Blood of Flowers, The
Amirrezvani, AnitaA young teenage girl narrates this story of life in 17th-century Iran and the difficulties she faces after her father's death. With no means of support, she and her mother become servants in their relatives' home. There, despite her gender, the young woman learns the art of carpet design but dowryless, she is pressured into a sigheh, or temporary marriage, in which a woman offers sexual favours in return for money. A haunting story of a young woman making a place for herself in a society indifferent to her plight. What's Hot - January 2013
Comments from Groups
"What a wonderful read. 'Blood of the Flowers' was absorbed by our readers who totally enjoyed the author's writing and inclusion of the fables along the way... She [the narrator] is a character who will stay with us ... " Palmerston North 006
"We loved the great story richly told with wonderful descriptions of Persian life in the 17th century. We had lots of discussion about the position of women, attitudes to sex, harshness of life then, the food and value of rugmaking." Christchurch 143 "Entrancing story. Fantastic historical tale." Christchurch 229
Pages
457
457
Year
2007
2007
Reviews
08-11-2022
We all agreed 'Blood of Flowers' took time to get into. However, as we progressed through the read we admired the author's ability to encourage us to read on. This story of life in 17th century Iran for a young woman, with limited means to support her and her mother, echo through to life, even today in the 20th century. This observation was made by one of our club members who is at present enjoying intrepid travel in a Muslim country in the middle east. Reading 'Blood of Flowers' while travelling the area added a poignant twist to this book for her. We will all view Persian rugs with new interest.
24-06-2022
We all enjoyed this book to varying degrees, but agreed it was one of the better ones we've read as a group this year. Easily read with many discussion points. We all appreciated the intricate skill of hand-knotting carpets and watched a video together on the process as a follow-up. Not all enjoyed the parables or ending of the story but all found the history and culture fascinating.
18-10-2021
First time ever, our whole group rated this 5 stars! Beautifully written, believable, informative and captivating. While fictional, a lot of real history revealed.
31-08-2021
Everyone in our group loved this book. We really enjoyed the minute details of learning about the rug making, the sumptuous descriptions of food, and having a female protagonist who discovered her own sexuality and pleasure. However, this was also tied up with consent/arranged marriage.
19-11-2018
Another book that received unanimous approval! Everyone loved the way this book was written and found it full of information. Some of our members are doing extra research into a number of books we have read - I am delighted this is happening. We certainly recommend this book to other readers.
19-11-2018
Great insight into the process of knotting carpets. As a group, we thought that it should be noted in the catalogue description that there was quite a bit of explicit sexual activity in this book!
19-11-2018
We all enjoyed this book - a fascinating insight into a different culture and time.
19-11-2018
An easy read; prompted great discussion about the lack of women's rights at the time. Loved the tenacity and resilience that the main character displayed.
19-11-2018
Most of the group thoroughly enjoyed the book, particularly for the portrayal of Iran's culture in the 17th century. The intricacies of carpet making in those times were most interesting, and the roles of men and women fascinating. One commented on the repetitiveness and found parts of the story a little dull. However, the majority of the group thoroughly recommended the book as an absorbing read.
19-11-2018
An interesting tale of love, friendship and betrayal in an exotic unfamiliar setting. We loved the insight we got into the hand knotted rug industry. At times we felt unsure whether we were in the present or in 17thC Iran - but its not impossible to believe that 17thC Iran was far more advanced than western civilisation at the same time. A great read.
19-11-2018
We all really enjoyed this book. The images of life in 17th century Isfahan were so well conveyed that it felt as though we were living there. Amazing 1st book!
19-11-2018
Excellent - everyone enjoyed it.
26-09-2018
The majority really enjoyed this book. It gave us a lot to discuss - womens' rights, independence, poverty, rug making, 'sigheh' (short term marriage arrangements), family and insight into another way of life. We all enjoyed it except for one person who didn't like the parables and poems and felt the descriptions of rug making were repetitive.
26-09-2018
We all enjoyed the book. The descriptions made it easy to visualise the living conditions - both good and bad! Fascinating information on carpet making.
26-09-2018
All our members enjoyed this book. Some said it was the best book that they had read for some time. A very good discussion was had.