The Last Queen

A Novel of Courage and Resistance

By: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Narrated by: Sneha Mathan

WINNER of the 2022 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WORKING WOMEN AWARD for BEST FICTION OF THE YEAR!

LONGLISTED for 2022 DUBLIN LITERARY AWARD!

She rose from commoner to become the last reigning queen of India’s Sikh Empire. In this dazzling novel, based on true-life events, bestselling author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni presents the unforgettable story of Jindan, who transformed herself from daughter of the royal kennel keeper to powerful monarch.

Sharp-eyed, stubborn, and passionate, Jindan was known for her beauty. When she caught the eye of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, she was elevated to royalty, becoming his youngest and last queen—and his favorite. And when her son, barely six years old, unexpectedly inherited the throne, Jindan assumed the regency. She transformed herself from pampered wife to warrior ruler, determined to protect her people and her son’s birthright from the encroaching British Empire.

Defying tradition, she stepped out of the zenana, cast aside the veil, and conducted state business in public, inspiring her subjects in two wars. Her power and influence were so formidable that the British, fearing an uprising, robbed the rebel queen of everything she had, but nothing crushed her indomitable will.

An exquisite love story of a king and a commoner, a cautionary tale about loyalty and betrayal, a powerful parable of the indestructible bond between mother and child, and an inspiration for our times, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s novel brings alive one of the most fearless women of the nineteenth century, one whose story cries out to be told.

Incredible story

Incredible story of a Queen’s love of country and a mother’s love of son. An excellently written novel. I highly recommend if you would like to appreciate British colonization more.

Incredible

Ms. Divakaruni never disappoints in taking me on a beautiful, soulful, treturous journey. Once again highlighting the brave and courageous warrior women of India. Thank you and to Ms. Mathan, it is a pleasure to go on these journeys with you as well.

Stroll down a very majestic past

Loved how history was told in such an engaging and alluring way. Not sure if this is entirely based on truth, but still an eye opening document to how the British looted the mighty India, and made it look like they were doing her a favour

A super Queen And a super Mom

Great book excellent dipction of history and an amazing journey of a mother a queen and a patriotic Soul

Fabulous narration and story!

Chitra, Banerjee is a truly prolific writer. The story just carries you through the turbulence and the glory, the magnificence and the amazing history of magical India. The narration is superb. The artist who narrates is one of the biggest selling points as well, for choosing to listen to this magnificent book. I recommend it highly to everyone.