The Feast of Roses

Get in the xigxag app
This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book.
Pre-order Buy Now £{{ price }}
How does xigxag pricing work?

Listen to a sample

What to expect

In her critically praised debut novel, The Twentieth Wife, Indu Sundaresan introduced the love story of Emperor Jahangir and Mehrunnisa. The story continues in this lush sequel, when Mehrunnisa comes into Jahangir’s harem as his twentieth and final wife. This time Jahangir has married for love, and members of his court are worried that Mehrunnisa could exert control over their futures. Their concerns are well founded.

Despite the rivalry of the imperial harem, who has plotted against her from the beginning, Mehrunnisa soon becomes the most powerful woman in the Mughal Empire. She rules from behind the veil, securing her status by forming a junta of sorts with her father, brother, and stepson and by risking all, even her daughter, to get what she wants. But she never loses the love of the man who has bestowed this power upon her.

Critics Review

  • “There is no question that Sundaresan is a gifted storyteller with an obvious passion for history.”

    USA Today

  • “Sundaresan [is] a bright addition to the new generation of women writers from India.”

    Seattle Times

  • “The novel’s scope and ambition are impressive, as are the numerous period details…Readers who enjoyed the first volume will find similar pleasures tracking the fate of one of history’s most intriguing women.”

    Publishers Weekly

  • “Weaving another rich historical tapestry…Sundaresan colors the life of a fascinating woman whose female wiles inspired the Taj Mahal.”

    Booklist

  • “Sundaresan’s love of storytelling is apparent in this well researched historical romance. She makes sure that the reader stays enthralled from chapter to chapter and, with this sequel, will surely do the same in creating anticipation for her next book.”

    Library Journal

More from the same

Author

Narrator

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to get tailored content recommendations, product updates and info on new releases. Your data is your own: we commit to protect your data and respect your privacy.