There’s so much out there to see and feel and taste. I’m greedy for it. I’ll take the bitter with the sweet. I’ll endure the pain.
Time to read:
Book of the week: The Last Queen by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.2/5
About the book:
The novel is set against the backdrop of pre-independence India, as the British annexed native kingdoms aggressively. The story is about Rani Jindan Kaur, the last queen of Punjab, mother to Maharaja Dalip Singh and widow of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. An extraordinary woman, she navigated a tumultuous court dominated by men with unwavering dignity and sharp political acumen. From her humble childhood through her opulent reign and into her twilight years, the story paints an intimate portrait of a relentless woman who guided her young son, inspired her army, and stood unbowed in the face of imperial conquest.
I picked the book to understand how a queen mother molds a king—how she instills the wisdom and character needed to bear the weight of the crown.
Here is a breakdown of my thoughts, structured around a few core questions:
- How is the writing in the book?
The writing is lucid and the setting is vivid. One can truly get a glimpse of the opulence of Punjab before its submission to the British empire. Additionally, the novel’s short sub-chapters make it an easy read.
- What is the dominant emotion invoked in me while reading the book?
From the start, my dominant feeling was one of profound admiration for Rani Jindan, whose valour shines through even in the quietest moments. Her intrepid nature while guiding her son through the intricacies of governance maintaining a fine balance between motherly love and strategic mentorship is praise-worthy.
- What are the things I liked in the book?
The story doesn’t paint a white-washed portrait of Rani Jindan, rather, the narrative depicts her flaws and errors in judgment with the same honesty as her heroic spirit.
- What are the things I wish could have been better in the book?
There is hardly a detail I would alter. The book presents a good blend of history and fiction that makes it an engaging read.
- Who would you recommend the book to? Who in your life will appreciate the book?
The book offers a remarkable window into the pivotal role of woman in royal courts—influencing the right people at the right time. If Indian history during the imperial reign draws you, this book is a compelling pick.
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