En la ciudad de oro y plata. (In the City of Gold and Silver)

This is a fictionalized account of Hazrat Mahal, born into poverty and sold by her parents to courtesans, who becomes queen and defender of her land. In 1856, the rich and decadent kingdom of Awadh is subject to annexation attempts by the powerful British Empire and East India Company. Hazrat Mahal is one of the favored wives with a son and potential heir. When the beloved but weak king is exiled, Hazrat finds herself in the middle of the rebellion, later recognized as India's first war of independence. Mourad creates a vivid depiction of a crucial moment and a remarkable woman in the history of India. Her narrative is straightforward and engaging with no stylistic distractions; a solid selection for most bookstores and libraries.—Sara Martinez, Hispanic Resource Ctr., Tulsa City-Cty. Lib. Syst. OK