The last queen Rani Jindan- young and striking, captured hearts of all who met her and years later she still does so wading through time and space.
The plot is rooted in history but Banerjee brings to fore the emotions of a living woman. A wife, a mother and a queen.
The rise of a kennel keeper’s daughter to don the mantle of a Maharani, to none other than the Lion of Punjab speaks volumes. Yet, she was gentle, compassionate and so strong.
True to her style Banerjee crafts characters who are well rounded, lovable and some we love to hate. The politics of the zennana and that in the British dominated India, where erstwhile princes were easily manipulated is an eyeopener.
I specially liked the end devoted to Maharaj Duleep Singh. It brings out the games played by the Monarchy and their double standards.
If I respected Maharaja Ranjit Singh earlier I appreciate the man now.
The tough times and lives of the common people and those who resided in palaces has been etched in reality. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommended.
