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În orașul de aur şi argint
La jumatatea secolului al XIX-lea, Lucknow, „oras de aur si argint“, splendid simbol al armoniei dintre musulmani si hindusi, se transforma in camp de lupta. Conflictul ia proportii. Minunata Hazrat Mahal devine sufletul unei revolte care se va sfarsi aproape peste un secol, cand India isi va castiga independenta. Fresca istorica pe fundalul careia se tese o poveste de dragoste ca o broderie din alte timpuri, in orasul de aur si argint istoriseste destinul unei eroine neintelese, prima femeie care a jucat un rol in eliberarea Indiei. Kenizé Mourad pune intrebari nelinistitoare despre drepturi si indatoriri, despre fericire si supliciu, despre libertate si soarta, intr-un roman de savurat la fiecare pagina.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
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About the author
Kenizé Mourad
22 books194 followersKenizé Mourad est une romancière et journaliste française d'origine turco-indienne.
Née à Paris en 1940, Kenizé de Kotwara est la fille d’une princesse turque, membre de la Dynastie ottomane (petite-fille du sultan Mourad V par sa mère Hatidjé Sultane) mariée à un rajah indien mais réfugiée à Paris. Orpheline de sa mère peu après sa naissance, elle est élevée dans un milieu catholique.
À l’âge de 20 ans, la quête de ses origines l’amène à découvrir l’Islam dans textes des grands soufis. Percevant l’Islam comme une religion ouverte et tolérante, elle conçoit son identité musulmane comme « une appartenance plus qu'une religion » à une époque où elle adhère aux « valeurs gauchistes » ambiantes. Tout en effectuant de longs séjours en Inde et au Pakistan, elle suit des études de psychologie et de sociologie à la Sorbonne. Mais, si elle travaille comme journaliste indépendante à partir de 1965, elle vit surtout à partir de 1968 de son métier d’hôtesse de l’air. Et elle exerce encore cette profession lorsqu’en 1970, elle rencontre Hector de Galard qui l'introduit au " Nouvel Observateur ".
D’abord attachée au service documentation, elle commence à y publier des articles en mars 1971. Chargée de couvrir le Bangladesh et le Pakistan,où elle a vécu quelques temps, elle voit sa situation régularisée en décembre 1971. Elle élargit son domaine de prédilection aux questions moyen-orientales. Correspondante de guerre au Bangladesh, en Éthiopie, au Liban, où elle passe trois mois pendant le siège de Beyrouth en 1982, elle couvre également la révolution iranienne pendant plus d’une année.
Mais au cours de ses reportages, elle se rend compte de l’importance de la psychologie des gens par rapport aux grands discours politiques. C'est parce qu’elle n’a « pas la place d'en rendre compte dans ses articles » qu’elle quitte le journal en septembre 1982 pour se lancer dans l’écriture. Après avoir enquêté en Turquie, au Liban et en Inde, elle publie en 1987 un roman racontant l’histoire de sa famille, De la part de la princesse morte, chez Robert Laffont. Véritable best-seller international il est vendu à plusieurs millions d’exemplaires et traduit en 34 langues.
Après quelques papiers passés en 1984 et 1989, elle reprend une collaboration très épisodique à partir de 1990. En 1998, elle publie la suite de son premier roman, Le Jardin de Badalpur. En 2003 elle publie "Le parfum de notre terre, voix de Palestine et d'Israël", un livre d' interviews et de portraits d hommes de femmes et d enfants palestiniens et israéliens, pour tenter de faire comprendre le drame des deux peuples .
Née à Paris en 1940, Kenizé de Kotwara est la fille d’une princesse turque, membre de la Dynastie ottomane (petite-fille du sultan Mourad V par sa mère Hatidjé Sultane) mariée à un rajah indien mais réfugiée à Paris. Orpheline de sa mère peu après sa naissance, elle est élevée dans un milieu catholique.
À l’âge de 20 ans, la quête de ses origines l’amène à découvrir l’Islam dans textes des grands soufis. Percevant l’Islam comme une religion ouverte et tolérante, elle conçoit son identité musulmane comme « une appartenance plus qu'une religion » à une époque où elle adhère aux « valeurs gauchistes » ambiantes. Tout en effectuant de longs séjours en Inde et au Pakistan, elle suit des études de psychologie et de sociologie à la Sorbonne. Mais, si elle travaille comme journaliste indépendante à partir de 1965, elle vit surtout à partir de 1968 de son métier d’hôtesse de l’air. Et elle exerce encore cette profession lorsqu’en 1970, elle rencontre Hector de Galard qui l'introduit au " Nouvel Observateur ".
D’abord attachée au service documentation, elle commence à y publier des articles en mars 1971. Chargée de couvrir le Bangladesh et le Pakistan,où elle a vécu quelques temps, elle voit sa situation régularisée en décembre 1971. Elle élargit son domaine de prédilection aux questions moyen-orientales. Correspondante de guerre au Bangladesh, en Éthiopie, au Liban, où elle passe trois mois pendant le siège de Beyrouth en 1982, elle couvre également la révolution iranienne pendant plus d’une année.
Mais au cours de ses reportages, elle se rend compte de l’importance de la psychologie des gens par rapport aux grands discours politiques. C'est parce qu’elle n’a « pas la place d'en rendre compte dans ses articles » qu’elle quitte le journal en septembre 1982 pour se lancer dans l’écriture. Après avoir enquêté en Turquie, au Liban et en Inde, elle publie en 1987 un roman racontant l’histoire de sa famille, De la part de la princesse morte, chez Robert Laffont. Véritable best-seller international il est vendu à plusieurs millions d’exemplaires et traduit en 34 langues.
Après quelques papiers passés en 1984 et 1989, elle reprend une collaboration très épisodique à partir de 1990. En 1998, elle publie la suite de son premier roman, Le Jardin de Badalpur. En 2003 elle publie "Le parfum de notre terre, voix de Palestine et d'Israël", un livre d' interviews et de portraits d hommes de femmes et d enfants palestiniens et israéliens, pour tenter de faire comprendre le drame des deux peuples .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
June 26, 2017
3.5/5
Using the possibility of royal blood as justification for humane interest in a prescribed Other is both ethnocentric and oddly philosophical when considering how hosting strangers is reasoned out as potential pleasing of both disguised gods and hidden angels, depending on your multiplicity of theism. That does not, however, deprive Kenizé Mourad of her own history, whose fairy tale yet all too true origins may have something to do with her heavily nonfictional fiction style of writing. The GR profile and Wikipedia page is all in French, so let me supplement for Anglo types such as myself with the book flap which states Mourad's "mother was a Turkish princess and father an Indian Raj. When Mourad's mother moved to Paris in the company of a eunuch and died shortly after, the eunuch entrusted the child to the care of Catholic nuns. The nuns hid Mourad from her father, not wanting the child to be raised Muslim. Mourad only discovered her true identity in her twenties." If you are more in the mood for the autobiographical rather than the biographical and times more contemporary than the mid 19th century, you may do me a favor and be the first in my GR network to add Regards from the Dead Princess to your shelves. I have my hands full with being the first to review this one.
I won't claim this be the best writing ever. The usual qualms of translation apply, and while reading in my leftover French would likely have gone better than expected, the story's main goal is to tie together disparate viewpoints of a particularly incendiary time frame in a prescribed part of the world, making for a great deal of straightforward prose interspersed with dramatic outpourings on the part of the once real characters participating in the shifting beast of history. Like other pieces of writing I've encountered on the margins, the narrative has the strained feeling of the author attempting to make up for perceived centuries of lagging behind, and those looking for an introduction to Begum Hazrat Mahal and/or one of the first seismic events of the War of Indian Independence will have to be prepared for many passages of hardcore nonfiction in the midst of a supposedly fictional narrative. However, seeing as how the dominant discourse insists on terming these events a "rebellion" and there is not a quality biography of Begum Hazrat Mahal to be found on this bookish site, it's obvious where Mourad's incentives stem from.
