I know this book received a lot of press when it was published back in 2006, and I can see why. I'm a sucker for historical fiction set in other countries, and fell right into Anahita's story. She's a teenager in Iran, at the marrying age, but doesn't want to settle for being the khan's fourth wife. Her father and Mullah are persuaded to allow her to have a contest--whatever man answers the riddle woven into her wedding rug, she'll marry. What a contest, eh? She's taking all kinds of chances--who wants to marry a stranger? But, of course, it works out her.
I was taken aback by how outspoken Anahita was--seemed like an American was dropped into a culture where she didn't belong. I just didn't think an outspoken girl would be honored by her tribe--would she? However, I loved how much research went into the book and the sections at the back that gave me more information--glossary, reader's guide, author's note, acknowledgements, and references.