Journal Entry 1 by Secretariat from Carlsbad, California USA on Saturday, August 02, 2008

Reviews have been excellent and it looks like it will be of a bit different view of life in Iran. 

Journal Entry 2 by Secretariat from Carlsbad, California USA on Saturday, July 18, 2009

This novel is set in 17th Century Persia (Iran) and tells the story of Azizam, the only daughter of a poor farmer and his wife. When she is 15 her father dies, she and her mother must travel to Isfahan to live with her father's half-brother, Gostaham, who is a rugmaker to the Shah. Upon discovering that his niece has a talent for rugmaking and a fierce thirst to learn, Gostaham begins to tutor her in design and color selections. Azizam is young and rash and makes mistakes which have consequences not only for herself, but her entire family.

This book is a coming-of-age tale, but it also has themes of persistence, independence, subjugation, strength, power, oppression, and so much more. I had a bit of trouble getting into the story, but once I did I was immersed in the culture, the food, and the art of rugmaking. Recommended. 

Journal Entry 3 by Secretariat from Carlsbad, California USA on Wednesday, July 29, 2009

This is going on a book ray. The order of shipping and rules are as follows:

1. FreePages
2. mummafour <---book is here
3. rapturina
4. kalise
5. Hayes13
6. Originalmulli
7. Brumbie
8. DoveiLibri
9. jennyscott
10. nancynova

I will add this list to the journal entry for the book and will keep it up to date on where the book is with each person. I'll also be the "reminder" if the book gets a bit delayed.

Rules: Please journal receipt of the book the day you receive it. Because this is a 500 page book and you may have another in front of it, please read the book within 45 days. Please journal your thoughts on the book when completed (maybe how you liked the characters, how realistic you thought was, whether you learned anything from it, etc.). Mail the book out to the next in line as soon as possible. The last person who receives the book has the choice of keeping it, releasing it (wild release, to a friend, to an OBCZ) or, if the book's in good shape, beginning another ray with it. It's entirely at their discretion.

I'll contact the first in line and mail it off in the next day or two. 

Journal Entry 4 by Secretariat at Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, August 01, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (8/1/2009 UTC) at Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

On its way to FreePages. Should be there in 7-10 days. 

Journal Entry 5 by FreePages from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Friday, August 07, 2009

"The Blood of Flowers" (Isn't that an enchanting title) has arrived in Canberra.
It looks like quite a beautiful book, judging by it's cover.... and the reviews, of course ;-)

I seem to have had a flood of bookrings over the past week, so it will join the tottering Mount TBR. Although, it looks like a far easier read than another I have, so I might bump it up the queue a bit so it can be on it's way again sooner rather than later.

Thanks Secretariat :-) 

Journal Entry 6 by FreePages from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, August 11, 2009

What a great read!
It took me a little while before I could spare the time to focus on it. But I had an early night, put on some soothing music and couldn't put it down.

It has all the hallmarks of a great read. I really love the ways the main character had to over-come various hurdles to make her way in the world and it is an intoxicating setting. The UNESCO site The Image of the World features quite a bit.
The persian style tales add extra magic and show the path the character's should follow without being preachy.

The book reminded me a bit of The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier. But I think I enjoyed this one better.

The carpet designing and making is fascinating. I dont think it it has inspired me to hand-knot a rug, but all the talk about looms made me remember how much I enjoy weaving. Also, next time I'm at my in-laws I'm going to look at their rugs from the middle-east with renewed interest.


This is a good edition for bookclubs. There are an Author's note, a conversation with the Author, a reading group guide and the author's suggestions for further reading at the end of the book.


I have mummafour's address so I'll send it off to her soon.

Thanks for sharing this Secretariat :-) 

Journal Entry 7 by mummafour from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Thank You FreePages I picked this up from the post office today and I will start on it tonight.Thanks also for the lovely postcard. 

Journal Entry 8 by mummafour from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Monday, September 21, 2009

What a lovely and compelling story. Anita Amirrezvani takes the reader on a fascinating journey into the middle ages of Iran. I loved this book and felt all the characters were genuine. I enjoy this book so much I will go and get a copy to keep for myself.

Thank you for sharing this book.

Posted to rapturina on the 22/09/09