A wonderful way to learn about Iranian culture and politics in the early Renaissance. The plot is enough to drive the book, but the rich description of the court, the lives of the women, and the eunuchs who serve them was fascinating. Interspersed with intrigue and musings about gender and the place of women and eunuchs within the greater culture made this a fascinating read. I am grateful to have learned the story of an actual historical woman, and to have journeyed alongside Javaher as he observed the tale.