Find my review here: http://www24.brinkster.com/srineet/reviews.html#TwentiethWife

I did like it — I was fascinated by the descriptions of the zenana and court life in 17th century Mughal India. Sunderesan did her research well — she gives us the ambience, the dress, the food, the politics with some aplomb. One can’t help but admire the compelling portrait of the tenacious Noor Jehan she presents.

Somewhat disturbing, however, were the author’s abrupt shifts from ornate and chatty description of thoughts and dialogues to “and then he was executed” closures.

I also didn’t quite buy her slant on Mehrunisa’s political insights. But then, I wasn’t there, either ;) I also took issue with the cover! (A woman in sari? When every single female in the book wears ghaghras and shararas?) It didn’t make me long for the era gone by, either. I’m perfectly content to be where I am in time. Hmm, I want to read Moth Smoke again, now.

Nice book, and good historical information as well.