I didn't pick this book out a line up of critical reviews or friendly advice. Rather, I was browsing the stacks, saw an Europa edition, glanced at the title, admired the cover, was tantalized by the book flap, purchased a copy, and eventually dove in. More and more, I am able to come across stories such as The Moor's Account and On Sal Mal Lane where the engagement with novel reading is most easily accessible, and while I do love my lists and discussion boards devoted to disinterment, until capitalism comes crumbling down, I will make do with all methods that are available. There are those who will sniff and sneer at the variety of the incentive to read this work that I've couched in an evenhanded critique, but I never write for them.
"I wish I were the Commander in Chief in India...I should do my utmost to exterminate the Race upon whom the stain of the late cruelties rested."What with reading being confined to either the vacuous realms of Entertainment or White Supremacist Indulgences and the degrees of neither History nor Literature paying very much, there's little incentive to actually figure out what the actual fuck is going on. Present day oppression of Sikhism? The specter of poverty in India? Reasons for why white people are getting off so much on dystopias these days? Reading this book won't give you straight answers to that and very little of everything else, but if you ameliorate the flashes given of its events in the likes of River of Fire: Aag Ka Darya and Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen, you'll begin to find surface level media and canon conscription as boring as I do. It won't help you at all when it comes to acing tests for grad school, but that's why us Millennials are so good at multitasking.
-Charles Dickens
By killing the other, we kill the vision that locks us into our insignificance and denies us our human dignity.
Yet, when violence breaks out the whole world is indignant:
"Why did you not speak up earlier? Why did you not explain yourself?"
Using the possibility of royal blood as justification for humane interest in a prescribed Other is both ethnocentric and oddly philosophical when considering how hosting strangers is reasoned out as potential pleasing of both disguised gods and hidden angels, depending on your multiplicity of theism. That does not, however, deprive Kenizé Mourad of her own history, whose fairy tale yet all too true origins may have something to do with her heavily nonfictional fiction style of writing. The GR profile and Wikipedia page is all in French, so let me supplement for Anglo types such as myself with the book flap which states Mourad's "mother was a Turkish princess and father an Indian Raj. When Mourad's mother moved to Paris in the company of a eunuch and died shortly after, the eunuch entrusted the child to the care of Catholic nuns. The nuns hid Mourad from her father, not wanting the child to be raised Muslim. Mourad only discovered her true identity in her twenties." If you are more in the mood for the autobiographical rather than the biographical and times more contemporary than the mid 19th century, you may do me a favor and be the first in my GR network to add Regards from the Dead Princess to your shelves. I have my hands full with being the first to review this one.
I won't claim this be the best writing ever. The usual qualms of translation apply, and while reading in my leftover French would likely have gone better than expected, the story's main goal is to tie together disparate viewpoints of a particularly incendiary time frame in a prescribed part of the world, making for a great deal of straightforward prose interspersed with dramatic outpourings on the part of the once real characters participating in the shifting beast of history. Like other pieces of writing I've encountered on the margins, the narrative has the strained feeling of the author attempting to make up for perceived centuries of lagging behind, and those looking for an introduction to Begum Hazrat Mahal and/or one of the first seismic events of the War of Indian Independence will have to be prepared for many passages of hardcore nonfiction in the midst of a supposedly fictional narrative. However, seeing as how the dominant discourse insists on terming these events a "rebellion" and there is not a quality biography of Begum Hazrat Mahal to be found on this bookish site, it's obvious where Mourad's incentives stem from.
I didn't pick this book out a line up of critical reviews or friendly advice. Rather, I was browsing the stacks, saw an Europa edition, glanced at the title, admired the cover, was tantalized by the book flap, purchased a copy, and eventually dove in. More and more, I am able to come across stories such as The Moor's Account and On Sal Mal Lane where the engagement with novel reading is most easily accessible, and while I do love my lists and discussion boards devoted to disinterment, until capitalism comes crumbling down, I will make do with all methods that are available. There are those who will sniff and sneer at the variety of the incentive to read this work that I've couched in an evenhanded critique, but I never write for them.
She had written to share beauty and dreams, to convey ideas, feelings and fragments of life, those small pebbles on the path to the serenity she was seeking, and wanted to share with others. She does not write to exhibit her pains and is averse to the morbid narcissism that considers one's own miasma so worthy of interest that one wants to display it to the whole world. Is anything more banal than unhappiness? Everyone experiences it, we "encounter misfortune" daily. Happiness, on the other hand, is an art. Books and schools of philosophy have constantly tried to reveal different means of attaining it. This is her chosen path.
January 30, 2014
Historical fiction at its best!
Set in the tumultuous times of the Sepoy Mutiny, or the first war of independence fought by Indians against the British, this is a gripping tale of what went on behind the scenes. Like all great historical fiction, the author does a stupendous job of meshing fact with fiction. The protagonist of the story is Begum Hazrat Mahal, the fourth wife of Wajid Ali Shah, King of Awadh (present-day Lucknow). An orphan who is brought into Wajid Ali Shah's zenana when she is merely a child as a dancer, she catches the attention of the decadent King for her intelligence and her poetry compositions.
As the political turmoil takes root, and the British threaten to annex Awadh, the King departs from Awadh in a bid to travel to England and negotiate with the Queen. He leaves behind the Begum and her 11 year old son. Meanwhile, Hindu and Muslim sepoys in the pay of the British, begin to rebel against the occupiers even as the King is taken prisoner by the British and is detained at Fort William in Calcutta. The Begum is a nationalist at heart and abhors the British for pitting Indian against Indian. The fast changing events thrusts the Begum right into the middle of the action and she becomes one of the leading lights in the 1857 War of Independence.
The author's meticulous research into the period shines through even as she weaves a gripping tale of politics, intrigue, deceit, love, betrayal and brutality. There are parts of the book that resonated for me as many of the themes that the author touches upon are still relevant today in modern India. There is a fascinating incident where the Begum pits her wits against a fanatic maulvi. He challenges her authority in front of her allies and supporters for going against what Islam preaches. The authoritative manner in which the Begum shreds his arguments leaves no one in doubt of her mastery over not just Islamic teachings but her stature as a leader. It was almost as if the Begum was addressing issues about women and their role in politics in modern times.
I would recommend this book for everyone who loves historical fiction and of course to those who want to delve into the real life characters and world of undivided India in 1857.
Set in the tumultuous times of the Sepoy Mutiny, or the first war of independence fought by Indians against the British, this is a gripping tale of what went on behind the scenes. Like all great historical fiction, the author does a stupendous job of meshing fact with fiction. The protagonist of the story is Begum Hazrat Mahal, the fourth wife of Wajid Ali Shah, King of Awadh (present-day Lucknow). An orphan who is brought into Wajid Ali Shah's zenana when she is merely a child as a dancer, she catches the attention of the decadent King for her intelligence and her poetry compositions.
As the political turmoil takes root, and the British threaten to annex Awadh, the King departs from Awadh in a bid to travel to England and negotiate with the Queen. He leaves behind the Begum and her 11 year old son. Meanwhile, Hindu and Muslim sepoys in the pay of the British, begin to rebel against the occupiers even as the King is taken prisoner by the British and is detained at Fort William in Calcutta. The Begum is a nationalist at heart and abhors the British for pitting Indian against Indian. The fast changing events thrusts the Begum right into the middle of the action and she becomes one of the leading lights in the 1857 War of Independence.
The author's meticulous research into the period shines through even as she weaves a gripping tale of politics, intrigue, deceit, love, betrayal and brutality. There are parts of the book that resonated for me as many of the themes that the author touches upon are still relevant today in modern India. There is a fascinating incident where the Begum pits her wits against a fanatic maulvi. He challenges her authority in front of her allies and supporters for going against what Islam preaches. The authoritative manner in which the Begum shreds his arguments leaves no one in doubt of her mastery over not just Islamic teachings but her stature as a leader. It was almost as if the Begum was addressing issues about women and their role in politics in modern times.
