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A review by erinalise85
Die Sklavin des Sultans by Jane Johnson
5.0
Captured by pirates at sea and sold into slavery, Alys Swann is sent to the Sultan’s harem. There she is given only one choice: convert to their faith or die. When she stubbornly refuses, the sultan sends his scribe, a eunuch who speaks English named Nus Nus. The eunuch is given a similar order, either he convinces Alys or he dies.
Alys is, of course, forced to renounce her Christianity to live, yet within she never stops being true to herself. Over the course of many years, a friendship is formed and in their continued fight for survival, Alys and Nus Nus find love.
I very much enjoyed this book, and found it utterly fascinating. Set in the 17th century in Morocco during the reign of Moulay Ismail, who was not only described as “bloodthirsty,” but also as the “Sun King” of Morocco. Though he was certainly cruel during his reign, he also was able to hold the peace, and built many palaces. While the character of Alys Swann is based on a true person, it was not just the story which pulled me in, it was also the background and research that made this book worth reading. An excellent read indeed!
Alys is, of course, forced to renounce her Christianity to live, yet within she never stops being true to herself. Over the course of many years, a friendship is formed and in their continued fight for survival, Alys and Nus Nus find love.
I very much enjoyed this book, and found it utterly fascinating. Set in the 17th century in Morocco during the reign of Moulay Ismail, who was not only described as “bloodthirsty,” but also as the “Sun King” of Morocco. Though he was certainly cruel during his reign, he also was able to hold the peace, and built many palaces. While the character of Alys Swann is based on a true person, it was not just the story which pulled me in, it was also the background and research that made this book worth reading. An excellent read indeed!