The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani

Yes many rigs still survive after 400 years. I delighted in the descriptions of the rug making process and on completion of the book searched online for examples from this period. Men may have multiple wives and little opportunity to attain financial independence. The book very much reflects the patriarchal society where women have little say over their own fate. He is a man of means and the family are hopeful that should she please him, the three month sigheh will be extended and result in a permanent marriage providing security for both mother and daughter. she asks if she can observe him in her free time, to learn and even assist him.Ī chance encounter with a customer results in a sigheh offer, a temporary marriage of specified length.

In fact Gostaham is very taken with his niece, who unlike his own daughters takes a genuine interest in rug making and indeed is experienced as a knotter.

However they are safe and warm and well-fed. His wife Gordiyeh is not so welcoming and puts them to work in the kitchen with the other servants. Gostaham, is a kind and generous man, happy to open his doors to his brother's impoverished family. He is a man of considerable means, a carpet manufacturer of repute. They are forced to leave their home and seek shelter with her father's half brother. sadly her father dies suddenly, leaving she and her mother without visible means of support. She is 14 years old and an only child, Later in the year the process of arranging her marriage will commence. The setting is a small village in the 1620's. This is the story of a young Iranian woman.

The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani