Praise for Anahita's Woven Riddle

"Meghan Nuttall Sayres weaves the many-colored threads of Persian society into a beautiful novel, a cultural carpet, or qali."

---Hossein "Elvand" Ebrahimi, Founder, House of Transaltion for Children and Young Adult Books, Tehran, Iran

"Anahita's Woven Riddle is an enchanting tale of coming of age in old Persia. Sayres has created a tactile fictional world in which we can feel the changing of the seasons, hear the click of the looms, smell the rosewater and the lanolin. The spirited Anahita has the mettle to challenge the obstacles to her happiness in the society in which she lives, and the humility to confront the obstacles to growth in her own character. The story lingers sweetly in the mind long after the book has been closed."

---Susan Fletcher, author of Alphabet of Dreams and Shadow Spinner

"An intriguing fictional story that combines history and anthropology with the moving narrative about a young tribal nomadic girl in Iran. Meghan Nuttall Sayres offer a realistic rendition of the lives of nomads in Iran at the end of the nineteenth century. her Anahita stands as a symbol of those who were caught between age-old tribal customs and the beginnings of reforms that would soon change the lives of many women in Iran...an inspiring tale of courage and assertion."

---Lois Beck, Professor of Anthropology, Washington University in Saint Louis, author of Nomad: A year in the Life of a Qashqa'i Tribesman in Iran

In her novel Anahita's Woven Riddle Meghan Nuttall Sayres writes as if she has spent much time in Iran. Her grasp of social nuance and details pertaining to place and the art of carpet weaving brings out the positive and rich aspects of Iranian culture, not often reflected in the popular journalistic books about this part of the world. While marketed for young adults, anyone would enjoy the characters, era and setting, and the charming storyline.

---Dave D'Agostino, Ali Shafari Rugs, Inc., Portland, OR

Reviews

"A richly textured, carefully researched novel...excellent use of Sufi poetry and a strong cast of characters make this more than memorable. Romantic, delightful and educational too! "

              ----Kirkus Reviews

This is an engrossing story that weaves in Persian culture, history, and surroundings, and portrays the life of a unique young woman and her quest for love.

---School Library Journal

Sayres' novel is beautifully written and rich in cultural descriptions and characterizations, making it a standout. Of particular note is the effectiveness with which Sayres draws the suitors; all three are extremely well-crafted, multidimensional characters who, like Anahita, long for something more out of life, and readers will likely find it difficult deciding whom to champion...Offering history, romance, literature, and an element of mystery, this novel will appeal to a wide cross-section of readers.

---Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books

Anahita ' s Woven Riddle offers a glimpse into a world not many books enter. Sayres does an excellent job developing characters that intrigue and tug at the heart.

---Historical Novels Review

One of the great gifts of literature is that it can entertain us, while at the same time expanding our world. A case in point is Meghan Nuttall Sayres's young adult novel, Anahita's Woven Riddle (Abrams, 2006)...Sayres skillfully interlaces a lot of Persian history and culture, including information about the daily lives of nomads, Sufi poetry, and carpets and carpet weaving into Anahita's story. This is a good choice for readers 12 and up.

---Nancy Pearl Book Reviews

 

The following link opens a recent Spokeman-Review article, Cultural Celebration, about the author, the novel and the traditional dress of Qashqa'i nomads of Iran:

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/tools/story_pf.asp?ID=152146

 

Also, an article from The Sacremento Bee: Story Weaver: Author's hobby inspires a children's book By Judy Green - Bee Staff

http://www.sacbee.com/107/story/74571.html

 

 

Related Reading

 

Alphabet of Dreams , by Susan Fletchter, author of Shadow Spinner and other young adult novels, is an epic adventure about Mitra and her little brother Babak, two exiles from ancient Persia who because of a dream, find themselves with three Magi on the road to Bethlehem.  Available through Simon and Schuster Books.

 

 

 

 

Kids Weaving , by Sarah Swett, teaches kids and adults how to weave using everything from their hands to an easy-to-create portable loom assembled from ordinary plumbing supplies. This delightful book brings one of the oldest craft traditions of all time to creative children everywhere. Visit Sarah Swett's web site: www.sarah-swett.com

For order information: Stuart Tabori and Chang www.abramsbooks.com

 

 

 

Women in Iran - Edited by Lois Beck, professor of anthropology at Washington University in St. Louis and Guity Nashat, professor of history at the University of Illinois at Chicago. This collection of essays shows the enormous diversity of life for Iranian women throughout history.

Also by Lois Beck, Nomad: A Year in the LIfe of a Qashqa'i Tribesman in Iran

 

 

 

 

Jasmine and Stars - Scholar, poet and professor Fatemeh Keshavarz, Washington University at St. Louis, offers a fresh perspective on present-day Iran, a culture alive with artistic expression. This book leads readers toward a deeper understanding of the country's past and present. (Published by the University of North Carolina Press.)

 

 

 

 

Guide for Book Club Discissions

Teacher's Guide

Photos of Iranian village weavers today