Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Equal of the Sun: A Novel

Equal of the Sun: A Novel
booksalicious avatar reviewed on + 43 more book reviews


Equal of the Sun takes the reader into the world of Iran beginning in 1576, where the Palace Eunuch Javaher literally gives up his manhood to serve the royal family, and the shah to prove his loyalty and avenge his Father's honor. He is offered the chance to serve under the Shah's favored daughter Princess Pari who has served as her Father's protege and advisor since the age of fourteen. From the moment of their very first meeting Javaher realizes that his new mistress is more than just a princess in the harem, and that his new job will require loyalty that will consistently be tested.

From the first chapter their are twists and turns that each character must face narrated against the luscious backdrop of the royal palace and harem of Iran in the 1500's with great detail and visual imagery, and wording that made the story easy to relate to and to imagine. The poems and stories included within the story went with the narrative and added to the plot line. Pari's rise, demise, and life in a time when women were still facing suppression shows a bright star that was crushed too soon, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about her, Iran, or who just wants to read a great book in general.
(review copy provided by author/publisher) (thank you)