Black Taj
by Mohini Kent
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date 31 Mar 2016 | Archive Date 30 Mar 2016
Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd | HopeRoad
Description
An only child, Simi grows up comfortably in the city of Atmapuri enjoying certainty in her future. Then, unexpectedly, everything changes. Her city, overtaken by the riots that have periodically gripped India since Britain's abrupt withdrawal, is threatening to fall apart along the lines of religion, caste, and community. Shortly before turning twenty-five, Simi meets a wonderful young man. Although he was also raised in Atmapuri, his caste means that he is in many ways from a different world.
Without warning, Simi faces difficult new choices—but when the past is always present, it can be hard to break free. Against a backdrop of monsoons and heat waves, shanty towns and expensive bungalows, love and tradition, and religious conflict and social upheaval, Simi's life will change forever.
Advance Praise
"This is a beautifully realised story for the new Indian century." Andy Marino
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781908446459 |
| PRICE | £12.99 (GBP) |
Average rating from 8 members
Featured Reviews
Dominique B, Reviewer
“A tale of the cruelties that took place during the 1947 partition of India, Black Taj is a tragic story about young love’s struggle to cross the Indian caste divide.”
I was drawn to this book by the culture; India and its religions have always intrigued me, that, and I’m a sucker for a good “romeo + juliet” scenario.
This book was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I was fond of several characters, although the ones I disliked, I loathed. I loved the story, the depictions of the caste system, what it’s like loving someone your family is prejudiced against. This book hit a lot of issues, and I was actually surprised when it took a turn of violence. (Right when I was starting to doubt there would be any sort of climax in the story.) Although, at times nothing seemed to be really happening in the plot, I never got bored. I never once caught myself skimming while reading this one.
“Against a backdrop of monsoons and heat waves, shanty towns and expensive bungalows, love and tradition, and religious conflict and social upheaval, Simi’s life will change forever.”
The only negative feelings I have toward this book, are toward a character. And maaaybe things didn’t end as I’d hoped because there just didn’t seem to be enough justice in the end. But I guess that’s how the real world works.
Anyway, I’d recommend this book to anyone. I enjoyed it and it’s a lot different than any book I’ve read in a long time.
About the author: Mohini Kent (Lady Noon) has written for India Today, The Times of India, The Tablet and BBC Radio: her directorial roles include The Ramayana and Curry Tiffin.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
