This is an absorbing story knitting its path through many ancient tales. Unfolding rhythmically, it takes us into the Middle Eastern world of carpet weaving. Threaded with colour and mystery, you will become entranced as you soak up the story of this nameless girl growing up in 17th century Iran.
As predicted by a spectacular comet, her once promising destiny is shattered when her father dies, leaving her and her mother to be taken in as servants by a distant uncle. She is forced into a loveless secret marriage and faced with a bleak future, until she learns wisdom and responsibility.
Slowly she learns confidence and is able to gain respect, independence and hope. Eventually, she heads her own carpet making workshop and holds her own - a great achievement in such a male dominated world. The girl is as complex and interesting as the patterns she weaves.
A beautiful novel, full of sumptuous imagery; it is interwoven with mixtures of Iranian folktales and the minute details of Persian rug working. This book overflows with passion and well-researched historical detail and it works very well. The author’s first novel has been crafted, as her notes indicate, “in tribute to the anonymous artisans of Iran”.
It took her nine years to complete, and the result pays dividends .It is hard to put down and can be recommended to any female who enjoys romance, art, and history. It is an exotic delight, and will stay with you long after it has been devoured. First published last autumn, it became available in paperback last week. I am certainly going to recommend it to our book group in The Owl Story as a future read.
The Blood of Flowers will be available to order from the Owl Story English Bookshop, priced €12.
Review By Wendy Davies
