Helpful Score: 2
Very poetic writing - tender love story told in the time of WWI. Fascinating delving into some the Eastern customs. Sometimes a bit hard to follow, but I enjoyed this story nonetheless.
Helpful Score: 2
Ali is Muslim; Nino is Christian. She's Georgian, with a European attitude toward life; He's got an Asian attitude toward life. They love each other and somehow make it work despite war in their homeland, murder and relocation to Asia, where Nino is forced to live in Ali's harem. It's set during World War I, but in Azerbaijan.
The country's described as the place where East meets West; where Asia meets Europe â and therefore, the only place Ali and Nino can live where they are both happy.
I've recommended this book to so many people since I've read it. I loved the historical implications of World War I in a region that you hear so little about. I loved the culture and the attitudes and how Ali and Nino ended up together despite their families. I loved the overtones of religion and how that played into their lives.
The country's described as the place where East meets West; where Asia meets Europe â and therefore, the only place Ali and Nino can live where they are both happy.
I've recommended this book to so many people since I've read it. I loved the historical implications of World War I in a region that you hear so little about. I loved the culture and the attitudes and how Ali and Nino ended up together despite their families. I loved the overtones of religion and how that played into their lives.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a richly textured novel first published in Vienna in 1937 and now back in print. To be together, this young couple must overcome blood feuds, scandal, and historically accurate, significant cultural differences, particularly concerning the role of women. The love story, while interesting, is overshadowed by the fascinating glimpse that this book gives us into the long standing feud between Russia and Georgia; a feud that has just again recently erupted. For that reason, I thought it was a good, substantial read.
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite books, this is a beautiful and spare love story.
