Clothing In The Shadow Spinner By Susan Fletcher

Historical fiction novels allow the readers to get a basic idea of the time period the novel takes place in. The historical fiction novel, “The Shadow Spinner” by Susan Fletcher takes place in ancient Persia. The clothing of ancient Persia is portrayed by “A silky green gown floated down over my head...girdled my waist with a length of arose brocade--I slipped the comb inside it--then draped an amber-colored robe about my shoulders.” (Fletcher 33-34) This shows the outfit Marjan, the main character wears once she reaches the harem where the women reside. The outfit describes the process of the clothing and the clothing style of ancient Persia. In addition, women wore veils out in public places such as the forum, “a veil-a fine full-length black veil made of heavy slubbed silk.” (Fletcher

Women’s garments in ancient Persia were loose tunics with tight trousers underneath. This is similar to what is described in “The Shadow Spinner” as there were robes and gowns that women wore however, there is no trousers underneath. Some women would wear a veil that covered most of their face or they could wear a scarf over their head. Furthermore, in some regions the veils were worn all day such as outside the house and among strangers to serve its purpose of protecting the wearer’s modesty. Wearing the veil in “The Shadow Spinner” is an accurate representation in ancient Persia as Marjan wears her veil outside house and among strangers in the bazaar. The veil Marjan is wearing is shown to be very rich as the veil’s material was “heavy slubbed silk” which shows how expensive and elaborate the fabric was in ancient Persia. One clothing article not mentioned is the exquisite gold jewelry worn by the wealthy, which was very popular in ancient Persia. I believe the historical fiction novel “The Shadow Spinner” is an accurate representation of ancient