The Virgin's Knot

The Virgin's Knot is an interesting view into traditional village life in rural Turkey on the brink of modernity. I wouldn't say it is a 'feminist' novel, or an 'ist' anything; just a darn good read. No, it's not the book to buy if you want to learn to weave rugs, but it is a very readable account of the choices, or lack thereof, faced by men and women in traditional societies. It reminds me of the time I've spend in villages in Turkey, and it will help to take you there as well. The novel starts with the slow, languid pace of village life. Some readers might prefer a more brisk beginning, but village life is not brisk. With the appearance of the American, Hennessy, both the plot and the tension build rapidly. Several themes intertwine; our desire for the best, our belief in our limits, our bargains with fate and with God. Ms Payne has a nice way with descriptive phrases and is able to evoke an image of what the village is like rather nicely. The complexity - dare I go for the obvious and say tapestry? of the story she weaves in interesting; even better, the ending is not given away too early in the book - the story really could turn in any number of directions, almost to the very last page. So go read it already!

Holly Payne has a wonderfully evocative writing style, and has crafted a psychologically complex main character. A number of reviewers were disappointed or upset by the sudden, violent ending of the book. I didn't see it, however, as an 'out' for the author, but rather as a culmination of the Gordian myth with which she begins the book. Payne very intentionally gives an account of the myth of the intricate knot tied by Gordius (the Gordian Knot). The expression "to cut the Gordian knot" refers to solving a difficult problem by a sudden decisive action (remember that in the myth the knot was not carefully and logically unknotted, but slashed with a single sword stroke). So one might conclude that the "Virgin's Knot" of the title is not, as one first suspects, all those knots composing the Turkish carpets -- but rather the Virgin's (Gordian) knot: how to solve her complex and complexing situation. This book is a wonderful read -- on the surface for the beautiful word choices, and on a deeper level for it truths. [Its complexity could make it a very good assignment for a university's women's studies or psychology class.]

I loved reading this wonderfully visual novel. I had the feeling the author was there with me during the entire journey. Holly Payne's devotion to sensory writing allows you to experience not only the sights and sounds of Turkey, but also sensations like tearoom aromas and the texture of the lead character's hands as she masterfully creates her rugs. In addition to its ethereal reflections, the novel is finely balanced with historical and political accuracy. I hope Ms. Payne has more work on the way. I would love to repeat the experience I had while reading her first novel!

This is one of those books that grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go. The story of Nurdane, her rugs, her heart(aches), the people in her village, etc., etc., etc., kept me reading. I loved the characters, and I loved the history of the rugs. This is a keeper, and I'm looking forward to this authors next book.Enjoy, Debbi :)

"Poetically written!" "Page turner!" "Engrossing!" These are just a few phrases I would use to describe this beautifully written and magical novel. Payne's ability to paint a picture of life in rural Turkey in the 1950s is remarkable. Her character development and scene depiction are so descriptive, I still feel attached to the main character, a rug weaver, weeks after finishing the novel. I love books that provide insight into the human condition, and this book definitely does not disappoint. I look forward to reading more works by this incredibly talented and intellectual writer.