Even as a young man, Hamid Farsi is acclaimed as a master of the art of calligraphy. But as time goes by, he sees that weaknesses in the Arabic language & its script limit its uses in the modern world. In a secret society, he works out schemes for radical reform, never guessing what risks he is running. His beautiful wife, Noura, is ignorant of the great plans on her husband`s mind. She knows only his cold, avaricious side & so it is no wonder she feels flattered by the attentions of his amusing, lively young apprentice. & so begins a passionate love story of a Muslim woman & a Christian man.