The last time I was at the library, I stopped by the most read books shelf. Between many colorful book covers, I saw the one with a black background covered in intriguing, beautiful yet a bit timorous motives of plants and Arabic culture. I took the book. It was Equal of the Sun by Anita Amirrezvani.
Equal of the Sun
I quickly read the description at the back cover, not getting into details, just trying to feel the mood of the book. Strong female character back in the XVI century in Iran. This combination got my attention immediately and I couldn’t wait to make a cup of tea back at home and read this story.
From the very first pages, the narrative was intriguing. Telling all the secrets of such an unknown world for me… The casual life and the struggles of Iranians, the difficult, intense and diplomatic life between the walls of the palace, the secrets of harems, and the gender inequality during these times.
The story is about the princess Pari who wants to take care of her country, and her eunuch who is the one telling this story. Unconditional love, trust, fear, and uneasy life decisions make this book mesmerising.
Food for thought
When the good becomes bad?
Where is the limit of human power?
Should support to your loved ones have boundaries?
How strong is fear?
These and many more questions came to my mind while reading this book, and so did (or kind of did) the answers.
I liked the first pages, but the further I read, the more intrigued I was and read whenever I had a spare minute.
Equal of the Sun is a well-written story revealing the secrets of confused minds and such little known worlds that may seem distant to us while in reality, they’re very close.
It should be interesting to every adult, no matter the age or gender. So if you’re looking for a good read yourself or consider this book as a gift for someone – I say go for it.