The Kadin

Rating:
Summary: Set in the Ottoman Empire, this is Bertrice's best.
Review: Like the rest of the reviewers, I agree this book is a true classic. Janet/Cyra and the rest of the characters literally leap off the page at you, and you're never the same afterwards. Bertrice teaches you about history, and you don't even mind! I loved the bond between the ladies, and the love between Cyra and Selim. Again...a true classic!

Rating:
Summary: Best of all Small's work.
Review: I have read this more times than I can count and love it more each time. The depth of the characters cannot be matched by any of her subsequent novels. The plot is rich and well developed. Each time I read it, I find something new to enjoy. A must read!!

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Summary: Small triumphs again!
Review: I first read this book in 1985, and I have gone through three copies since that time! This book is rich in historical detail, full of passionate love scenes and the story will keep you enthralled. This is a fabulous book for anyone who likes rich imagery and and characters that draw you in and make you care about them! A must read!

Rating:
Summary: The best book I have ever read
Review: The Kadin is my favorite book that I have read over and over. The setting was very interesting as well as their customs and way of life. I also loved the way Ms. Small described the friendship between four strong women. I loved Cyra, Firousi, Zuleka and Sarina. This is a must read.

Rating:
Summary: absolutely enthralling
Review: The first romance I ever read and I still come back for it. So expertly woven into the period of time, it was almost like being there in person. Taken into a world where only the people of the world really know the secrets off, you learn about life filled with luxury, pain, love, and power.

Rating:
Summary: Vivid detail, conceptually amazing, enchanting
Review: I love the theory of four women becoming sisters in captivity. The ottoman empire was a society that hasn't had much said about it. Ms. Small unpeals it one step at a time. I greatly enjoy her vivid descriptions of clothing, places and people. I could almost feel the sliminess of Ahmed and Besma. The sons of Crya were so well described they leapt off the page. I looked up Suleiman, and found a painting, he was exactly as I expected. I never start one of her books that I don't finish it by the end of the day! Even rereads! All of my Small's need replacing. She is wonderful!

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Summary: Ms. Small's best heroine, by far
Review: It is true that Cyra Hafisse is a wonderful character and one that you will not soon forget. The interesting thing about htis character is that you will find her name popping up in other of Ms. Small's books. You will remember Cyra with fondness just as much as Esther Kira does. A wonderful read and a must if you are a fan of Bertrice Small.

Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT!
Review: I HAVE READ ALL OF MS. SMALL'S BOOKS AND I FIND THE KADIN TO BE 1 OF THE BEST. CYRA IS A INCREDIBLE STRONG WOMAN. SHE IS STOLEN,FINDS LOVE,DEALS WITH DEATH,RUNS AN EMPIRE AND THAN FINDS LOVE AGAIN. THERE IS ALSO A SEQEL TO THIS BOOK ABOUT THE GLENKIRK CLAN CALLED LOVE WILD AND FAIR. IF YOU LOVED THIS BOOK AS MUCH AS I DID YOU WILL LOVE THE REST OF BETRICE SMALL'S BOOKS AS WELL.Djr

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Summary: The Kadin made me laugh and cry at the same time.
Review: I think it was sad because things like that really happened in those times. To be betrayed by a loyal servant and sold to the highest bidder. But to be so lucky to find love, not just in a husband, but loyal friends, made her a very special person. Cyra was a very strong and sensible woman. I thought it was great that Selim saw this and loved her for it. She was his most beloved wife, and friend. When she hurt, I could actually feel her pain, and it tore at my heart. When something wonderful would happen to her, I would cry I was so happy for her. Her chartacter was so real, It was like I was actually living her story through her. In my opinion, this was one of the best book ever written.

Rating:
Summary: History Comes Alive !!!
Review: From the coast of Scotland to the palaces of the Turkish Empire, history comes alive with The Kadin. This is Bertrice Small's best work. The characters have depth and personality. We see Janet grow from a willfull young spitfire to a wise and powerful Sultana in the Turkish Empire. Janet and her "companion captives" unite and help Selim I gain the Turkish Empire overcoming murder and deceit. This is the type of story once started, you can not put down until the end. You want it to keep on going. My paperback copy is well worn and I have read it hundred's of times. Each time I still laugh and I still cry. I only wish I could find a hard cover edition. Anyone who loves history, MUST READ !!!