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A review by nadiamasood
The Begum and the Dastan by Tarana Husain Khan
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Some books tell a story, while others cast a spell, weaving a tale so captivating that you get lost in its pages. This is definitely one of those books for me!
This is a beautifully written novel that intertwines history, folklore, and the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. Set in the princely state of Sherpur, the story revolves around three generations of women and their tales of resilience and defiance.
I’m a huge fan of Indian history, especially when it’s based on real events and focuses on women! This book explores the challenges women have faced throughout history, and I was really struck by how each woman found a way to fight back, no matter her situation. The writing is so captivating—I couldn’t put it down.
The author has brilliantly brought 19th-century Nawabi culture to life with meticulous research. The prose is beautifully evocative, almost like a dream, and the characters are richly developed.
The novel centers on Feroza Begum, a strong-willed and beautiful woman of noble birth who goes against her family's wishes to attend a party at Nawab Shams Ali Khan’s palace. Her rebellious act leads to her being kidnapped and forced into marriage with the Nawab. Watching Feroza go from a free spirit to a confined Begum in the Nawab’s harem is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Her journey shows her resilience and skill in handling the tricky dynamics of the Nawab’s court.
I was totally engrossed in Feroza's story, feeling every bit of her anger, frustration, and hope as I turned the pages. It made me appreciate the freedom and choices women have today even more.
There are also stories about Kallan Mirza, an opium-addicted storyteller whose tales echo Feroza's, and about Ameera and her grandmother in the present day. Honestly, I ended up skipping most of their parts because I found myself mostly caring about Feroza's journey.
The novel explores several themes:
This is a beautifully written novel that intertwines history, folklore, and the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. Set in the princely state of Sherpur, the story revolves around three generations of women and their tales of resilience and defiance.
I’m a huge fan of Indian history, especially when it’s based on real events and focuses on women! This book explores the challenges women have faced throughout history, and I was really struck by how each woman found a way to fight back, no matter her situation. The writing is so captivating—I couldn’t put it down.
The author has brilliantly brought 19th-century Nawabi culture to life with meticulous research. The prose is beautifully evocative, almost like a dream, and the characters are richly developed.
The novel centers on Feroza Begum, a strong-willed and beautiful woman of noble birth who goes against her family's wishes to attend a party at Nawab Shams Ali Khan’s palace. Her rebellious act leads to her being kidnapped and forced into marriage with the Nawab. Watching Feroza go from a free spirit to a confined Begum in the Nawab’s harem is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Her journey shows her resilience and skill in handling the tricky dynamics of the Nawab’s court.
I was totally engrossed in Feroza's story, feeling every bit of her anger, frustration, and hope as I turned the pages. It made me appreciate the freedom and choices women have today even more.
There are also stories about Kallan Mirza, an opium-addicted storyteller whose tales echo Feroza's, and about Ameera and her grandmother in the present day. Honestly, I ended up skipping most of their parts because I found myself mostly caring about Feroza's journey.
The novel explores several themes:
- the oppressive structures of patriarchy and women’s struggles
- resilience and defiance
- storytelling as a form of resistance
The Begum and the Dastan is a must-read for fans of historical fiction featuring strong female protagonists. If you like novels that mix history with folklore and offer a deep look into women’s lives in historical settings, or if you love Indian historical novels, this book is definitely for you!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Kidnapping, and Abortion