I would recommend this book for everyone who loves historical fiction and of course to those who want to delve into the real life characters and world of undivided India in 1857.
December 10, 2014
I picked this book up because I'm fascinated by India and its culture. It was insightful to get a glimpse of its history. It was also interesting to draw comparisons between the British colonization and the French one.
I admired the personality of Begum Hazrat Mahal and her determination to free her country. She could do what many men of her entourage couldn't do including her husband Wajid Ali Shah. I wonder though about the truth of her love affair with the Rajah Jai Lal.
Kenizé Mourad is a good story teller, and her style is far from boring even though this book was more about facts than fiction.
I admired the personality of Begum Hazrat Mahal and her determination to free her country. She could do what many men of her entourage couldn't do including her husband Wajid Ali Shah. I wonder though about the truth of her love affair with the Rajah Jai Lal.
Kenizé Mourad is a good story teller, and her style is far from boring even though this book was more about facts than fiction.
April 3, 2019
The book traces history of Begum Hazrat Mahal - one of the wives of Wajid Ali Shah the ill-fated Nawab of Oudhfrom, from that of a young child to her imprisonment in Nepal. The character development is masterful, and the book has a steady pace. This is an good tribute to an extraordinary woman.
June 26, 2015
In 1844, a fourteen-year-old orphan girl dances in the “house of fairies” in Lucknow, Awadh, India. Her beauty and poetic abilities catch the eye of Nawab Wajid Ali. He marries her (as his fourth wife) and, following the birth of a son, names her Hazrat Mahal. The fun-loving nawab relishes the good life.
Although Wajid is gleefully governing Awadh under a treaty with the British East India Company (BEIC), they are displeased with his extravagant spending of Awadh’s abundant resources. When in February 1856, the BEIC forcefully annexes Awadh, Wajid decides to plead his case before Queen Victoria in London. He sets off with his entourage, leaving Hazrat behind, despite her pleadings. The BEIC’s sepoys mutiny in May 1857, and Awadh’s population joins in the rebellion, proclaiming Hazrat’s teenage son as the king. Hazrat, as queen-regent, takes charge of the rebel army, their first objective being to oust the Europeans ensconced in the British Residency.
While the failure of the 1857 Mutiny is historical fact, this brilliant atmospheric novel presents another perspective on its events. Based on extensive research, Murad also used her family’s primary sources: her father was an Indian raja. The real motives of the BEIC in annexing Awadh, the insight on how Hazrat rose to become a rebel queen, and the causes of the rebellion are all narrated in depth. Moreover, some very plausible details are dramatized on why the rebel army, despite overwhelming numbers, was unable to repel the much smaller, albeit better armed, BEIC force. Highly recommended.
Waheed Rabbani is a historical fiction author, whose books are available on Amazon and elsewhere.
This review first appeared in the Historical Novels Review Issue 72 (May 2015)
Although Wajid is gleefully governing Awadh under a treaty with the British East India Company (BEIC), they are displeased with his extravagant spending of Awadh’s abundant resources. When in February 1856, the BEIC forcefully annexes Awadh, Wajid decides to plead his case before Queen Victoria in London. He sets off with his entourage, leaving Hazrat behind, despite her pleadings. The BEIC’s sepoys mutiny in May 1857, and Awadh’s population joins in the rebellion, proclaiming Hazrat’s teenage son as the king. Hazrat, as queen-regent, takes charge of the rebel army, their first objective being to oust the Europeans ensconced in the British Residency.
While the failure of the 1857 Mutiny is historical fact, this brilliant atmospheric novel presents another perspective on its events. Based on extensive research, Murad also used her family’s primary sources: her father was an Indian raja. The real motives of the BEIC in annexing Awadh, the insight on how Hazrat rose to become a rebel queen, and the causes of the rebellion are all narrated in depth. Moreover, some very plausible details are dramatized on why the rebel army, despite overwhelming numbers, was unable to repel the much smaller, albeit better armed, BEIC force. Highly recommended.
Waheed Rabbani is a historical fiction author, whose books are available on Amazon and elsewhere.
This review first appeared in the Historical Novels Review Issue 72 (May 2015)
May 29, 2019
#shreyareads
#QOTD: Have you ever tried re-reading books? Do you like the book more or dislike it after reading it again?
Since my participation in #readingwomenchallenge , I have started re-reading more of my books and the feeling is truly amazing. I get to see the book in a new light altogether and understand the intent behind story more clearly.
For Prompt 20 of @thereadingwomen : A Historical Fiction Book, I picked up In The City of Gold Silver by Kenize Mourad. This book fits perfectly into the prompt because it’s about one of the fallen heroines of Indian Independence, Begum Hazrat Mahal.
🌃 The story revolves around Muhammadi, who transforms from a mere courtesan to Begum Hazrat Mahal, wife of Wajid Ali Shah. But with the new title, comes a new set of enemies. And the biggest one of them in Britishers who have eyes on Awadh.
🌃 Wajid Ali was ruling Awadh under British empire peacefully, but they started calling him out for his unnecessary expenditures. He decided to speak to Queen himself, even when Hazrat advises him against it. In his absence, Begum takes responsibility for the city of Awadh. But little did she know that Britishers have placed Wajid Ali on exile, and in his absence people of Awadh mutinied against Britishers, declaring Wajid Ali’s son as the new King and Hazrat Mahal as the new Queen. With Britishers now ready to pound on Awadh, the new Queen must start forming alliances, even with her enemies. But did they stand with her till the end?
🌃 During the course of the novel, you will realise that Hazrat Mahal’s character is of a true feminist. She never begged or bent in front of anyone, including Britishers and till her last breath, fought for Awadh. The storyline is beautiful and moves at a great pace. With each chapter, comes a new challenge in Hazrat’s life that keeps the reader hooked.
Verdict: A must read about a fallen heroine during India’s Independence.
Rating: 4.5 🌟
#QOTD: Have you ever tried re-reading books? Do you like the book more or dislike it after reading it again?
Since my participation in #readingwomenchallenge , I have started re-reading more of my books and the feeling is truly amazing. I get to see the book in a new light altogether and understand the intent behind story more clearly.
For Prompt 20 of @thereadingwomen : A Historical Fiction Book, I picked up In The City of Gold Silver by Kenize Mourad. This book fits perfectly into the prompt because it’s about one of the fallen heroines of Indian Independence, Begum Hazrat Mahal.
🌃 The story revolves around Muhammadi, who transforms from a mere courtesan to Begum Hazrat Mahal, wife of Wajid Ali Shah. But with the new title, comes a new set of enemies. And the biggest one of them in Britishers who have eyes on Awadh.
🌃 Wajid Ali was ruling Awadh under British empire peacefully, but they started calling him out for his unnecessary expenditures. He decided to speak to Queen himself, even when Hazrat advises him against it. In his absence, Begum takes responsibility for the city of Awadh. But little did she know that Britishers have placed Wajid Ali on exile, and in his absence people of Awadh mutinied against Britishers, declaring Wajid Ali’s son as the new King and Hazrat Mahal as the new Queen. With Britishers now ready to pound on Awadh, the new Queen must start forming alliances, even with her enemies. But did they stand with her till the end?
🌃 During the course of the novel, you will realise that Hazrat Mahal’s character is of a true feminist. She never begged or bent in front of anyone, including Britishers and till her last breath, fought for Awadh. The storyline is beautiful and moves at a great pace. With each chapter, comes a new challenge in Hazrat’s life that keeps the reader hooked.
Verdict: A must read about a fallen heroine during India’s Independence.
Rating: 4.5 🌟
September 12, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this work of historical fiction. Ms Mourad captures the atmosphere of the 1857 uprising against the British perfectly- with all its complexities, subtleties and nuances. Set in Awadh (Lucknow and surrounding areas) it describes the remarkable character of Begum Hazrat Mahal whose courage and military intelligence far exceeded that of her contemporaries. Tales of bravery and massacre, loyalty and betrayal, tolerance and violence, hatred and romance, are set against the turbulent backdrop of the sepoy revolt.
