Book description
An enchanting seventeenth-century epic of grand passion and adventure, this debut novel tells the captivating story of one of India's most legendary and controversial empresses -- a woman whose brilliance and determination trumped myriad obstacles, and whose love shaped the course of the Mughal empire.
She came into the world…
Why read it?
2 authors picked The Twentieth Wife as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Nur Jahan was one of the great queens of India, but I had never learned about her even in my studies at university.
I felt absolutely transported into her life, ambitions, and loves through this riveting novel that is so poetic you’ll want to read it in your bath with the door locked and a candle lit. This book feels like a window into the life of a woman you wish was your mother, your sister, your best friend.
It’s the first of the trilogy, and a magnificent journey into ancient India and the history of the Taj Mahal.
From Kaia's list on The best page turners about badass adventurous women seeking love and belonging.
Going back for a reread of this one now, I know there are some issues (as far as the historical record goes) in this book, but I still find the descriptions of Mughal India stunning… and I’ve always had a weak spot for the beautiful, ambitious woman uses the power of social climbing to succeed in a “man’s world” sort of narratives. And The Twentieth Wife has definitely got that in spades.
From Jessica's list on The best historical fiction novels in lesser-known settings.
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