Kierstin G. (pinkpopcornrox) reviewed Leyla: The Black Tulip (Girls of Many Lands) on + 23 more book reviews
Like the other books in the series this was and amazing book. You get so connected with the girls and feel there pain and other emotions. i reckomend this for all ages and an inspiring book for girls. This book above the other books in the series was my personal favorite
Set in Istanbul in 1720, Leyla's travels bring her to the Topkapi Palace harem where she learns that life is very different from the way she was raised. She has secretly stashed tulips from her homeland in her belongings and her abilities as a gardener help her along. I enjoyed the story but believe that many girls that in slavery do not have such a good ending. Leyla's many talents were noticed and she is able to enjoy the fruits of her labor. A little is said about some of the other girls and of what happens to them through the course of the book. Nonetheless a good book to read with girls you know and to use as a starting point for discussing issues that occur in the book.
Leyla is a beautiful 12 year old girl from Georgia south of Russia in 1720.. Her father disappears in in a war.He is the most famous artist in Russian.They are muslim, but he does a lot of Christian art. HE has trained Leyla and her brother well as artists. Leyla's mom, brother, a twin toddler brothers have run out of food when she sells herself as a princess. On the way to Istanbul, Turkey she finds out that she has sold herself as a slave.Fortunately, she is sold to the Sultan of Turkey's home and is treated well. Soon she comes to know the favored children of the Sultan.Her ability to grown tulips and draw-and paint as an artist become known and she finds her dad and persuades him to be released but the Sultan's palce will not let her go.
To support her impoverished family, 12-year-old Leyla sells herself to Ottoman marriage brokers passing through her native Caucasus Mountains, but she quickly learns that she has been purchased to be a slave, not a bride. At auction, lucky coincidences land her in the Grand Harem of the Padishah, where she becomes a skilled gardener and artist--talents that lead to rare opportunities and friendships. Leyla's voice evokes the physical beauty of life in "the Golden Cage" with engaging detail, but like Leyla, readers will find themselves amazed by the more "adult" aspects of harem life (such as the eunuchs). Many of the plot twists are quite interesting. Yet, the opulent setting, gripping survival story, and the chaste romance with a handsome, benevolent prince have the power to draw in an audience.
