Anita Amirrezvani Libri

In 17th-century Persia, a 14-year-old woman believes she will be married within the year. But when her beloved father dies, she and her mother find themselves alone and without a dowry. With nowhere else to go, they are forced to sell the brilliant turquoise rug the young woman has woven to pay for their journey to Isfahan, where they will work as servants for her uncle, a rich rug designer in the court of the legendary Shah Abbas the Great. Despite her lowly station, the young woman blossoms as a brilliant designer of carpets, a rarity in a craft dominated by men. But while her talent flourishes, her prospects for a happy marriage grow dim. Forced into a secret marriage to a wealthy man, the young woman finds herself faced with a daunting decision: forsake her own dignity, or risk everything she has in an effort to create a new life.

From the author of the internationally bestselling The Blood of Flowers comes a compelling tale of power, loyalty, intrigue, and love set in the royal court of sixteenth-century Iran. While legendary women like Anne Boleyn and Queen Elizabeth I are well-known for their influence in England, the powerful women of the Muslim world often remain overlooked. In this richly crafted narrative, Anita Amirrezvani brings to life Princess Pari Khan Khanoom Safavi, a key figure in the tumultuous court of Iran in 1576. Following the Shah's death without an heir, the court descends into chaos. As the Shah’s daughter and protégé, Princess Pari possesses deep knowledge of state affairs, yet her attempts to restore order spark resentment among the nobility. Alongside her closest adviser, Javaher, a eunuch adept at navigating both the harem and the broader political landscape, she holds a tapestry of secrets that unveils a monumental power struggle. Loosely based on the life of Princess Pari Khan Khanoom, this riveting story explores political intrigue and the unique bond between a princess and a eunuch. Amirrezvani's masterful storytelling immerses readers in a vivid world filled with passionate characters who navigate a Machiavellian game of power, revealing the lengths to which individuals will go to seize their destiny.