Harem by Dora Levy Mossanen

"A seductive and intriguing journey from the humble Persian Jewish quarter to the fascinating world of shahs, soothsayers, eunuchs, and sultanas, Harem follows three generations of strong-willed and cunning women: Rebekah — a poor girl married to the abusive blacksmith, Jacob the fatherless — who emerges from her disastrous match with a mysterious brand between her breasts; Gold Dust, Rebekah's treasured daughter, who enters the opulent and perilous world of the harem and captivates the shah with her singing bones; and Gold Dust's daughter, the revered and feared albino princess Raven, who will one day rule the empire.

Rich in visual imagery, Harem vividly depicts the exotic bazaars and dangerous alleys of the city and palace chambers brimming with conspiracy and betrayal — as well as love and redemption. A skillfully crafted, intricately textured novel, Harem represents the beginning of a remarkable literary career."
(Synopsis from the back book cover.)

Harem is the story of Rebekah, Rebekah's daughter Gold Dust, and Gold Dust's daughter Raven. Rebekah is a strong-willed and strong-hearted woman who takes fate into her own hands. Gold Dust is her treasured daughter who enters into the king's harem and charms his heart. And Raven is the albino princess with a lust for violence.

I loved this book! During my school's "Dead Week" and week of finals, I wasn't planning on indulging in any books. But this one was left behind, so I picked it up and read one day when I had a free moment. I was hooked immediately. So throughout those two weeks, I occupied my spare time with this riveting story.

Mossanen is an expert storyteller who intricately weaves together the lives of Rebekah, Gold Dust, Raven, Jacob the Fatherless, the shah, other women of the harem, and eunuchs. I really enjoyed te way Mossanen wrote the story, how the scene jumped from centering around one character to focusing and getting inside of another character. It is all told in third-person, but it really gave an intimate and realistic insight into each person in the story. The novel was all the richer and more intriguing for that. Harem is full of beautiful language, elaborate descriptions, and strong female characters. And I relished the bit of magic that's thrown in.

I really admired Rebekah's strength of will and heart. Gold Dust was my favorite throughout the story for her beauty, strength, and desire for love. And Raven tested me---one moment I feared her, another I pitied her, and yet another I was extremely proud of her.

This is a quick, compelling read. Once you pick it up, you can't put it down. And those are the best kind of books!

Amore.

Return to the Harem

(above image: a favourite in the harem by evser on deviantart.)

Okay, so I know that I said that I wouldn't be sticking my nose into another book until after finals... but I caved in! There are certain times of my day (i.e. riding the bus, waiting for class to start, sitting at the bus stop) that having a book on hand helps to pass the time. Since I'm already mostly moved out of the dorm, I sent most of my "to-be-read" books home with my parents. But alas! Harem by Dora Levy Mossanen was left behind. I took it from the near-empty bookshelf, tossed it in my backpack, and went off to class.

And so far I'm enamored with the book.

You'll recall that I recently read The Gilded Chamber, a novel of Queen Esther that for the most part took place in a harem. Now I'm returning to that glittering, luxurious prison of eunuchs, sultanas, opium, silken veils, and secrets. So far it is a much different take on the harm than The Gilded Chamber, but it also takes place in a slightly different setting and religious context. And plus there's still lots of novel left. It's also pretty fast-paced, so I may have another review up soonly.

But back to paper-writing and studying for finals. I'll be happily reading in the spare time that I can manage to muster!

Amore.

The Gilded Chamber by Rebecca Kohn

A well known Biblical figure to whom the book Esther owes its name comes to life in Rebecca Kohn's novel "The Gilded Chamber." While the Bible tells the story of how the Jewish queen saves the life of her people, there is still much left a mystery. What brought Esther to Persia? What exactly took her from her betrothed cousin and brought her to the king? What was life like in the harem? Did she have friends? Who were her enemies? Questions like this have always remained in my mind after hearing the Biblical account of Esther. Kohn, through the voice of that heroic queen, answers them for me.

"The story of Esther---whose mesmerizing beauty was matched only by her clear-eyed wisdom---has inspired women for centuries. Now her suspenseful tale comes to life throgh the eyes of a contemporary woman, debut novelist Rebecca Kohn. Capturing the passionate longings and political danger that have made Ester's legacy so timeless, 'The Gilded Chamber' blends meticulous research with gripping storytelling to transport us to an ancient time in the far-flung Persian Empire.

