Harem

As a male reader, I was initially skeptical when a friend recommended this novel about three generations of women. Yet once I started it, I experienced one of those can't-put-it-down experiences that transcended gender. After tearing into this novel for a weekend (it's a quick read, despite being a substantial book), I recommend it very highly to every reader out there.There are three things in particular that compel me to recommend this first novel by Mossanen. First, her writing style is simultaneously unforced and stunningly beautiful. I kept wondering aloud how this could be her first book. Second, the characters -- both female and male -- are not just well formed, they are wholly alive. Despite the book's exotic setting (ancient Persia), I felt the characters were sitting beside me (performing before me, even) as I read. Finally, the dramatic and unpredictable storyline stuck with me for days -- more than with any book I've read this year, I had been transported into the plotline, rising and falling with Rebekah, Gold Dust, and Raven. As a result, the story churned in my head for days even after I finished the book.If you are looking for a good tale to take you someplace, this is the one.

I HAVE NO IDEA HOW THE AUTHOR KNOWS THE WORLD SHE WRITES ABOUT, BUT, AS A READER, THERE'S NO DOUBT SHE DOES. SHE LURES US TO PLACES AND TIMES I, FOR ONE, HAVE ONLY IMAGINED. SEXY, YES, BUT ALSO REFINED, AND SUBTLY EVOKING A MILIEU THAT, AT SOME ATAVISTIC LEVEL, CONTINUES TO INFORM EVEN MODERN-DAY SOCIETAL RITUALS AND RELATIONS BETWEEN HIGH AND LOW-BORN, RICH AND POOR, MEN AND WOMEN. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

I couldn't put the book down from the moment I read the first line. Mossanen's brilliant writing and eloquent style instantly transformed me into Ancient Persia's Jewish Quarter. From there, I learned about the Opulent Persian Harem and the plotting, scheming, and sex! SEx! SEX! within that secret world. I was fascinated to find that a good deal of Mossanen's novel was based on historical truths. A must read!

Harem, by Dora Levy Mossanen, compares favorably to the best works of magic realists such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It is an exciting, literary, sexy novel set in the harem of ancient Persia. Unforgettable characters, great dramatic scenes of intrigue and sensuality, and beautiful prose make this book well worth reading.

What could be better? Mother/daughter relationships, power struggles, royalty, intrigue, sex and a riveting story written in delicious prose. A great debut.