Although I live in Delhi, I consider myself to be very much a 'Lakhnawi' (resident of Lucknow) having been born and brought up there, and later spending ten years teaching at Sanjay Gandhi PGI. Yet my knowledge about this incredible Begum was rudimentary till I took out the time to read this book. For me the description of the geographical landmarks - Chattar Manzil, Residency, Qaiserbagh and others evoked vivid images of what 'must have been'. The sometimes seemingly 'excessive' description only added to my pleasure as it allowed me to meander deeper into the alleys and by lanes of my favourite city!
By the way, the title (‘In the City of Gold and Silver’) does not refer to the riches of Awadh- rather it refers to Hindus and Muslims- similar to the oft used phrase ‘Ganga-Jamuni’ culture of the region. A peaceful coexistence of religions that is typical of the region for centuries. I feel there is much for the modern Indian to learn from this model...
A good read for those interested in Indian history- a must read if you have any interest in Awadh!!
Although I live in Delhi, I consider myself to be very much a 'Lakhnawi' (resident of Lucknow) having been born and brought up there, and later spending ten years teaching at Sanjay Gandhi PGI. Yet my knowledge about this incredible Begum was rudimentary till I took out the time to read this book. For me the description of the geographical landmarks - Chattar Manzil, Residency, Qaiserbagh and others evoked vivid images of what 'must have been'. The sometimes seemingly 'excessive' description only added to my pleasure as it allowed me to meander deeper into the alleys and by lanes of my favourite city!
By the way, the title (‘In the City of Gold and Silver’) does not refer to the riches of Awadh- rather it refers to Hindus and Muslims- similar to the oft used phrase ‘Ganga-Jamuni’ culture of the region. A peaceful coexistence of religions that is typical of the region for centuries. I feel there is much for the modern Indian to learn from this model...
A good read for those interested in Indian history- a must read if you have any interest in Awadh!!
April 23, 2015
I received a free copy through Goodreads.
---
I love reading historical fictions, especially when it involves royals.
I knew India was culturally rich and full of long standing history, but I never know how culturally rich until a glimpse into the lives of Hazrat Mahal and those around her during that time period.
Hazrat Mahal is such a strong woman, just like so many others in history. Naturally history is written by the victors, so to have history told through a strong contender but was unsuccessfully able to change history is certainly fascinating. Hazrat Mahal is certainly admirable, to have risen up to so high and at such a young age and not to let power corrupt her. Her determination knows no bounds and inspired loyalty.
Like I said, history is written by the victors. In this novel, we had a glimpse of the horrors and atrocities that the Indians were going through under the rule of the British. Naturally I would have liked some more details and character development of some of the famous and infamous generals and countless other people involved in the mutiny to liberate India from itself or the foreigners (British), but it's fine since the man focus was Hazrat Mahal.
After finishing this book, I eagerly looked up more information about Hazrat Mahal, in the hopes of learning more about this fascinating woman, who played a role in changing and shaping India during that time period.
---
I love reading historical fictions, especially when it involves royals.
I knew India was culturally rich and full of long standing history, but I never know how culturally rich until a glimpse into the lives of Hazrat Mahal and those around her during that time period.
Hazrat Mahal is such a strong woman, just like so many others in history. Naturally history is written by the victors, so to have history told through a strong contender but was unsuccessfully able to change history is certainly fascinating. Hazrat Mahal is certainly admirable, to have risen up to so high and at such a young age and not to let power corrupt her. Her determination knows no bounds and inspired loyalty.
Like I said, history is written by the victors. In this novel, we had a glimpse of the horrors and atrocities that the Indians were going through under the rule of the British. Naturally I would have liked some more details and character development of some of the famous and infamous generals and countless other people involved in the mutiny to liberate India from itself or the foreigners (British), but it's fine since the man focus was Hazrat Mahal.
After finishing this book, I eagerly looked up more information about Hazrat Mahal, in the hopes of learning more about this fascinating woman, who played a role in changing and shaping India during that time period.
May 9, 2015
This is an excellent book. It is a romanticized story of Begum Hazrat Mahal of Lucknow, who was married to Wajid Ali Shah, "The Last King Of India". Unlike him, who was a foppish character, the Begum was an extremely admirable character. It is a pity that not too many people remember her.
The Begum was one of the key players in the Indian Mutiny of 1857, not that too many of the British historians who have covered the events of the times mention her adequately.
The book traces her history from that of a young child to her imprisonment in Nepal. The character development is masterful, and the book has a steady pace. This is an extremely good tribute to an extraordinary woman, one who gave up her life and her riches for her ideals, but never compromised on her ideals.
A highly recommended book.
The Begum was one of the key players in the Indian Mutiny of 1857, not that too many of the British historians who have covered the events of the times mention her adequately.
The book traces her history from that of a young child to her imprisonment in Nepal. The character development is masterful, and the book has a steady pace. This is an extremely good tribute to an extraordinary woman, one who gave up her life and her riches for her ideals, but never compromised on her ideals.
A highly recommended book.
June 5, 2014
La jumătatea secolului al XIX-lea, Lucknow, „oraș de aur și argint“ din nordul Indiei, splendid simbol al armoniei dintre musulmani și hinduși, dar și un oraș bogat datorită producției de indigo și in, se transformă în câmp de luptă. Pe fundalul acestei partituri din istorie se construiește și o frumoasă poveste de dragoste între Begum Hazrat Mahal, prima femeie care a jucat un rol în eliberarea Indiei și regele Wajid Ali Shah. Kenizé Mourad alege personaje reale, întâmplări reale, dar își ia anumite libertăți fără a distorsiona imaginea societății de atunci. Astfel reușește să pună adevărate semne de întrebare legate de drepturi, îndatoriri, libertate și soartă.
Amplasată în vremuri tumultoase, acțiunea romanului are loc în perioada primul război de independență purtat de indieni împotriva britanicilor. Protagonista poveștii este Begum Hazrat Mahal, a patra soție a lui Wajid Ali Shah, Regele Awadh (azi Lucknow). Adusă la palat pe când era doar o copilă, ea atrage atenția regelui prin recitarea unei poezii scrise de ea.
Când turbulențele politice prind rădăcini, iar britanicii amenință să anexeze Awadh, acuzându-l pe rege că duce o viață costisitoare în timp ce poporul său trăiește în sărăcie, regele pleacă spre Anglia în încercarea de a negocia cu Regina Victoria. Continuarea recenziei o găsești aici http://www.bookblog.ro/recenzie/hazra...
Amplasată în vremuri tumultoase, acțiunea romanului are loc în perioada primul război de independență purtat de indieni împotriva britanicilor. Protagonista poveștii este Begum Hazrat Mahal, a patra soție a lui Wajid Ali Shah, Regele Awadh (azi Lucknow). Adusă la palat pe când era doar o copilă, ea atrage atenția regelui prin recitarea unei poezii scrise de ea.
Când turbulențele politice prind rădăcini, iar britanicii amenință să anexeze Awadh, acuzându-l pe rege că duce o viață costisitoare în timp ce poporul său trăiește în sărăcie, regele pleacă spre Anglia în încercarea de a negocia cu Regina Victoria. Continuarea recenziei o găsești aici http://www.bookblog.ro/recenzie/hazra...
August 28, 2024
Interesting in that I knew next to nothing about the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and in that it’s always good to learn about strong female rulers, however a lot of the writing was rather cliched and not particularly nuanced (the bad are bad, the good are good, the women are all beautiful with intelligent eyes etc. etc.). Also why does there always need to be a breathless love story? Another one of those books about historical injustice and impossible love that I would have eaten up as a teen (so it definitely has its place!) but not really the style for me any more.
March 29, 2020
Me da pena ponerle esta nota al libro porque la historia me parece muy interesante.
