The Blood of Flowers

By: Anita Amirrezvani

Narrated by: Shohreh Aghdashloo

Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

In 17th-century Persia, a 14-year-old woman believes she will be married within the year. When her beloved father dies, she and her mother find themselves alone and without a dowry. With nowhere else to go, they are forced to sell the brilliant turquoise rug the young woman has woven to pay for their journey to Isfahan, where they will work as servants for her uncle, a rich rug designer in the court of the legendary Shah Abbas the Great.

Despite her lowly station, the young woman blossoms as a brilliant designer of carpets, a rarity in a craft dominated by men. But while her talent flourishes, her prospects for a happy marriage grow dim. Forced into a secret marriage to a wealthy man, the young woman finds herself faced with a daunting decision: forsake her own dignity, or risk everything she has in an effort to create a new life.

©2007 Anita Amirrezvani (P)2007 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Sumptuous imagery and a modern sensibility...make this a winning debut." ( Publishers Weekly)

One of the best books I've listened to!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely, it was a fascinating story.

What did you like best about this story?

It started out a bit slow, but once you got into it, it was absolutely fascinating. I didn't want it to end and was disappointed when it did!

What does Shohreh Aghdashloo bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She has a beautiful voice and really brings the characters alive.

If you could rename The Blood of Flowers, what would you call it?

Maybe "The Apprentice Carpetmaker"

Any additional comments?

I truly enjoyed listening to this story and hoped there'd be a second one. I was very disappointed to hear the author say she had no intention of writing a second book.

captivating and Luscious as the cover

the author's voice is like incense. I couldn't get enough of it. the story was very captivating, a great speak into 17th century Iran. she paints a beautiful picture, allowing you to experience the world with all your senses. I wasn't expecting this to be a historical fiction comma but it's one of the better ones I've read. Highly recommended

Transported to another time and place

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

YES - Shohreh Aghdashloo's voice is mesmerizing, couple that with a great story and your are instantly transported to 17th century Iran. The story is simple with it's themes - Girl to woman, mother-daughter relationship and becoming your own person, but the way the tale is told is fantastic.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

One girl's tale into self discovery...

Satisfying, well balanced and a fine finish.

Crafted as a story best told or read aloud and the narrator could not be better. The story has the feel of a truly engaging fairy tale with enough realism to avoid being saccharine. It is told from the perspective of a female protagonist keeping oft visited themes fresh and original. The narrator gives the authors words the proper cadence allowing repeated phrases to punctuate the plot line appropriately. Together the author and narrator welcome the listener/reader into the warm embrace of the story as if she were a treasured daughter or sister.

Loved the book

I needed to select a book for our book club. I searched through several books and found this book as a recommendation from Audible. I took a chance and got it, then after listening to the first chapter decided this would be my book club selection. I could not put the book down. The narrator's voice transports you back to 14th century. It was a great book.

Fabulous listen - jump in!

This book creates beautiful imagery, contains wonderful themes and fabulous insight into another time and place. The narration just sings with the narrator's sweet voice. The story is beautiful and heart wrenching and left me with a feeling of strength and wisdom and hope. I cannot recommend this more highly.

I could never be a 2nd wife

This could almost be titled Carpets, Carpets, Sucks to be a Poor Muslim Woman, and More Carpets. Not the most enthralling story, but an interesting look into another world. Disappointing support from her family. A portion of time focuses on her affair with her lover/husband. Tastefully presented, but could be explicit to some readers. The narrator definitely has a raspy voice which takes some getting used to.

The narration was perfect!

I would have loved this story anyway, but listening to Shohreh Aghdashloo narrate really brought the story to life for me. One of the few audiobooks that I am likely to listen to again in the future.

great

I enjoyed getting lost in a culture I dont know about. The reader was great.

Would rate 4.5 if I could

What did you love best about The Blood of Flowers?

Really brought you in to another world. I learned a lot.

Any additional comments?

Really liked it.. got bored during some parts though. Learned a lot about another lifestyle though, and I really appreciate that.