Orphaned and terrified, Esther journeys across the River Tigris to start a new life with her cousin---a man well positioned in the court, and to whom she is betrothed. Her transformation from girl to woman unfolds against a lavish backdrop of the royal court and harem, rife with intrigue and daring alliances. Esther wins much of what she seeks: the heart of a king, and the deliverance of her people. But her rise to the role of queen is not without a price; she must turn her back on all that she ever wanted, and give her body to a man she can never love.

In a haunting, unflinching voice, 'The Gilded Chamber' illuminates an epic dilemma between the yearnings of a woman's heart and the obligations imposed on her by fate. In Esther's case, choice makes history---and unforgettable reading."
(From the front inside jacket cover.)

I absolutely fell in love with this book. Up until this novel, all of the historical fiction I'd read had taken place in Europe or America. I must say that it was an exciting journey into the ancient Persian Empire. And Kohn truly transported me there. (Like I always say: the best historical fiction offers a means of time-travel.) I reveled in Kohn's descriptions of the luxurious palace quarters, exquisite clothing, plush rugs, lush gardens, ornate sculptures, and all the fragrances that permeated the atmosphere. Her details regarding characters brought them to life; I knew how each character looked, smelled, dressed, walked, talked---and in such intimate ways.

The story begins in a heart-wrenching way as Esther is orphaned---her father was killed and mother died in childbirth. She is so vulnerable and so heartbroken, but she clings with a child's hope and optimism to living with her cousin, marrying him, being his wife, and bearing him children. All of her dreams are ripped out from beneath her when all of the kingdom's beautiful oung virgins are forced into the king's harem. It's a horrifying and tear-jerking ordeal, not only for Esther, but for the other young women. And so begins her journey toward the king's heart. As a modern young woman, it is hard to understand Esther's motives and what she must have been going through. But as a reader, I became absorbed into the harem, too. And I understood why Esther had to strive to please the king. (Those that didn't were forced to become dancing girls or even worse: sent off to the soldiers.)

My favorite part about the novel was the glimpse into the harems. I think Kohn constructed a very believable harem setting. It was more of a prison than anything. Eunuchs guarded the women. The women were groomed and bathed and perfumed and beautified to look like goddesses. There were pregnancies and abortions. There was sadness, envy, and delight. There were women who found pleasure in other women. And there was drug-laced wine that dulled the women into submission. It was not at all glamorous and not at all a place a girl wanted to end up. And yet out of this place, Esther rose to become queen.

I also love Kohn's portrayal of characters besides Esther. The king is handsome and strong, but has his weaknesses when it comes to wine. The former queen Vashti is simultaneously intriguing, breathtakingly beautiful, and absolutely terrifying. From the eunuchs and harem women to the royal family and their trusted attendants---each character is multi-dimensional with their own strengths and weaknesses. I think that's what really kept me guessing throughout the entire story: wondering what so-and-so was going to do next.

The book was very suspenseful. Even knowing the eventual outcome, I still found myself wondering what was happening next. There times of such high intensity that I could hardly bear to turn the page, but could not wait to. I read this book everywhere I went. My nose was stuck in it on my way to class on the bus. I read it while I ate at lunch and supper. I read it in my room. I carried it with me from building to building. I absolutely could not put it down and it has inspired me to look for more novels that focus on the women of ancient Persia, and of harems in particular.

This is a lush, gorgeous, captivating re-telling of the Biblical story of Esther and I highly recommend it. I might also add that the story has an ending to look forward to. It definitely took me by surprise.

Amore.

Up Next: Queen Esther

(above image: "Queen Esther" oil on canvas by Edwin Long via indovic)

So... since I just finished "Pilate's Wife" by Antoinette May, it is time to pick up another historical fiction novel. The next book I'll be sticking my nose in shall be "The Gilded Chamber: A Novel of Queen Esther" by Rebecca Kohn.

A little bit about her: Esther was born as Hadassah. She was a Jewish prophet, wife of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), and queen of the Perisan Empire. She saved the Jews from oppression and is the namesake of the Biblical book Esther.

Two reviews from the back cover of the book:

"Queen Esther, savior of her people, becomes a living, breathing presence. . . .The Gilded Chamber is a world unto itself and one well worth entering." ~Margaret George, Author of Marie, Called Magdalene

"Rebecca Kohn takes us into places that the Old Testament never dreamed of . . . A triumph of historical imagination and a must-read for lovers--and lovers of Jewish history." ~Steven Pressfield, Author of The Gate of Fire

Amore.