Creo que como hecho histórico nos da una visión muy completa de lo que pasó en la India antes de la independencia. De como era allí la vida, de las durezas de la sociedad, de la cantidad de maldades y subterfugios de todos aquellos países coloniales y lo que pasaron... y cómo no, de la historia de una mujer fuerte y líder que luchó hasta el final por su pueblo. Expone muy bien el choque cultural que había, los problemas, como los hindúes siempre tuvieron la esperanza de que Inglaterra se fuera mucho antes de lo que lo hizo y todo lo que supuso para ellos.
En pocas palabras, la parte histórica y cultural me parece muy interesante y potente. Creo que es una buena forma de adentrarse en este país y su historia.
¿Entonces por qué la nota? Pues porque el estilo narrativo no me ha cuadrado. Se me ha hecho difícil de leer. Me ha resultado aburrido, pesado, con repeticiones unas veces, otras faltaba información... y lo más importante, no he conectado emocionalmente con la historia. Soy una lectora bastante habitual del género, por lo que datos y de más no es algo que me disguste -a no ser que estén sólo de relleno- pero es que en este caso, me ha faltado novela. Me ha faltado ficción, historia. Las partes como más novelescas tiraban demasiado a las intigas, dramas y complots que se me han hecho muy pesados. No está mal escrito, pero no es una narración fácil y no creo que sea un libro para todos los públicos por algunos de estos motivos.
Como aproximación a la India, su cultura y su historia me parece un trabajo interesante y bien documentado, en base a lo poco que sé, pero también a reseñas y críticas que he visto de la autora. En cambio, a nivel narrativo, creo que se queda corto. Diría que más allá del estilo de cada uno, le haría falta una revisión estilística o una traducción más dirigida a hacer de este libro algo más fluido, sin perder su historia.
Creo que como hecho histórico nos da una visión muy completa de lo que pasó en la India antes de la independencia. De como era allí la vida, de las durezas de la sociedad, de la cantidad de maldades y subterfugios de todos aquellos países coloniales y lo que pasaron... y cómo no, de la historia de una mujer fuerte y líder que luchó hasta el final por su pueblo. Expone muy bien el choque cultural que había, los problemas, como los hindúes siempre tuvieron la esperanza de que Inglaterra se fuera mucho antes de lo que lo hizo y todo lo que supuso para ellos.
En pocas palabras, la parte histórica y cultural me parece muy interesante y potente. Creo que es una buena forma de adentrarse en este país y su historia.
¿Entonces por qué la nota? Pues porque el estilo narrativo no me ha cuadrado. Se me ha hecho difícil de leer. Me ha resultado aburrido, pesado, con repeticiones unas veces, otras faltaba información... y lo más importante, no he conectado emocionalmente con la historia. Soy una lectora bastante habitual del género, por lo que datos y de más no es algo que me disguste -a no ser que estén sólo de relleno- pero es que en este caso, me ha faltado novela. Me ha faltado ficción, historia. Las partes como más novelescas tiraban demasiado a las intigas, dramas y complots que se me han hecho muy pesados. No está mal escrito, pero no es una narración fácil y no creo que sea un libro para todos los públicos por algunos de estos motivos.
Como aproximación a la India, su cultura y su historia me parece un trabajo interesante y bien documentado, en base a lo poco que sé, pero también a reseñas y críticas que he visto de la autora. En cambio, a nivel narrativo, creo que se queda corto. Diría que más allá del estilo de cada uno, le haría falta una revisión estilística o una traducción más dirigida a hacer de este libro algo más fluido, sin perder su historia.
October 17, 2013
“I purchased this book as it had Begum Hazrat Mahal written on the cover & it was supposed to be her story written by someone (Kenzie Mourad) who was related to her. My happiness knew no bounds as this famous/infamous brave queen's story was about to unfold in the pages.
The writer takes time to set the pace & mood & the landscape of the story, somehow she manages it by matching the slow speed given the era. It was difficult for me to not flip pages & move ahead. I may beg to differ with the actual accounts in many places but again who can authoritatively say history is definitive as a subject. Yet again I took time to finish this book simply because the pace was too slow for me to keep at it for long hours. The story unfolds as a young girl who is taken to the Nawab's house & because of her beauty & brains he marries her. His fourth wife. How the britishers dethrone the Nawab & he moves to Calcutta to protest to the queen & eventually during the mutiny its the young 4 wife with a legitimate son becomes the queen of Awadh.
This is her story - may be slow yet it sheds light on a queen about whom much has been forgotten. Its time that historians unveil this mysterious woman. this book is a step towards that. ”
The writer takes time to set the pace & mood & the landscape of the story, somehow she manages it by matching the slow speed given the era. It was difficult for me to not flip pages & move ahead. I may beg to differ with the actual accounts in many places but again who can authoritatively say history is definitive as a subject. Yet again I took time to finish this book simply because the pace was too slow for me to keep at it for long hours. The story unfolds as a young girl who is taken to the Nawab's house & because of her beauty & brains he marries her. His fourth wife. How the britishers dethrone the Nawab & he moves to Calcutta to protest to the queen & eventually during the mutiny its the young 4 wife with a legitimate son becomes the queen of Awadh.
This is her story - may be slow yet it sheds light on a queen about whom much has been forgotten. Its time that historians unveil this mysterious woman. this book is a step towards that. ”
January 26, 2025
Le Patriote Hindou (publication) écrit: ...
"car les accusations de mauvais gouvernement seront agitées dès qu'un État puissant et sans principes décidera de fouler aux pieds les droits d'un État plus faible mais qui a la malchance de posséder un bien enviable..."
"Les Anglais ne sont pas simplement cupides, ils sont persuadés de détenir la vérité (chrétiens anglicans), et que leur système de valeurs étant universel, ils doivent le propager dans le monde entier. Un sentiment de superiorité qui leur vient de leur IGNORANCE DES AUTRES CIVILISATIONS...S'ils comprenaient que leur culture, leur religion, leur système de gouvernement ne sont pas meilleurs que d'autres, ils n'auraient plus aucune raison valable de les imposer. Ils seraient obligés d'admettre que les idéaux dont ils se gargarisent-l'établissement d'un monde meilleur, la défense des opprimés-ne sont que de belles paroles dissimulant leur volonté de s'approprier les ressources de ceux qui ne peuvent se défendre.
-Détrompez-vous, mon cher, ce ne sont pas seulement les Anglais, se sont les puissants en général. ch.7
William Russel, correspondant du Times de Londres, écrit à propos de Lucknow:
"Aucune cité au monde ni Rome, ni Athènes, ni Constantinople n'est comparable à sa renversante beauté...une vision de palais, de minarets, de dômes azur et or, de coupoles, de colonnades, de longues façades aux belles perspectives, de toits en terrasses, tout cela émergeant d'un calme océan de verdure...
est-ce là la capitale d'une race semi-barbare, est-ce là cette cité erigée par une dynastie corrompue, décadente et vile?"
Deux semaines plus tard il note, horrifié:
"Lucknow est désormais une ville morte. Ses magnifiques palais ne sont plus que ruines misérables, leurs façades et leurs dômes percés de boulets de canon. Les trésors d'art et les objets précieux qui y étaient accumulés depuis des siècles sont livrés au pillage et à la destruction par des soldats assoifés d'or...ils cassent tout ce qui est trop fragile ou trop encombrant pour être emporté. Le sol est couvert des fragments de merveilles que les hommes s'acharnent à briser." ch.31
"Vous parlez comme moi de liberté, d'indépendance, en réalité depuis des temps immémoriaux les indiens ont été soumis à des pouvoirs étrangers, le dernier étant celui des Moghols qui ont régné sur ce pays plus de trois siècles! Certes, mais les envahisseurs aryens, arabes ou moghols se sont toujours assimilés, et même indianisés. Contrairement aux Britanniques, ils se mêlaient à la population...portant l'art et l'artisanat indien à une perfection jamais égalée, les empereurs moghols avaient conduit le pays à une prospérité bien supérieure à celle de l'Europe. La domination anglaise, elle, nous a ruinés. En exportant nos ressources pour alimenter leur industrie naissante et en nous imposant, en retour, leurs produits bon marché, ils ont réduit à la misère nos tisserands, nos ébénistes, nos ferronniers, nos peaussiers, nos brodeurs... ch.34
Voir Kénizé Mourad parler du livre:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HCyk...
