MSCOZY reviewed on 12/29/2012

Helpful Score: 2

A young lady, Nurdane, whose name means "piece of light" lives in a very remote village in Turkey. She suffers from polio and has to wear braces on her legs to get around. Her mother died in childbirth. Her father instills the idea that "when Allah takes something from you, he gives you something in return." Here he is referring to her hands which can weave beautiful rugs, rugs which folks believe can bring about miracles and answer prayers. They are highly sought after and many place bids on them to try to obtain one for their daughter as a dowry. Her doctor has been secretly in love with her for years and plans to marry her once she completes this last rug. But the doctor brings with him an American digger who is looking for signs that at one time women were the leaders in society and worshiped a Goddess. When Nurdane and Hennessey meet, they find themselves comfortable in each other's company, being able to talk freely among themselves. It is on the day of Nurdane's supposed wedding that Hennessey finds out about the arranged marriage between the doctor and Nurdane and he has difficulty accepting it as fate. Finally Nurdane makes her choice.

I enjoyed learning about weaving and the culture of Turkey. I had no problem understanding who was speaking due to the way the writer wrote. Turkey at this time is not an easy country for women or girls and their remote village has advantages as well as disadvantages. If Ms. Payne writes another book, I would be eager to read it.

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