ABANDONED. Published before 1984, historical, harem?

[Nancy]

I read, or should I stay, I started but couldn't finish this book when I was in college, and I graduated in 84. What I remember was an English girl (I believe) is kidnapped? maybe and taken on a ship to be part of a harem. I don't know where, but while en route, the master's servant (possibly a eunuch) begins to train her on how to best fit in and serve the master, who might be a sheik but I can't be certain. She is a virgin, and that has to be maintained, but the training includes sexual training. What turned me off is that her brother was also kidnapped and turned into a eunuch and she was supposed to practice on him. That's where I quit. I'd love to find out the title to be certain I'm not crazy and also have it available if someone asks what was the worst book you've read. I want to prove that it really exists.

Thanks in advance.

Nancy

[Amy]

Wow! I'll read it

[Heather]

Harem There was a TV mini-series starring Omar Sharif the same year, and this book is based on it.

[Amy]

For real?

[Heather]

Amy wrote: "For real?"
Omar was the best part of the series. He did a whirling dervish dance with others at one point. He was the sultan.

[Tricia]

Sounds like a Betrice Small book...

Abducted from a life of privilege, she was sold into slavery in a distant land. For Lady Janet Leslie there would be no escaping the harem of the wealthy and powerful Sultan Selim. But from the moment the handsome ruler spied his breathtaking "Cyra," was captivated -- by the fiery desire that coursed through his veins. She belonged to him, body and soul -yet it was he who was enslaved.

[Nancy]

Heather wrote: "Harem There was a TV mini-series starring Omar Sharif the same year, and this book is based on it."

No. I read this in the 80s so it couldn't have been this book.

[Nancy]

TriciaLen wrote: "Sounds like a Betrice Small book...

Abducted from a life of privilege, she was sold into slavery in a distant land. For Lady Janet Leslie there would be no escaping t..."
I thought it might be this one. Is the brother thing in this book?

[Tricia]

Nancy wrote: "TriciaLen wrote: "Sounds like a Betrice Small book...

Abducted from a life of privilege, she was sold into slavery in a distant land. For Lady Janet Leslie there woul..."

You know I can't say for sure but I did read a Betrice Small book about a young boy who was turned against his will. I really think this may be the one.

But...since I am not sure I will check... I have this book in storage...

[Tricia]

TriciaLen wrote: "Nancy wrote: "TriciaLen wrote: "Sounds like a Betrice Small book...

Abducted from a life of privilege, she was sold into slavery in a distant land. For Lady Janet Les..."

After skimming the book... I still cannot say if this is the one you are looking for but it is a classic and very beloved and I think you will love it.

[JennyG]

Nancy wrote: "Heather wrote: "Harem There was a TV mini-series starring Omar Sharif the same year, and this book is based on it."

No. I read this in the 80s so it couldn't have been this book."

Earlier suggested Harem by Diane Carey was originally published in 1986.

Original copy:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

Just in case the publishing date is the reason you eliminated this book.

[Nancy]

JennyG wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Heather wrote: "Harem There was a TV mini-series starring Omar Sharif the same year, and this book is based on it."

No. I read this in the 80s so it couldn't have been..."

I graduated from college in 84 so it had to be before that.

[Teri-K]

Could it be Love Slave by Bertrice Small? I remember someone who may or may not be her brother being mixed up in it and the rest of it sounds right. But it's been a long time since I read it...

[``Laurie]

I found a few lists at listopia that might help your search:

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4...

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/8...

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Nancy left the group. Moving to Abandoned.

[Stacy]

Fwiw, this sounds a bit like Beauty's Release, by Anne Rice.