In Payne’s debut medieval thriller, an enigmatic orphan girl becomes a revered figure after discovering her extraordinary gift. The story begins in 1270 in Konya, Turkey, with the renowned poet and Sufi mystic, Rumi, nearing the end of his life. He is summoned to conduct the funeral of a girl, whose burnt body is brought by a monk with a partially severed tongue. However, upon attending to her, Rumi is overwhelmed by the scent of roses and realizes the girl is still alive.
The narrative then shifts back to 1256, recounting the birth of the girl, Damascena, in a Bulgarian monastery. The monk, Ivan Balev, who assists in her birth, is perturbed by the rose fragrance surrounding the child and the protective stork that appears to guard her. Following her mother’s disappearance, Damascena is left in the care of the increasingly sinister Ivan. As she grows, she escapes the monastery, discovering her unique ability to transform roses into rose oil, earning her the status of a saint. However, Ivan recaptures her, intending to exploit her gift.
Damascena’s true purpose only becomes apparent when she escapes to Turkey and meets Rumi. Payne has skillfully woven a captivating tale that unfolds gradually, keeping the reader engaged. The author enhances the narrative with meticulously crafted descriptions, such as comparing Damascena’s hair to a raven’s wing. The writing is particularly poignant when describing the spiritual transformation Damascena’s gift brings to the monastery, evoking images of divine presence in nature.
While there are instances where the author’s descriptive style feels excessive, it barely detracts from the overall impact of this thought-provoking tale. The story resonates with the essence of Rumi’s work, exploring the human condition and the strength found in vulnerability.
