For all the fiction I've read set in the 16th century, I don't know that I've read anything set in Persia, or what is now Iran. This tale of royal courts, intrigue, and overlooked women is just as interesting as the more often told tales of the Borgia Papacy or Tudor England. Told from the perspective an eunuch in the service of a royal princess, this novel hints at the power women had in a world that dismissed them. An interesting read and highly recommended for those interested in historical fiction set outside of Europe. ( )

"Equal to the Sun" equals a full three stars from me. Loosely based on the princess Pari Khan Khanoom Safavi, it's a story set in 1570's Iran. It's kind of funny that I've read about this time period set in England, Japan, Russia (well, book in queue), Hungary (Elizabeth Bathory), and Turkey/Malta. Now, it's Iran's turn.

The book opens with stomach churning introduction when a eunuch describes his castration to the princess. I had to walk away and return to the book. After that intro, I found the book slowing with reciting of poems and the maddening formalities and brown-nosing titles when addressing people. Was it the author's choice? Or do people really talk that way? Oh, light of the universe, please make it stop.

This is a book that dragged on some. The book's main plots were surviving the change in shahs .... and the protagonist's investigation for his father's death. I found the conclusion of the investigation anti-climatic and lacking wow factor. Author earns big points for shining the spotlight on a oft overlooked time period and place.

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Great follow up to her first book. ( )

Young Javaher is the son of a murdered nobleman in 16th-century Iran. Willing to sacrifice his body in pursuit of uncovering the truth about his father's death, Javaher chooses to become a eunuch in order to gain access to the harem (women's quarters) in the royal palace. Once there, he eventually becomes a trusted servant and adviser of the royal princess Pari, daughter of the reigning Shah. When the Shah, who has four wives and numerous other children, suddenly dies without having named an heir, the line of succession is unclear.

Equal of the Sun is a beautifully written book, and it is based on real historical figures and events. The author's delightful prose and imagery made me feel almost as though I were present. Fantastic! ( )

Equal to the Sun by author Anita Amirrezvani is a historical novel of 16th century Persian politics told by relating the story of Princess Pari Khan Khanoom, a favored daughter of the Shah, and her quest for power. The story is told by her trusted servant, eunuch, Javaher, who serves as her advisor, spy and confidant.

This story illustrates the difficulty of being an intelligent, ambitious woman who must battle for her very life in a time where women weren’t expected to show how politically enlightened they could be. Princess Pari plots and schemes behind the latticed screen of the harem. Her father appointed her as his advisor when she was only sixteen. When he died she had difficulty convincing the subsequent incompetent Shah of her value and had to make arrangements to have him murdered. She thought the next Shah would undoubtedly recognize her value, but unfortunately he came with a very ambitious wife.

I liked the first book I had read by this author, The Blood of Flowers, and found Equal to the Sun another absorbing read. As the story is told by Javaher, I felt the character of the princess was a little remote but I particularly enjoyed the setting of this story as I don’t often get to read about this time or this part of the world. Equal to the Sun was an excellent example of how good a well written, well researched historical fiction novel can be. ( )