Rating: 
Summary: Almost, but not quite
Review: This book is a terrific first effort, and i don't feel that the ending is a cop out, but rather that the rest of the book did not do enough for me to earn that ending. Beautiful, evocative, yes. but it could do with about a hundred more pages to really get into all of the possibilities and explore this world and this story. Overall i would say that i found this book to be too superficial, that Payne does not trust her characters enough to go deep with them, and that there is so much more to be told.
Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful Idea - Poorly Written
Review: This is a spectacularly beautiful story andthe characters have the potential to become memorable. The setting is exotic and fascinating. HOWEVER, the book is poorly written in the sense that the characters, though endearing, are not well-developed and are rather flat. The plot, though full of potential, is inconsistent in its movement. The research is incredible, but is not incorporated very well into the story: it's like reading a story with an academic essay mixed in at odd parts. I was just disappointed because the book showed so much promise, but was poorly written and developed.
Rating: 
Summary: A Novel Woven with Words just Like Nurdane's Rug with Knots
Review: This is an excellent novel. After reading this novel whenever you see a hand-made rug, you will take another look and try to find out the hidden story its knots are hiding.
Beautiful setting, great characters and a captivating story...
Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful story, beautifully written
Review: This is one of those books that grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go. The story of Nurdane, her rugs, her heart(aches), the people in her village, etc., etc., etc., kept me reading. I loved the characters, and I loved the history of the rugs. This is a keeper, and I'm looking forward to this authors next book.
Enjoy, Debbi :)
Rating:
Summary: Remember the Gordian Knot
Review: True, the book is not perfect --- honestly speaking, it could have been better. But albeit it being a fiction, it provided an insight to the past (& maybe still present to this very day for some) of Moslem women where life was strictly governed by a patriarchal society & the Koran. In a way, the Virgin's Knot is similar to Paolo Coehlle's the Alchemist, due to Santiago & Nurdane's constant search for truth & happiness. Unfortunately, Nurdane did not share Santiago's good fortune. Despite her questioning & being able to know the truth, her years of suppression & submission made her fail to believe and accept in what she finally discovered. Hence, the abrupt & tragic ending.All in all, the Virgin's Knot is worth reading - if not for its exquisite plot - then, at least for the insight it offers on a unique society.
Rating: 
Summary: Understanding Nurdane & Payne
Review: True, the book is not perfect --- honestly speaking, it could have been better. But albeit it being a fiction, it provided an insight to the past (& maybe still present to this very day for some) of Moslem women where life was strictly governed by a patriarchal society & the Koran. In a way, the Virgin's Knot is similar to Paolo Coehlle's the Alchemist, due to Santiago & Nurdane's constant search for truth & happiness. Unfortunately, Nurdane did not share Santiago's good fortune. Despite her questioning & being able to know the truth, her years of suppression & submission made her fail to believe and accept in what she finally discovered. Hence, the abrupt & tragic ending. All in all, the Virgin's Knot is worth reading - if not for its exquisite plot - then, at least for the insight it offers on a unique society.
Rating:
Summary: Don't believe everything you read in Publisher's Weekly!
Review: Yes, densely woven, yes, non-linear at times. But these are good things, especially when they are presented in beautiful lucid prose by a master storyteller. The characters, the situations, the grasp of Turkish culture, and the complexity of every aspect of this novel make it a sure winner with anyone who wants solid literary food. Don't let Publisher's Weekly's cantakerous review divert you -- you will be sorry if you pass up this treat.
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