The Feast of Roses

By: Indu Sundaresan

Narrated by: Sneha Mathan

Length: 17 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

In her critically praised debut novel, The 20th Wife, Indu Sundaresan introduced the love story of Emperor Jahangir and Mehrunnisa. The story continues in this lush sequel, when Mehrunnisa comes into Jahangir's harem as his 20th and final wife. This time, Jahangir has married for love, and members of his court are worried that Mehrunnisa could exert control over their futures. Their concerns are well founded.

Despite the rivalry of the imperial harem, which has plotted against her from the beginning, Mehrunnisa soon becomes the most powerful woman in the Mughal Empire. She rules from behind the veil, securing her status by forming a junta of sorts with her father, brother, and stepson and by risking all, even her daughter, to get what she wants. But she never loses the love of the man who has bestowed this power upon her.

©2003 Indu Sundaresan (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Weaving another rich historical tapestry...Sundaresan colors the life of a fascinating woman whose female wiles inspired the Taj Mahal." (Booklist)
"The novel's scope and ambition are impressive, as are the numerous period details....Readers who enjoyed the first volume will find similar pleasures tracking the fate of one of history's most intriguing women." (Publishers Weekly)
"Sundaresan's love of storytelling is apparent in this well-researched historical romance. She makes sure that the reader stays enthralled from chapter to chapter and, with this sequel, will surely do the same in creating anticipation for her next book." (Library Journal)

A spellbinding sequel.

Very descriptive and educational. Opens the mind to new worlds and unknown traditions, riveting.

Great book

Loved this book. the opulence and beauty of this historical novel was breathtaking and the narrator was delightful.

Historical Drama

If you love historic dramas with factual basis you. Women rulers and customs of Mugal empire.

Passion, intreague and luxury in India

This is the perfect book if you want to be taken away to another world. sometimes a little too much, but I enjoyed overal. And it does give a smidgen of actual history.

WONDERFUL!

I absolutely loved this story (as well as the previous one). The narrator was outstanding and made listening a delight. Highly recommend.

So interesting!

I had never heard about this part of India’s early history. Well written, documented and narrated. These historical characters really came to life for me.

Fantastic narration and story

The author has created an impressive storyline using historical narratives and her own creative imagination and writing style. This is complemented superbly by the narrator of the book. The tone, cadence, and pronunciations of the narrator make the audiobook and it’s characters come to life. This book is a sequel to the first by the same author, however, it can also be read as a standalone story because ample context is provided to understand the characters and incidents.

an excellent read to learn about Noor Jahan

highly recommended to learn about the Mughal empire and more so about Noor Jahan. very fluidly written.

Wonderful!

Another beautifully written book by Indu Sundaresan and captivating listening to narration by Sneha Mathan. I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, especially based on India.

A glimpse into the secret world

Where does The Feast of Roses rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I rate it very high. A glimps into the world little known for 2 reasons - history of a far away land, and moreover a tale of a woman who lived hidden behind the walls, but still was a co-ruler of a vast empire. Great !