"car les accusations de mauvais gouvernement seront agitées dès qu'un État puissant et sans principes décidera de fouler aux pieds les droits d'un État plus faible mais qui a la malchance de posséder un bien enviable..."
"Les Anglais ne sont pas simplement cupides, ils sont persuadés de détenir la vérité (chrétiens anglicans), et que leur système de valeurs étant universel, ils doivent le propager dans le monde entier. Un sentiment de superiorité qui leur vient de leur IGNORANCE DES AUTRES CIVILISATIONS...S'ils comprenaient que leur culture, leur religion, leur système de gouvernement ne sont pas meilleurs que d'autres, ils n'auraient plus aucune raison valable de les imposer. Ils seraient obligés d'admettre que les idéaux dont ils se gargarisent-l'établissement d'un monde meilleur, la défense des opprimés-ne sont que de belles paroles dissimulant leur volonté de s'approprier les ressources de ceux qui ne peuvent se défendre.
-Détrompez-vous, mon cher, ce ne sont pas seulement les Anglais, se sont les puissants en général. ch.7
William Russel, correspondant du Times de Londres, écrit à propos de Lucknow:
"Aucune cité au monde ni Rome, ni Athènes, ni Constantinople n'est comparable à sa renversante beauté...une vision de palais, de minarets, de dômes azur et or, de coupoles, de colonnades, de longues façades aux belles perspectives, de toits en terrasses, tout cela émergeant d'un calme océan de verdure...
est-ce là la capitale d'une race semi-barbare, est-ce là cette cité erigée par une dynastie corrompue, décadente et vile?"
Deux semaines plus tard il note, horrifié:
"Lucknow est désormais une ville morte. Ses magnifiques palais ne sont plus que ruines misérables, leurs façades et leurs dômes percés de boulets de canon. Les trésors d'art et les objets précieux qui y étaient accumulés depuis des siècles sont livrés au pillage et à la destruction par des soldats assoifés d'or...ils cassent tout ce qui est trop fragile ou trop encombrant pour être emporté. Le sol est couvert des fragments de merveilles que les hommes s'acharnent à briser." ch.31
"Vous parlez comme moi de liberté, d'indépendance, en réalité depuis des temps immémoriaux les indiens ont été soumis à des pouvoirs étrangers, le dernier étant celui des Moghols qui ont régné sur ce pays plus de trois siècles! Certes, mais les envahisseurs aryens, arabes ou moghols se sont toujours assimilés, et même indianisés. Contrairement aux Britanniques, ils se mêlaient à la population...portant l'art et l'artisanat indien à une perfection jamais égalée, les empereurs moghols avaient conduit le pays à une prospérité bien supérieure à celle de l'Europe. La domination anglaise, elle, nous a ruinés. En exportant nos ressources pour alimenter leur industrie naissante et en nous imposant, en retour, leurs produits bon marché, ils ont réduit à la misère nos tisserands, nos ébénistes, nos ferronniers, nos peaussiers, nos brodeurs... ch.34
Voir Kénizé Mourad parler du livre:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HCyk...
January 10, 2023
3.5
ESP:
Es un libro que para mí tenía potencial e iba camino a las 4 estrellas. Sin embargo, la segunda mitad del libro me pareció infumable.
La primera parte me gustó mucho, mostraba la vida, cultura, costumbres, religión, la sociedad ante el colonialismo inglés, la historia de la protagonista, que fue una líder hasta el final, etc. Creo que ha conseguido dar unas pinceladas a todo el conjunto de lo que fue la India en el siglo 19 sin ser pesado, de hecho me pareció sumamente interesante.
El problema viene en la segunda mitad del libro, cuando ya ha estallado el conflicto, ya que la narrativa se basa simple y llanamente en la contienda militar, que si artillería aquí, desplazamiento de tropas allá, insurrección o traición a los líderes militares por otro lado...Entiendo que se quería explicar la evolución del conflicto y cómo finalmente la India logró la independencia, pero creo que se podría haber hecho mucho más ameno o más fluido.
ENG
It is a book that for me had potential and was on its way to 4 stars. However, I found the second half of the book unbearable.
I liked the first part a lot, it showed the life, culture, customs, religion, the society during British colonialism, the story of the protagonist, who was a leader until the end, etc. I think it managed to give a glimpse of the whole of what India was like in the 19th century without being heavy-handed, in fact, I found it extremely interesting.
The problem comes in the second half of the book when the conflict has already broken out, as the narrative is based purely and simply on the military conflict, artillery here, troop movements there, insurrection or betrayal of the military leaders on the other side... I understand that they wanted to explain the evolution of the conflict and how India finally achieved independence, but I think it could have been made much more entertaining or more fluid.
ESP:
Es un libro que para mí tenía potencial e iba camino a las 4 estrellas. Sin embargo, la segunda mitad del libro me pareció infumable.
La primera parte me gustó mucho, mostraba la vida, cultura, costumbres, religión, la sociedad ante el colonialismo inglés, la historia de la protagonista, que fue una líder hasta el final, etc. Creo que ha conseguido dar unas pinceladas a todo el conjunto de lo que fue la India en el siglo 19 sin ser pesado, de hecho me pareció sumamente interesante.
El problema viene en la segunda mitad del libro, cuando ya ha estallado el conflicto, ya que la narrativa se basa simple y llanamente en la contienda militar, que si artillería aquí, desplazamiento de tropas allá, insurrección o traición a los líderes militares por otro lado...Entiendo que se quería explicar la evolución del conflicto y cómo finalmente la India logró la independencia, pero creo que se podría haber hecho mucho más ameno o más fluido.
ENG
It is a book that for me had potential and was on its way to 4 stars. However, I found the second half of the book unbearable.
I liked the first part a lot, it showed the life, culture, customs, religion, the society during British colonialism, the story of the protagonist, who was a leader until the end, etc. I think it managed to give a glimpse of the whole of what India was like in the 19th century without being heavy-handed, in fact, I found it extremely interesting.
The problem comes in the second half of the book when the conflict has already broken out, as the narrative is based purely and simply on the military conflict, artillery here, troop movements there, insurrection or betrayal of the military leaders on the other side... I understand that they wanted to explain the evolution of the conflict and how India finally achieved independence, but I think it could have been made much more entertaining or more fluid.
September 7, 2021
Furioasă, Malika Kishwar străbate în lung şi-n lat odaia, înconjurată de doamnele sale de companie, îngrozite. De obicei nu-şi pierde cumpătul, însă acum se sufocă de indignare, încât de-abia mai reuşeşte să vorbească. Cât îi urăşte pe aceşti angrezi 3 , care se poartă aici ca nişte stăpâni şi, în fiecare zi, îl umilesc pe respectatul suveran, iubitul ei fiu. Ea, întâia doamnă a regatului Awadh, o să le interzică neciopliţilor ăstora… Să le interzică? Plină de ciudă, şi-a aruncat cât colo dupatta 4 , dându-şi la iveală formele impunătoare şi o mică servitoare dă fuga s-o ridice. Ce poate să facă ea? În nenumărate rânduri a încercat să-l convingă pe rege să se împotrivească pretenţiilor tot mai mari ale „prietenilor şi protectorilor“ săi, dar Wajid Ali Shah, cu toate că e un bărbat atât de blând, s-a enervat în cele din urmă: – Vă rog să nu mai aduceţi în discuţie acest subiect, preacinstită mamă. Compania caută orice pretext ca să pună stăpânire pe stat şi noi nu trebuie să-i oferim unul, ci, dimpotrivă, să ne purtăm ca nişte aliaţi cinstiţi. „Aliaţi cinstiţi? Cu trădătorii ăştia?“ fusese ea gata să-i răs-pundă, dar privirea regelui o silise să tacă. O privire aşa de tristă şi descumpănită, încât ea îşi dăduse seama că ar fi fost zadarnic şi mai ales o cruzime să insiste. Cine suferea mai mult decât fiul ei din pricina situaţiei înjositoare în care, de ani întregi, îl ţine Rezidentul, reprezentantul puternicei Companii engleze a Indiilor Orientale şi adevăratul cârmuitor al unui regat unde Wajid Ali Shah nu mai era monarh decât cu numele. O marionetă în mâinile acestei companii care, de un secol întreg, prin presiuni, ameninţări şi făgăduieli mincinoase, lua în stăpânire statele suverane, unul câte unul. Malika Kishwar nu înţelege… Cum s-a putut ajunge într-o asemenea situaţie?
