The Twentieth Wife Audiobook By Indu Sundaresan cover art

The Twentieth Wife

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The Twentieth Wife

By: Indu Sundaresan
Narrated by: Sneha Mathan
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An enchanting historical epic of grand passion and adventure, this debut novel tells the captivating story of one of India's most controversial empresses, a woman whose brilliance and determination trumped myriad obstacles and whose love shaped the course of the Mughal Empire.

Skillfully blending the textures of historical reality with the rich and sensual imaginings of a timeless fairy tale, The Twentieth Wife sweeps listeners up in Mehrunnisa's embattled love with Prince Salim - and in the bedazzling destiny of a woman, a legend in her own time, who was all but lost to history until now.

©2002 Indu Sundaresan (P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc. Action & Adventure Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Sagas South Asian Creators Royalty Feel-Good Heartfelt Indian Literature

Critic reviews

"Sundaresan writes in the great tradition of the Indian epic, an art she carries forward with grace and brilliance....This is a remarkably readable book despite the historical basis, with which many readers will not be familiar." (Library Journal)
"Sundaresan's debut is a sweeping, carefully researched tale of desire, sexual mores, and political treachery set against the backdrop of 16th- and 17th-century India....[She] charts the chronology of the Mughal Empire, describing life in the royal court in convincing detail and employing authentic period terms throughout." (Publishers Weekly)

Featured Article: The Best Indian Authors to Listen to Right Now


"India," to quote actress and human rights activist Shabana Azmi, "is a country that lives in several centuries simultaneously." Just as those different time periods seem to coexist in one place, so do the voices of brilliant literary talents. Each of these writers and their works have contributed to help the world better understand this expansive country and its beautiful, multifaceted culture, whether it be from within India’s own borders or through the memory of its customs and traditions from distant continents.

Featured Article The Best Indian Authors to Listen to Right Now
Rich Historical Detail • Captivating Love Story • Melodic Voice • Vivid Characters • Vivid Cultural Descriptions
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I bought the second book in this series; The feast of roses and loved it so I decided to try the first book as a audio book. I was not disappointed! I listen to this book while doing routine chores at work and the time flew by. I would recommend this audio book to anyone who likes historical fiction or historial romance.

Entertaining listen

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Mesmerizing story superbly narrated by Sneha Mathan! I am anxious to move on to book two of this promising trilogy.

Brilliant!

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I loved so much about this book I really don't know where to start, the narrator was absolutely wonderful, She brought all the characters to life! It was very understandable and relatable, even to someone outside of the culture. I learned so much and would definitely recommend 👌

Love, love, love

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If you like historical fiction, this is a fantastic book. I definitely recommend it. Interesting and well written.

Excellent

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One of my favorites!! First time on audible, but I have read book many times.

Love this story!

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this was a very enjoyable fiction read with a good bit of historical basis. I'm looking forward to reading the next books.

lovely

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Women in history, no matter the ethnicity have so much in common. It amazes me how strong women find ways to overcome societal restraints to leave theirark.

Women in history

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Wonderful story, dip into history, & performance! Prepare to get whisked away to another time and place.

Wonderful story, dip into history, & performance!

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what a great book I can not wait to read the next one!! And then the next!

loved this story!!

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Eloquent imagery and a beautiful love story. Kept my interest throughout the whole story.

Enchanting!

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