Scan barcode
abbeyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book took me a very long time to read but it will leave me thinking about India and the Taj Mahal for a very long time.
I wish I could go back to India to take in the Taj Mahal again after this book.
I wish I could go back to India to take in the Taj Mahal again after this book.
soniapage's review against another edition
3.0
I almost put this book down thinking I had read it already but I looked back and found that what I had read before was The Twentieth Wife - very similar.
This book contains so much violence against women that I can't say that I really liked it but two stars don't seem like enough.
This book contains so much violence against women that I can't say that I really liked it but two stars don't seem like enough.
jenstarz's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book a lot. As I was reading it I was constantly reminded and brought back to another book I had read and loved "The Twentieth Wife" by Indu Sundaresan. Come to find out, The Twentieth Wife is about Mumtaz Mahal's aunt Empress Nur Jahan. Both stories brought me to a different place in a differnt time and I loved the journey.
emjay24's review against another edition
3.0
This was a historical fiction novel about the building of the taj mahal and the story behind it. not really the love story part of it, but the political aspects as well. the main character is the daughter of the emperor who built it. I was so happy to finally read some non euro centric history, but at the same time, it was a bit heavy on the dramatics, between the woman and her "evil" brother or her love interest, that i wasn't too sure if the bulk of this was made up or if there was much history in it. definitely something i can go back and read up about, because we never learned about indian history anywhere in school. good read!
hsrudolph's review against another edition
4.0
Charming, intriguing and beautifully written, this story captivated me from its opening lines. I've had the good fortune to have visited the Taj Mahal and my personal experience further enhanced my enjoyment of this story. Although the romance between Jahanara and Isa was purely fictional, the author brilliantly brought to life the beauty and brutality of this period in India's history.
marie_gg's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful historical fiction about the building of the Taj Mahal. I wish I had read something like this before viewing the Taj...it would have made me appreciate it so much more!
ldv's review against another edition
2.0
Predictable, artificial dialogue, just a typical love/romance story working off the Taj Mahal as a gimmick. Take a pass unless the above is your thing.
pianorunner421's review against another edition
4.0
I read this on recommendation from a friend. I am so glad I had time to read without interruption during the holiday break. I loved the balance of romance, family drama, and battle. Not your typical boy meets girl story at all.
michaela29's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault