India, in 1937, Samir begins his apprentice at ittar shop in Lahore. His uncle, Vivek, is a perfumer and sees the boy’s extraordinary gift for sense oIndia, in 1937, Samir begins his apprentice at ittar shop in Lahore. His uncle, Vivek, is a perfumer and sees the boy’s extraordinary gift for sense of smell. He takes Samir to different places to learn the whole prospect of the business. Along the way revealing the art of distillation, history of flowers and its scent, knowledge of ingredients.
One day, a family of Khans arrives at the shop and makes an offer. Altof Khan is skilled in calligraphy and he wanted his daughter, Firdaus, to learn this ancient art as well. He offers a label inscribed by Altaf and illuminated by Firdaus in exchange for a battle of special fragrance. And with the story of this family, the beautiful art of calligraphy is woven.
As the Great War rages in Europe, in Lahore, there is a talk of separate state. How will it affect the people of different religions? The rift between people begins to surface, when the Muslim seller refuses to sell fruit to the Hindu priest.
The two young people, Samir and Firdaus, as they continue study their ancients crafts, their paths constantly cross, and feelings develop between them. But then, when Partition happens of their city, Hindu Samir becomes Indian and Muslim Firdaus becomes Pakistani.
The story has a spellbinding feel, which is given by the art of perfumery and calligraphy. I was engrossed by it at first. After about 30% my interested started waning as the story wasn’t making much progression. As much as I love character driven stories and this magical feel of perfumery and calligraphy, I slowly started disconnecting from the story as at some points it started having that feel of repetition when I wanted the story to progress. I’m also familiar with the conflict presented in this story, so maybe it was another reason that it didn’t engross me fully to the end to find out what happens next. And personally, I’m not into love stories, and that’s another aspect that can keep your interest if you like love stories.
I still highly recommend this book as it does have that magical feel.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Princess Savitri chooses Satyavan for a husband. Her father doesn’t want to agree as he knows the fate of Satyavan. He will die in a year. But the priPrincess Savitri chooses Satyavan for a husband. Her father doesn’t want to agree as he knows the fate of Satyavan. He will die in a year. But the princess refuses to choose another. No matter how long or short his life is, she wishes to share her life only with him.
For a year, they live happily. Then, Yama, god of death, comes to claim Savitri’s husband. But Savitri doesn’t give up that easily as she claims her duty is to be with her husband. She persistently follows Yama as he cares away her husband.
Yama grants Savitri three wishes, one at a time, in hopes the princes will go away, but none of the wishes can grant a life for her husband.
The princess is smart, courageous, and firm. She makes very smart three wishes that change her life and her family.
This is a very short tale, yet very powerful in its message. It brings a remarkably independent woman, who dares to oppose even a god.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
The book weaves a story of an Indian Queen, who ‘rebelled’ against British regime in the 19th century. The story is conveyed through the eyes of the QThe book weaves a story of an Indian Queen, who ‘rebelled’ against British regime in the 19th century. The story is conveyed through the eyes of the Queen’s closest confidante and most trusted soldier in her female army. The author shines a light on a time and place rarely explored in historical fiction.
The main voice of Queen’s confidante brings an interesting story of turbulent time of India and its conflict with the British Empire. It is a conflict imposed by the British and not a rebellion coming from the Queen. The only rebellion there is it comes from the rebels. And the Queen is a secondary character in this story.
The Queen’s confidante is the main character and the book starts with her childhood and the relationship with her abusive grandmother. Therefore, the title is misleading. I think the original title of Heretic Queen would have been more appropriate as she was seen by some as heretic.
The story is told in a vivid manner with many aspects of Indian culture well and colorfully presented. It is well-written and it is a page-turner from the beginning to the very end.
For me Michelle Moran is one of a few very consistent authors. Whatever she writes is interesting and well-written. This story is excellent. Nevertheless, my favorite book by her remains to be Madame Tussaud.
Loading...
