historical

In the second of two novels, The Feast of Roses relates the married life of Mehrunnisa, the twentieth wife of Emperor Jahangir of India in the 17th Century. Best known as Empress Nur Jahan, "The Light of the World", the beautiful Mehrunnisa comes from humble beginnings, but captures the Emperor's attention as a young girl, years before he is able to claim her as his wife.

Brought up near the women of the zenana (harem), with a powerful patron who senses her potential, Mehrunnisa is trained in the ways of court life. But she is abruptly married, with the emperor's consent, and sent to a distant post with her husband, who is in disfavor with the imperial court. Then Merhrunnisa is widowed and Emperor Jahangir returns her to his court and marries her (hence the title of Sunduresan's first novel The Twentieth Wife). The first novel covers the young Mehrunnisa's early attraction to the emperor, but ends with their marriage.

Although sequels are frequently disappointing, A Feast of Roses never loses its historical perspective. The research is meticulous; in addition, the author humanizes her characters, bringing them vividly to life against the turmoil of this divided court. Mehrunnisa is an extraordinary character, her bravery, loyalty and independence, virtually unheard of in Seventeenth century court life. A woman who refuses to be remembered as a footnote of history, she is an early role model, a shining example of women leaders who rise above time and place.

The historical and romantic union addressed in The Feast of Roses portrays Mehrunnisa's sojourn as the most influential wife and trusted empress of Jahangir's reign. The emperor is content with his new wife, his beloved companion and lover, eschewing the other wives for the last one. Certainly there are ill feelings toward the powerful Empress Nur Jahan, insinuating herself into court life, usurping the place of favored consultants, including the emperor's boyhood friends and the forgotten wives, all who find themselves outside the charmed circle of power.

This is the love story of a common woman and an emperor who selects her as his most beloved and favored wife. Mehrunnisa serves as an advisor the emperor in matters of state, particularly when his health begins to fail. That a woman of ignoble birth can achieve a position of power is a testament to Mehrunnisa's intellect and courage and the author has given her protagonist a real presence, even though Mehrunnisa suffers banishment after the emperor's death.

How ironic that the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Jahangir's son Khurram in memory his deceased wife, has become the symbol of this period, surpassing the memory of the Empress Nur Jahan. Truly a "Light of the World", Mehrunnia is an extraordinary role model, a woman of great achievement, centuries before her time. Luan Gaines/ 2003.

Feast of Roses is a good sequal to Sunderasan's first book The 20th Wife. While I did not think much of the former, in this second book Sundarasan writing displays maturity and meticulous historical research. She weaves the intricate historical events with harem intrigue in a very able manner and manages to portray the granduer of the Mughal court. One gets a feel for the characters especially Nur Jahan who was both admired and despised..
Except for some parts that read too much like a history lesson, this is an interesing read.

The wonderful soap opera that was the TWENTIETH WIFE continues in THE FEAST OF ROSES. The drama was alittle less believable this time around, but the passion and intrigue was still there. I was alittle disappointed that I didn't like Mehrunnisa very much in this book; fame and wealth can definitely change a person. The fact that this book was based on actual history made it all the more fascinating and the author's notes at the end were a plus. As with the first book, the glossary of terms also came as a welcomed addition. The writing style is easy and fast. I definitely recommend!