Night Letter

Gr 7 Up—This sequel to Anahita's Woven Riddle (Abrams, 2006) finds the nomadic weaver traveling across the desert with her grandmother on the eve of her wedding to Arash, a Persian Qajar prince. When they are kidnapped for ransom, Anahita's intellect, inner strength, and faith in Allah are fully engaged. Eventually finding herself in the emir's harem, where she is being groomed for her sigheh (a temporary marriage, designed to give the ruler an heir), she manages to send a shabnameh-a night letter-to the shah, requesting that he rescue her, as well as the women and girls unjustly enslaved there. Arash and others faithful to Anahita risk life and limb so that she might ultimately regain her freedom. This fast-paced adventure is filled with tension, excitement, and a realistic sense of history. The text rings true to the extensive research documented in the lengthy author's note. The main characters are well drawn, and both Anahita's independent spirit and her determination will resonate with readers. The novel is imbued with details featuring the rich and exotic rituals, dress, poetry, and customs of early-20th-century Persian and Uzbek cultures and quotes from poets such as Rumi and Omar Khayyam. Numerous Farsi words-all explained in context and/or in the glossary-add authenticity to the tale. The novel includes a discussion guide and notes about slavery, past and present, coupled with websites indicating ways in which readers can help victims of human trafficking. Anahita's epic love story captures the mystique of long-ago Persia while providing a framework for exploring issues of social justice still relevant in our own times.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI