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rheaz98's review against another edition
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
anjalisudarsan's review against another edition
4.0
The author has clearly done her research into the Mughal empire - it was eye-opening to learn about the transfer of power, the greed amongst the rulers for the throne, the (almost) patricide and fratricide happening. I learnt about the customs they bought to India and how people lived, influenced by the culture the Mughals bought to the subcontinent.
I wouldn't classify this as a love story, as Jahangir had 20 wives and 100-ish concubines and slaves. It seemed like Jahangir was fueled by lust, and Mehrunnisa by her desire to be in power - there didn't seem to be any solid feelings of love between them. It was fascination to know about these characters though - and how each circle went about with their lives.
I wouldn't classify this as a love story, as Jahangir had 20 wives and 100-ish concubines and slaves. It seemed like Jahangir was fueled by lust, and Mehrunnisa by her desire to be in power - there didn't seem to be any solid feelings of love between them. It was fascination to know about these characters though - and how each circle went about with their lives.
nikkiiiii0106's review against another edition
4.0
This is easily a 4.5 stars for me. I loved it so much I remember I bought this at a book fair and reading it on the floor waiting for my mom to pick out her books. It was some years ago and I think I still loved it the first time I read it. It was just such a mesmerizing story and everything was so beautiful and lavish. This was probably my first introduction to royal themed stories and books.
bizzylizzie's review against another edition
4.0
If you like historical fiction, this is a good choice. I liked the fact that it was set in India, whose history I am not as familiar with as say, English or American history. I really liked and identified with the main character Mehrunnisa, even though she was not perfect. Her rise to become the empress of the Mughal Empire paints the picture of the importance of heredity, birthright, male and female roles, and society as a whole.
macsuga's review against another edition
5.0
This book still sits with me several years after I've put it down! So good
leah_sebzac's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The captivating love story at the zenith of Mughal power in India - a story of opulence, jealousy and longing (with a fair share of bloodletting). Also the only reason I will remember all Mughal emperors in order of rule.
Very crafty writing, taking you back a few millennia to imperial zenanas, cunning courtiers and the dizzying lure of the crown - Indu Sundaresan makes the tension of long lost love so real, gave me the chills. Beautiful read overall.
Very crafty writing, taking you back a few millennia to imperial zenanas, cunning courtiers and the dizzying lure of the crown - Indu Sundaresan makes the tension of long lost love so real, gave me the chills. Beautiful read overall.
yani_cross's review against another edition
5.0
I almost never give a book of five star review. This book grab me from the very beginning and I was interested the whole way through. It's well written and so interesting. I love but it's based on historical facts and it's just a really good story, with no added ridiculous sex scenes or parts that were unneeded. I highly recommend you read it. I stayed up till 11:30 the first night cuz I couldn't fall asleep while listening to it and finished it in 2 days.
deetour8's review against another edition
3.0
The Twentieth Wife is a fictional account based off reports and rumors of the life of Mehrunnisa before she became Empress Nur Jahan. The reports recall the drama of her birth, a love affair with Salim before he became emperor and the suspicion on Salim for her first husband’s death. Sundarsean manages to weave an intriguing tale of what Mehrunnisa’s life would have been like in seventeenth century India.
The novel begins at Mehrunnisa’s birth as her family is fleeing from Persia to India, as Ghias, her father and courtier, has been exiled. Left with hardly anything after being robbed he does not believe they will be able to keep the baby. However, after Mehrunnisa’s birth the luck of the family begins to change. The next day after spending the last of the money on food that will only last a few days Ghias meets a man named Masud on his way to India, who insists that Ghias and his family accompany him and then introduces him to the emperor when they arrive ensuring a place in court for the family.
Mehrunnisa grows up believing that she will one day be a princess, though everyone tells her that it is impossible. As a young child, she becomes a close companion to the empress, which leads to her short affair with Salim. However, an arranged marriage is already planned by the emperor’s wishes.
Year’s later fate intervenes and the two meet again, but this time Salim is emperor. He requests Mehrunnisa to be his bride but is refused by her husband, who is a known enemy of the thrown. He dies by Salim’s soldiers, though he initiated the fight, rumors start that Salim had him assassinated. Despite speculations they marry, and become the love that ballads are sung about.
The Twentieth Wife is full of historical details of seventeenth century culture that make the reader feel as though they are there witnessing the story take place. Even though many may already know the famous love story, the novel gives so much more depth with the characters allowing the reader to sympathies with Mehrunnisa. Over all a powerful book, leaving you wishing you had the sequel.
The novel begins at Mehrunnisa’s birth as her family is fleeing from Persia to India, as Ghias, her father and courtier, has been exiled. Left with hardly anything after being robbed he does not believe they will be able to keep the baby. However, after Mehrunnisa’s birth the luck of the family begins to change. The next day after spending the last of the money on food that will only last a few days Ghias meets a man named Masud on his way to India, who insists that Ghias and his family accompany him and then introduces him to the emperor when they arrive ensuring a place in court for the family.
Mehrunnisa grows up believing that she will one day be a princess, though everyone tells her that it is impossible. As a young child, she becomes a close companion to the empress, which leads to her short affair with Salim. However, an arranged marriage is already planned by the emperor’s wishes.
Year’s later fate intervenes and the two meet again, but this time Salim is emperor. He requests Mehrunnisa to be his bride but is refused by her husband, who is a known enemy of the thrown. He dies by Salim’s soldiers, though he initiated the fight, rumors start that Salim had him assassinated. Despite speculations they marry, and become the love that ballads are sung about.
The Twentieth Wife is full of historical details of seventeenth century culture that make the reader feel as though they are there witnessing the story take place. Even though many may already know the famous love story, the novel gives so much more depth with the characters allowing the reader to sympathies with Mehrunnisa. Over all a powerful book, leaving you wishing you had the sequel.
littki's review
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
redstorm26's review
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Great read! There's a central cast of characters the book revolves around and they don't always interact, but it's so richly written that you can feel the tension.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Miscarriage, Torture, and War
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Sexual assault