Equal of the Sun by Anita Amirrezvani

Equal of the Sun by Anita Amirrezvani is a historical novel based on real people from history. Set in Iran in 1576, political power struggles play out, and history, is literally made.

Book Description

“Iran in 1576 is a place of wealth and dazzling beauty. But when the Shah dies without having named an heir, the court is thrown into tumult. Princess Pari, the Shah’s daughter and protégée, knows more about the inner workings of the state than almost anyone, but her maneuvers to instill order after her father’s sudden death incite resentment and dissent. Pari and her closest adviser, Javaher, a eunuch able to navigate the harem as well as the world beyond the palace walls, possess an incredible tapestry of secrets that explode in a power struggle of epic proportions. 

Legendary women—from Anne Boleyn to Queen Elizabeth I to Mary, Queen of Scots—changed the course of history in the royal courts of England. While they are celebrated, few people know of the powerful and charismatic women in the Muslim world. Based loosely on the life of Princess Pari Khan Khanoom, Equal of the Sun is a riveting story of political intrigue that brings one extraordinary woman to light. Anita Amirrezvani is a master storyteller, and her lustrous prose breathes life into this rich and labyrinthine world with a stunning cast of characters—passionate and brave men and women who defy or embrace their destiny in a Machiavellian game played by those who lust for power and will do anything to attain it.” – Equal of the Sun

My Thoughts

Equal of the Sun is a brilliantly written political novel set in Iran in 1576. It is based loosely on real people in history, during a period of time many of us know very little about.

What I enjoy about Princess Pari is that she isn’t perfect, but she does have the qualities to make her a good leader, if given the chance. She is confident, ambitious, and knows more than she lets on. I liked reading about this character, and am glad that I know about her as a real person from history thanks to having read this book.

This book is filled with a lot of political intrigue, which I quite liked. I am a fan of such series as “A Game of Thrones” as well, so if you also enjoy books with great characters and political struggles, I think you’ll enjoy this book, too. I definitely recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Equal of the Sun, Scribner, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.