This book was interesting, because in American schools we are often taught a great deal of European history, a great deal of American history, and a little Chinese and far Eastern history. That's it. We are really never taught about other region's histories, which are also rich and colorful. Most notably, American schools lack instruction on African history. Nor do I remember learning anything of Indian history.
Like European history, this tale features tales of princely revolts against their fathers, the king. There are tales of wars between empires and constantly shifting territorial borders. Notably, European, African, American and Indian history all has one thing in common--all feature the repression and silence of women.
Merunissa is luckier than most--she had both a father and a husband who respected her ideas despite her womanhood. Still, she suffers as a result of her sex. She has no choice about whom to marry, when to divorce, and where she will go. Though Merunissa does not wish to marry Ali Quili, she does so for her father's sake. To refuse the marriage arranged by Emperor Akbar will be a great insult. Merunissa's lifelong happiness is inconsequential by comparison. It is also interesting that men, even non-royalty, are allowed multiple wives plus concubines. There is never a question about whether polyandry was permitted--clearly, it wasn't.
Overall, a rich and interesting tale. Merunissa is a compelling character. I am curious as to how much of the tale is based on verifiable fact, and how much is the author's invention. This novel features both a compelling storyline and fully developed characters. Highly recommended.
As for the story itself, Sundaresan is a good writer, and knows how to hold her reader's interest. The characters are reasonably well-developed (I say "reasonably" because some are better developed than others), the descriptions are enough to keep the reader's imagination fired but not excessive, and the plotline itself is strong. I wouldn't put this book in the top-10 I have ever read, but it was still a four-star read and I will be one of the first to own "Feast of Roses", the sequel to "Twentieth Wife", when it comes out on paperback.