September 26, 2024
On est en 1856 dans un riche état du nord de l'Inde, Awadh, dans la cour d'un roi moghol. La vie est douce et pleine de félicité, mais l'avidité de la Compagnie anglaise met à mal cette équilibre, somme toute précaire. Car si juste qu'à présent, une relative entente était en place, les visées politiques et financières des Anglais, va mettre le feu aux poudres.
C'est dans cet état d'instabilité que se développe un esprit farouche de révolte au sein de la population locale. Deux personnages vont en être les chefs de fil, pour se battre contre les velléités anglaises. le 1er est le rajah Jai Lal, le 2nd est la 4eme épouse du roi, Hazrat Mahal. L'un comme l'autre vont oeuvrer, faire des alliances politiques, varier les stratégies d'attaque et soutenir la révolte. Mais hélas, ils connaissent des déboires, des désillusions, mais qui n'arriveront pas à éteindre le désir d'indépendance qui les rogne, et qui rogne chaque indien.
C'est 2 personnages forts, déterminés, que ce combat va révéler.
L'histoire est très intéressante, j'ai appris beaucoup de choses sur ce pan de l'histoire. le seul bémol, c'est qu'on se perd parfois dans la multitude de personnages aux noms souvent complexes, qu'il est fait beaucoup état des nombreuses batailles et sièges. Ça m'a paru long par moment, mais ça montre bien la complexité de cette guerre.
Et même si la vie personnelle de 2 personnages est évoquée, elle aura peu prendre un peu plus de place dans le récit, pour le rendre plus captivant et "léger".
On sent que l'auteur a voulu faire un état précis et fidèle de l'Histoire, et c'est bigrement bien documenté. Mais il aura fallu, pour me faire apprécier d'avantage le récit, plus de dialogues pour donner une touche plus vivante.
C'est dans cet état d'instabilité que se développe un esprit farouche de révolte au sein de la population locale. Deux personnages vont en être les chefs de fil, pour se battre contre les velléités anglaises. le 1er est le rajah Jai Lal, le 2nd est la 4eme épouse du roi, Hazrat Mahal. L'un comme l'autre vont oeuvrer, faire des alliances politiques, varier les stratégies d'attaque et soutenir la révolte. Mais hélas, ils connaissent des déboires, des désillusions, mais qui n'arriveront pas à éteindre le désir d'indépendance qui les rogne, et qui rogne chaque indien.
C'est 2 personnages forts, déterminés, que ce combat va révéler.
L'histoire est très intéressante, j'ai appris beaucoup de choses sur ce pan de l'histoire. le seul bémol, c'est qu'on se perd parfois dans la multitude de personnages aux noms souvent complexes, qu'il est fait beaucoup état des nombreuses batailles et sièges. Ça m'a paru long par moment, mais ça montre bien la complexité de cette guerre.
Et même si la vie personnelle de 2 personnages est évoquée, elle aura peu prendre un peu plus de place dans le récit, pour le rendre plus captivant et "léger".
On sent que l'auteur a voulu faire un état précis et fidèle de l'Histoire, et c'est bigrement bien documenté. Mais il aura fallu, pour me faire apprécier d'avantage le récit, plus de dialogues pour donner une touche plus vivante.
November 29, 2020
A beautiful book set in exotic India in the mid 19th century detailing the Revolt of the Sepoys against the British injustices of offending both Hindu and Moslem subjects, heavy taxes, annexations, and general contempt for Indians. The joy of reading Historical Fiction abounds here in character portrayal -- you feel the elegance and sophistication of the court, the jealousies and life of ease in the Zenana (women quarter). I also enjoyed the description of the palaces, gardens, art and poetry performances. The book also describes the ordinary people and their struggle for existence as well as their love and devotion to their king.
When the ing of Awadh in Central India is deposed by the British in 1856 he refuses to fight but plans to plead his case to Queen Victoria directly. He is not permitted to leave the country but is kept prisoner in Delhi, albeit being imprisoned in a palace!
As things move from bad to worse in Awadh, one of the wives, Begum Hazarat Mahal agrees to declare her 11-year-old son as king to create a central power to lead the war of independence. An offer refused by the first wife who feared for the safety of her own son.
The story then details how the Begum of Awadh shows great strategic sense in managing her generals, her hopes and fears and how she dealt with Victories and betrayals.
When the ing of Awadh in Central India is deposed by the British in 1856 he refuses to fight but plans to plead his case to Queen Victoria directly. He is not permitted to leave the country but is kept prisoner in Delhi, albeit being imprisoned in a palace!
As things move from bad to worse in Awadh, one of the wives, Begum Hazarat Mahal agrees to declare her 11-year-old son as king to create a central power to lead the war of independence. An offer refused by the first wife who feared for the safety of her own son.
The story then details how the Begum of Awadh shows great strategic sense in managing her generals, her hopes and fears and how she dealt with Victories and betrayals.
August 10, 2019
Foi fascinante ler sobre tantos fatos dramáticos e personagens heróicos que lutaram contra a dominação inglesa da Índia no século 19. Este livro me abriu portas para muitas “descobertas” pessoais, especialmente as relacionadas à participação das mulheres na vida social e política aquele país. Há poucas mulheres que tenham influído tanto na luta dos indianos contra os invadores europeus como Hazrat Mahal, a quarta esposa do rei de Awadh, mãe do herdeiro real e líder na Primeira Guerra pela Independência Indiana em 1857. Como publicou um jornal inglês da época, “a Begum de Awadh demonstra mais senso estratégico e coragem do que todos os seus generais reunidos.”
O livro é muito bom, mas se perde um pouco no meio por dar detalhes demais sobre a evolução das operações da guerra. Na minha opinião, poderia ter sido mais curto. A história de amor entre Hazrat Mahal e um dos líderes da revolta indiana adiciona momentos ficcionais interessantes à narrativa, mas me parece pouco crível e contrastante demais com a brutalidade dos acontecimentos militares e políticos. Apesar disso, este foi um livro que me agradou bastante e que recomendo àqueles que se interessam por romances históricos.
O livro é muito bom, mas se perde um pouco no meio por dar detalhes demais sobre a evolução das operações da guerra. Na minha opinião, poderia ter sido mais curto. A história de amor entre Hazrat Mahal e um dos líderes da revolta indiana adiciona momentos ficcionais interessantes à narrativa, mas me parece pouco crível e contrastante demais com a brutalidade dos acontecimentos militares e políticos. Apesar disso, este foi um livro que me agradou bastante e que recomendo àqueles que se interessam por romances históricos.
February 25, 2020
This book is unlike any historic fiction I have read before. I brought this book 5 years back and after reading the first 10 pages or so, I abandoned it. It has since remained in my shelf until I picked it up again last week.
The writing style is quite unique switching from personal account of the protagonist to documentary of events and is a little uncomfortable to begin with , but once you cross the bridge of uneasiness, the journey is immersive. The characters, their ideologies , biases, confusions, interests, motivations everything are so well etched that even after reading the book, I am still invested in the characters. Especially the characters of Mammod, Jai Lal, Nana Saheb, Tantia Tope, Lord Canning, young Birjis Qadr and Mumtaz mahal herself.
