The Feast of Roses : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: The soap opera continues...
Review: The wonderful soap opera that was the TWENTIETH WIFE continues in THE FEAST OF ROSES. The drama was alittle less believable this time around, but the passion and intrigue was still there. I was alittle disappointed that I didn't like Mehrunnisa very much in this book; fame and wealth can definitely change a person. The fact that this book was based on actual history made it all the more fascinating and the author's notes at the end were a plus. As with the first book, the glossary of terms also came as a welcomed addition. The writing style is easy and fast. I definitely recommend!

Rating:
Summary: a great read
Review: very engrossing summer read. loved Twentieth Wife, and wasnt disappointed with her newest ( Feast Of Roses).
great scenery, great story line and interesting overall.

Rating:
Summary: A feast of history, not to be missed
Review: What do you do when you're an outspoken woman in love with a sexy ruler? Mehrunissa, eclipsed by her famous niece/daughter-in-law Arjumand, for whom the Taj Mahal was built, plots court intrigue, demolishes her female rivals, arranges marriages, and still finds time to have a loving relationship with her main man, Emperor Jahangir of the Mughal (not to be confused with Muggle) Empire, which allowed India to dominate the Middle and Far East in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth centuries.

Mehrunissa juggles shifting alliances in her family and Jahangir's that make the road map to peace in the Middle East look like a crayon drawing. One interesting aspect is that Mehrunissa doesn't capitalize on the much-vaunted "woman power" and "sisterhood bonding," as her modern sisters do. She views all women, even her own daughter Ladli, as pawns in her plans. (If you think this sounds bizarre, watch The Bachelor reruns.) When Mehrunissa is dying, she regrets not bonding with her soul sisters in Jahangir's harem and consolidating female power.

However complex, Mehrunissa is a bold, strong, daring character who holds our attention. Add the sweep and grandeur of this lyrically-written story, and this is a must-read for history buffs and would-be powerful consorts.