Equal of the Sun Audiobook By Anita Amirrezvani cover art

Equal of the Sun

A Novel

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Equal of the Sun

By: Anita Amirrezvani
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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Iran in 1576 is a place of peace, 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 closest adviser, knows more about the inner workings of the state than almost anyone, but the princess's maneuvers to instill order after her father's sudden death incite resentment and dissent. Pari and her trusted servant, a eunuch able to navigate the harem as well as the world beyond the palace walls, are in possession of an incredible tapestry of secrets and information that reveals a power struggle of epic proportions.

Based loosely on the life of Princess Pari Khan Khanoom, Equal of the Sun is a riveting story of political intrigue and a moving portrait of an unlikely friendship between a princess and a eunuch. Anita Amirrezvani is a master storyteller, and in her lustrous prose this rich and labyrinthine world comes to vivid life 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.

©2012 Anita Amirrezvani (P)2012 Tantor Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction World Literature Royalty Inspiring Middle East Feel-Good

Critic reviews

"A dazzling historical novel of ancient Persia, a fairy tale of universal resonance." (Gina Nahai, author of Caspian Rain)
Rich Historical Detail • Captivating Political Intrigue • Excellent Narration • Vivid Cultural Descriptions • Rich Voice
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Most historical fiction I find is from Western Civilization. It is much harder to find any from other cultures. I really enjoyed listening to this novel about the Iranian government and royal family from Elizabethan times. The palace intrigues and layers of officials are intriguingly placed within the sparce historical figures depicted in this tale.

I usually hear Simon Vance speak in his native English accent. He used a quite believable Arabic intonation throughout this performance.

Culturally Different Historical Fiction

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I absolutely adored this book! I also really enjoyed the narrator he was right up there with the guy who did game of thrones , the story in its self is beautiful and had me on a storm of heart ache and true feeling for the characters . I have never read a story such as this and I truly loved it

Do yourself a favor !

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Fantastic narration! Started slow to develop characters, then was very hard to pause the book. excellent story telling, weaving truth and fiction to create visuals that made you feel like you were there, and gain a better understanding of life in those times.

Gripping

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I really enjoyed the performance. The story wasn't predictable. It was a great read. Would read again!

Loved it!

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This is one of those books that is hard to find when specifically looking. It is a well written as a story, based on true events and is read by a great narrator. Highly recommend.

Great historical story

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It was so interesting to follow the inner workings of a politically savvy historical female. A strong woman leader who was very influential in a world and culture dominated by men.

Fascinating Historical Fiction!

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This is such an exhilarating story! Love that it's set in Iran and you get to know the history and experience the culture at that time. Not a romance novel and not quite a history book, but I was hooked!

One of the best I read in a while

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The truths in the political world of the Shah's palace are exposed by the main character of the book, a eunuch and servant to the Shah's favorite daughter and most-trusted advisor, Princess Pari. His power and rank in the court change with the political power structures within the palace. As their influence outside the harem ebbs and flows the true strength of the relationship between Princess Pari and her eunuch is revealed.

This is similar to the author's other book, The Blood of Flowers, in that it is so richly detailed that the picture forms in your mind's eye so clearly and you have no doubt as to what the characters look like, what they are wearing, what they are smelling, and what they are seeing. This book exposes the dangers behind a weak throne, the struggles of women, and the sacrifices one must take to find out the truth. I loved how much poetry was celebrated and arts in all forms such as writing, calligraphy, fabrics, architecture and so on.

The narrator does a good job in telling of the story though some of his female voices sound well awkward but only characters that aren't heard much.

I recommend this book to people who love a good story where they can learn something of the world and really get behind the characters lives' and root for their success in life.

You will enjoy this

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The story was rather blah, but I enjoyed the period detail and information about a culture and time that I did not know much about. I enjoyed this author's other book set in Persia better.

O.K. story saved by the setting

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I really like the work of an hour later. At 1st it seemed odd to have a man telling the story. But obviously once I appreciated who the narrator was, it made more sense. He did a wonderful job with the Voices. I found the story interesting's. It was very well researched and the history of the courts and the roles that the women played were fascinating. On the other hand, of the plot was not as compelling as I would have hoped.

loved the Performance

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