At times, it seems Anita Amirrezvani's novel is too complex, with themes ranging from carpet-weaving to age-old Iranian traditions to the oppression of women.

	Carpetmaking, storytelling and "temporary marriage" are subjects in Anita Amirrezvani's latest book. Click photo for larger image. "THE BLOOD OF FLOWERS" By Anita Amirrezvani Little, Brown ($23.99)

Yet, like the most prized Persian rugs, it all fits together beautifully.

Set in 17th-century Iran, the novel describes how a young village girl whose father dies finds herself, along with her mother, in the house of a wealthy uncle in the glorious city of Isfahan. The mother and child are made to be servants in the home, a situation they are willing to accept if it means escaping poverty.

The narrator's uncle is a master carpet-maker for the shah. Soon his niece starts to master the craft herself, despite being -- horror of horrors -- female.

Her aunt, however, is less than happy to bear the burden of two more relatives in the household, and her constant disapproval leads the narrator (who is never named) to enter a "temporary marriage" so she can earn an additional income.

The book will be a revelation in many ways for those who know little about Persian history.

The tradition of carpet-making is explored in both its beauty and the hardships it imposes on the laborers. The Persian storytelling tradition is a key part of the novel, with mythical tales dotted throughout. The power struggles between men and women are always in the backdrop, as they seem to be with so many books about modern Iran.

Then, there is "temporary marriage." Such an arrangement, known as sigheh, allows a couple to be "married" for just about any length of time, even a few hours, and it usually involves a dowry.

The pros and cons of the sigheh -- which still exists in Iran but is considered by many a form of prostitution -- are not ignored.

The tale turns erotic at points, especially as the narrator learns to manipulate her temporary husband so that he'll renew their marriage contract.

The characters, too, are complicated, and none is without flaws or virtues. Her loving uncle is weak-willed when it comes to defending her. Even her mother, who clearly adores her daughter, is not above giving up her child's virginity if it means food on the table.

Amirrezvani spent years researching and writing this tale. The result is intricate and lovely -- time well-spent for the reader.