Set in 16th and early 17th century rule of the Mughal Empire in India, Mehrunnisa is born to a Persian courtier to the Mughal emperor, Akbar. The family came from humble beginnings but Akbar earned his way into the life of courtier.
When Mehrunnisa was 8 years old, she got a glimpse of Salim, the crown prince of the royal family. It is then that she makes it her life’s goal to marry him. She was devastated when her father told her that that she was to marry a not so royal man but did as she was bid, as women had no choice back then. Her marriage was not a happy one. She had several miscarriages until she finally has a daughter. Her husband seemed to think she miscarried and didn’t give him a son on purpose.
Eventually Mehrunnisa has another chance meeting with Salim, who is just as infatuated with her. He has many wives but his chief wife, Jagat Gosini is the main contender to stand in the way of Mehrunnisa finally getting her dream.
This is a deeply moving story of love and the history of the Mughal Empire. I listened to the audio version and the narrator Sneha Mathan brought the characters to life. I felt like I was living life back in India with Mehrunnisa. Indu Sundaresan has a way of painting the story with words. I can hardly wait to read the sequel, The Feast of Roses.
5/5
Have you reviewed this book? Please leave me the link in the comments.
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Sounds like an interesting book if you can’t wait to read the sequel.
I hope all went well with your surgery and that you are feeling better. Have a wonderful new years and happy reading.
Boy, does that sound good to me! Thanks for your review.
This one has a gorgeous cover, and the fact that you loved it as well — sounds like a winner for sure; thanks Teddy
I read this book though I don’t think I was blogging at the time. Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of it- at least, I never felt compelled to read the sequel. Don’t know why but I don’t think I liked the character.
Kaye, it is very interesting. I’m not having any surgery, you must be thinking of someone else. Happy New Year!
Kathy, your welcome.
Diane, it is a winner.
Aarti, sorry you didn’t care for it as much.
Oooh…this is the first I’ve heard of this book but it sure sounds good. I’ll definitely have to check it out and it fits in perfectly with my historical fiction challenge. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!
Samantha, if you enjoy audiobooks I would recommend that format for this. The narration was beautiful.
This sounds really good! When does the sequel come out?
J.T., the sequel is out, it was published in 2002.
I have not read any books on the Mughal period, just the Raj. This looks like a good one and I have pinned it.