After having completed the book, I am left with a pang of injustice as to why a leader like Mumtaz mahal did not get her due recognition for her role in freedom fight.
The writing style is quite unique switching from personal account of the protagonist to documentary of events and is a little uncomfortable to begin with , but once you cross the bridge of uneasiness, the journey is immersive. The characters, their ideologies , biases, confusions, interests, motivations everything are so well etched that even after reading the book, I am still invested in the characters. Especially the characters of Mammod, Jai Lal, Nana Saheb, Tantia Tope, Lord Canning, young Birjis Qadr and Mumtaz mahal herself.
After having completed the book, I am left with a pang of injustice as to why a leader like Mumtaz mahal did not get her due recognition for her role in freedom fight.
May 18, 2017
"...el mundo olvida rápidamente, un acontecimiento tapa el siguiente y aquel que tiene el poder impone su versión de la historia, que, en pocos años, se convierte en la verdad incontestable."
"..están convencidos de poseer la verdad, y creen que, puesto que su sistema de valores es universal, deben difundirlo por el mundo entero: un sentimiento de superioridad que procede de su ignorancia de las otras civilizaciones. Los más fuertes raramente se toman el trabajo de entender a aquellos a quienes domina, se aferran a los detalles que encuentran chocantes o risibles, y eso les refuerza sus prejuicios."
"Puesto que son los más fuertes, continúan aplastando y matando mientras invocan la necesidad de preservar el orden y los valores de la civilización... ¿Qué civilización? Una civilización de comerciantes en la que el valor supremo es el oro, disimulado bajo los velos de la moral..."
"..están convencidos de poseer la verdad, y creen que, puesto que su sistema de valores es universal, deben difundirlo por el mundo entero: un sentimiento de superioridad que procede de su ignorancia de las otras civilizaciones. Los más fuertes raramente se toman el trabajo de entender a aquellos a quienes domina, se aferran a los detalles que encuentran chocantes o risibles, y eso les refuerza sus prejuicios."
"Puesto que son los más fuertes, continúan aplastando y matando mientras invocan la necesidad de preservar el orden y los valores de la civilización... ¿Qué civilización? Una civilización de comerciantes en la que el valor supremo es el oro, disimulado bajo los velos de la moral..."
October 30, 2020
Une déception. De Kenizé Mourad, je connaissais "de la part de la princesse morte", une épopée entre Turquie, Inde et Angleterre au début du siècle. J'ai cru trouver dans ce roman, qui promettait le souffle épique de l'Inde et une grande histoire d'amour, des émotions similaires.
A la place, j'ai lu 400 pages de récits d'avancées militaires, reculades militaires, avancées militaires, reculades militaires... le tout nimbé d'un vocabulaire spécifique qui rend le texte laborieux pour le néophyte.
La "vaste fresque historique sur fond de passion amoureuse" ne tient pas ses promesses. On saute des pages entières sans rien manquer de l'intrigue... quelle intrigue ?
Je mets deux étoiles quand même par admiration pour le travail de recherche historique effectué par l'autrice, qui a détaillé jour après jour, heure après heure, l'évolution de l'insurrection.
A la place, j'ai lu 400 pages de récits d'avancées militaires, reculades militaires, avancées militaires, reculades militaires... le tout nimbé d'un vocabulaire spécifique qui rend le texte laborieux pour le néophyte.
La "vaste fresque historique sur fond de passion amoureuse" ne tient pas ses promesses. On saute des pages entières sans rien manquer de l'intrigue... quelle intrigue ?
Je mets deux étoiles quand même par admiration pour le travail de recherche historique effectué par l'autrice, qui a détaillé jour après jour, heure après heure, l'évolution de l'insurrection.
January 27, 2019
First half is slow but the book picks up paces as it progresses. It takes a while to get adjusted to the communication style but overall the author has done a good job of keeping the text concise. The book gives insights into life and situations during the 1857 revolt and bring out aspects which are not very well known to many of us. The con part is that there is no mention of her actual poetry and very little coverage of the quality of life she lead in Nepal after being exiled. Her passion for her country comes across in much lesser intensity than what one would see in other accounts about Hazrat Mahal. Overall a good read.
December 22, 2021
I wasn't quite sure how many stars to give this. I suppose four will have to do. I started reading this book recently, but I decided to stop reading it a couple of days ago. The books descriptions of food, clothing, architecture and Indian culture were gorgeous and sumptuous. However, the way the book is worded is sometimes weird and it makes the book very hard to read. I understand that the original version was written in the French language, so perhaps the fault is actually with the translators. I am curious about reading the author's autobiography though. I'm also curious about reading a history book on the real life events this story is based on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2023
le portrait d'une femme exceptionnelle. elle était l'âme de la révolte.. Plus qu'une reine, un symbole de lutte contre l'occupant. La petite Muhammadi, devenue ''Hazrat Mahal'' lorsqu'elle épouse le roi d'Awadh. Elle était à la fois la poétesse de Chowq, épouse éblouie et loyale, jeune régente, amante passionnée, souveraine éclairée, chef de guerre intrépide et pugnace, la reine inspirera ses soldats pendant la lutte acharnée contre les anglais dans les années 1850. Cette figure hautement symbolique, à l'instar de la reine de Jansi, restera dans l'histoire comme l'une des flammes vibrantes de la révolution. Elle tracera la voie vers la libération des Indes.
March 12, 2020
There was a hype, an intrigue attached with the strong title and the personality the book was about. It was a bit disappointing . Might have been the fact that a translation takes away the essence?
Still, Hazrat Mahal’s character was a poorly built up one. The fiction part in this historical fiction was weak. How exactly she managed such great position remains under covers even after providence of historical excerpts.
This book lies somewhere between fiction & history, a well researched and eye opener in many aspects of 1857’s mutiny/uprising.
Still, Hazrat Mahal’s character was a poorly built up one. The fiction part in this historical fiction was weak. How exactly she managed such great position remains under covers even after providence of historical excerpts.
This book lies somewhere between fiction & history, a well researched and eye opener in many aspects of 1857’s mutiny/uprising.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2020
Si l'intrigue est prometteuse, l'auteure n'arrive jamais à mêler la petite histoire à la grande, et tout ce qu'il nous reste, c'est une énumération de dates et des évènements qui y sont liés, la mise en contexte du conflit (les 3/4 du livre) et au final l'impression d'avoir lu une chronologie détaillée plus que le destin d'une femme.
Mais rien que pour ça, pour la mise en lumière d'une femme historique importante, ce livre vaut quand même le coup.
Mais rien que pour ça, pour la mise en lumière d'une femme historique importante, ce livre vaut quand même le coup.
April 20, 2020
Excelente novela, Kenizé Mourad narra de forma cautivadora y ágil los sucesos históricos de la guerra de los Cipayos contra la opresión británica, en torno a la admirable figura de su líder, la begum Hazrat Mahal, a la vez que sumerge al lector en la espléndida ciudad de Lucknow y la cultura India.
February 21, 2022
cuantas reinas guerreras se han quedado en el olvido. cuantas revoluciones de gente de color han sido vistas en vano. Mourad sigue a esta personaje histórica y logra darle una personalidad entrañable, sin sacrificar demasiado los hechos históricos.
lo único que le habría agregado sería un glosario de los nombre y términos, porque al ser tantos, se confunden. Fuera de eso, es maravilloso .
lo único que le habría agregado sería un glosario de los nombre y términos, porque al ser tantos, se confunden. Fuera de eso, es maravilloso .
December 6, 2017
özellikle tarihi romanları sevenlerin oldukça hoşuna gideceğini düşünüyorum. İngiliz işgali altında bulunan Hindistan'daki Awadh ta cereyan eden olaylar ve bu olayların merkezindeki Begüm Hazret Mahal'ın hayatı oldukça akıcı bir şekilde anlatılıyor.
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