was with the main character (I'm sorry but her name escapes me just now) during all of her trials and I was happy for her successes; that is the mark of a very good book. So I was excited to learn the same author had written another book. I didn't care what the subject was because she made the characters come alive in TBoF and I was willing to read anything else she wrote.Except.In Equal of The Sun, the history comes first and the characters are created to prop up the history. Many characters are introduced in the first few pages,and all of them seem wooden. I didn't have a connection with any of them. And I really wanted to. That's why I say EoTS is disappointing.

The book gives a good read, but I guess my expectations were enormous after reading the Blood of Flowers - this one in my opinion is good, but not as good ... The book is at its best in the end ... What I particularly loved about this book however, that it is a book about a strong woman, described through the point of view of a man - a eunuch - this brings in a different level of story telling - not simply another story told about a woman ...

In 1576, when Tahmasb Shah of the Safavid dynasty dies unexpectedly, there is no designated heir to the Iranian throne. Sensing the chance to consolidate their power, factions within the ruling class weigh up the contenders. Pari Khan Khanoom has all the qualities of a brilliant Shah – intelligence, political acuity, generosity and compassion – but one major flaw negates all the rest: she is a woman. And yet she is determined to play a role in the struggle for the succession. As Tahmasb’s beloved daughter and most trusted adviser, she has helped to direct the empire’s policy for fourteen years and resolves to carve out a place for herself under the new Shah. But which of her brothers will succeed in claiming the crown? Based on the true story of Tahmasb’s ambitious, fratricidal sons, Amirrezvani’s novel turns the spotlight on their remarkable sister, as remembered by her loyal vizier, the eunuch Javaher.Both narrator and protagonist are interesting characters, transcending the gender roles expected of them, and the book features political intrigue, murder, harem plots and squabbling over the throne... and yet, oddly, it never really takes off. In some ways the language is very flowery, especially in the purple phrases used within the court; but the prose itself is oddly flat and staccato. Moreover, I felt there was a crucial weakness in Pari’s characterisation. The brilliant woman described to me by other characters wasn’t the Pari I saw. We’re told that this dazzling princess is admired by all for her deft governance. Why, then, did her actions sometimes seem rather clumsy, especially in her overt efforts to gain more power? Why wasn’t this allegedly brilliant woman displaying a little more tact and subtlety? It was frustrating, because if Pari had been all that she was meant to be, I know that I’d have been utterly bowled over by her and that wasn’t the case.Nevertheless, I'm glad to have read the book. There is so much historical fiction about 16th century Europe that it's refreshing to see how the same period unfolded in Iran. From a personal point of view, having done a lot of reading on Achaemenid Persia, I was intrigued to see similar power struggles cropping up even two thousand years later. It's just a shame I couldn't warm to it as much as I wanted to.For a full review, please see my blog.

A very interesting read

Even though all the names and characters were a bit confusing to start with, if you just relax into it and don't worry about who's who it soon falls into place. A really powerful and intriguing story - great to see a major female protagonist in this time in history. I highly recommend it.

I have just finished this book Equal of the Sun and I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed this author's writing so much I have ordered another of her books. I have to admit that when I first started this book I thought it was going to be very similar to The River God which I read many years ago, which was narrated through a enuch to an Eyptian princess, but I soon found out it was so not the same. I love history and found this book about historical Iran both facinating and bewildering at times. It gave a good insight as to just how women are treated and looked upon as not quite as good as men in public but in private they are admired for not just their beauty, but their intelegence and integrity. One of the lead characters Pari has everything she could want:- royal blood, beauty, brains but she so wants the political power of the shar as well and it is interesting to see how she goes about weaving her web to get what she wants. Well worth the read. Very good.

Well detailed and beautifully written, so much as to make one feel as if they are living the story, anita amirrezvani is truly a talented author, a must read.