Book Review: The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani

Title: The Blood of Flowers
Author: Anita Amirrezvani
Enjoyment Rating: ***
Source: Audible
This book would be rated: R for sexual situations

I read this book six months ago, and the other day, I was lying in Eli's bed (no, he's still not through the night, and neither, for that matter, is Rose) and it hit me that I never reviewed this book. So here is the sketchy and belated review. A girl (who is never named in the novel) loses her father in the opening scenes of a novel that takes place in 17th-century Persia. She and her mother move to the city, to live with an uncle who is a rugmaker for the king, and she has to endure the indignity of a family who doesn't want her and eventually forces her to take a position as a concubine. Later, after her concubinage is over, she learns her uncle's trade, which allows her to see a place for herself where she and her mother might be financially independent. The book is difficult to read at times because the situations the girl faces are so challenging. It's hard for me not to see his book as someone imposing 21st century motives and morals on a 17th century situation, but it was still an interesting, rewarding read.