During the Reign of the Queen of Persia: A Novel

By Joan Chase

Book Overview

"Daily life exhilarated with the richness and evocativeness of poetry." WASHINGTON POST BOOK WORLD The novel that is sweeping the country. A beautiful story of 20th-century womanhood, of Gram, the Queen of Persia herself, who rules a house where five daughters and four granddaughters spin out the tragedies and triumphs of rural life in the 1950's.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060151366
• ISBN13: 9780060151362
• Release Date: January 1983
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 215 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.

Customer Reviews

One of my top ten books of all time

Years ago when I definitely couldn't afford to buy books, much less hard cover books, I bought this book after reading it at the libary. It remains one of my all time favorite books. The characters are unforgettable and the author's style and voice just stunning. I reread it every so often just because it gives me such pleasure and joy. I will always be grateful that Ms. Chase wrote this book.

A gift

I have given this novel to countless friends and relatives, particularly those who say "What should I read?" Beautiful, lyrical prose that still tells a story (sometimes beautiful, lyrical prose doesn't). I love the collective voice of the narrator(s) -- two sets of sisters, all cousins. A masterpiece.

A wonderfully vivid extended family story

The Queen of Persia refers to the matriarch of a rural midwest family fifty or so years ago. If you enjoy a book that is at least equally concerned with its moments as it is with where it is going, then this book will probably be good for you. It has been over two years since I read this book and I can still see and feel what Joan Chase wrote ... the overall atmosphere and setting as well as the individuals involved.