Indu Sundaresan is an Indian-American author. Her books are categorized under the genre of historical fiction. Daughter of an Indian force pilot, born and brought up in India, her work has been translated into more than 23 languages across the globe.
She has been endowed with the Light of India award for Excellence in literature. She also won the Washington State Book Award for The Twentieth Wife in 2003. Currently, she resides in Seattle, Washington, with her family.
The Twentieth Wife
A book full of enchanting utopias is a grand historical epic. This is a debut novel, and the stories are about passion and adventure. It is the story of one of India’s most controversial empresses. She was a woman of determination and brilliance. It talks about the twentieth wife who shaped the Mughal empire, Mehrunissa. It also explains the love that brought her and Prince Salim together. This novel will tell you the history of the woman that was buried long ago.
The Feast of Roses
The story of Jahangir and Mehrunnisa that began in the debut novel ‘the twentieth wife’ continues in this book. It is for the first time he has married for love as Mehrunnisa comes to his palace as his twentieth wife. This was a matter of concern for the courtiers because they thought that she would control her with the magic of love. Mehrunnisa was a strong woman who ruled from behind the veil. She even risked her own daughter to fulfill her wants, but his man always supported her- a worth-reading novel.
Shadow Princess
This is the third book in the series where the story of Jahangir and Mehrunnisa continues. The book explains how two princesses struggle for the throne of their father. They were forbidden to marry, and they supported different brothers to acquire the throne. But in this race, only one of them will succeed. Do you know who? You will have to read the book for that.
The Mountain of Light
It is a story of conquest, battle, betrayal, love, and adventure. The Mountain of Light is used metaphorically for the Kohinoor diamond. Its origin is not that clear, but its possession shifts from one hand to the other, and it travels to different places across India, Persia, and Afghanistan. In 1850, the stone reached England and then unwrapped the story of a young boy, who was a king and a young queen of England. The novel is a beautiful story of loss and recovery.
In the Convent of Little Flowers
This book is a collection of short stories. It is based on the daily struggles of women and the challenges they have to face in Indian society. It talks about the clash between ancient traditions and modernity. There is one story about a young woman who was adopted by an American family. She receives a letter from sister Theresa Mary. Another one is about an old grandmother begging her grandchild, who is a journalist, to intervene and stop a woman from being burnt alive. These stories are a reflection of complex characters and their challenges—a beautiful read for everyone.
The Splendor of Silence
It is a story of love and heartbreaks which took place during World War II. It is about an American Army captain who comes to India to find his brother with a lot of secrets. But soon, his mission comes to a halt when he falls in love with Mila, the daughter of a local politician. Then a series of tragic events begin. You will see the tragic love and cultural clashes at the same time.
Reading such books can give you a lot of information about the history and some facts which are hidden under the covers of myths. I hope you like our recommendations. We will come up with more ideas. Till then, stay tuned and enjoy reading.
