The Last Queen by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a historical novel that vividly portrays the life of Rani Jindan, the Mother of the Khalsa, the last Queen of Punjab. The book delves into the life of Rani Jindan, her journey from being the daughter of a royal kennel keeper to becoming a powerful Queen, her profound love for her husband, and her fierce protection of her son Dalip. The story is filled with themes of sacrifice, courage, bravery, and determination as Rani Jindan faces deceit, rebellion, and violence while standing up against the British rule.
The Last Queen is written in a captivating and authentic style, filled with twists and turns that keep readers engaged. The characters are depicted in shades of grey, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. The book weaves together historical events with a compelling storyline, making it thought-provoking and immersive. Through detailed descriptions and powerful storytelling, the author brings to life the city of Lahore and the historical events surrounding Rani Jindan, creating a vivid and cinematic reading experience.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The content warnings include themes of betrayal, violence, and loss, which may be intense for some readers.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance in The Last Queen, particularly revolving around Rani Jindan's relationship with her husband, Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
From The Publisher:
WINNER of the 2022 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WORKING WOMEN AWARD for BEST FICTION OF THE YEAR!
LONGLISTED for 2022 DUBLIN LITERARY AWARD!
She rose from commoner to become the last reigning queen of India's Sikh Empire. In this dazzling novel, based on true-life events, bestselling author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni presents the unforgettable story of Jindan, who transformed herself from daughter of the royal kennel keeper to powerful monarch.
Sharp-eyed, stubborn, and passionate, Jindan was known for her beauty. When she caught the eye of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, she was elevated to royalty, becoming his youngest and last queen-and his favorite. And when her son, barely six years old, unexpectedly inherited the throne, Jindan assumed the regency. She transformed herself from pampered wife to warrior ruler, determined to protect her people and her son's birthright from the encroaching British Empire.
Defying tradition, she stepped out of the zenana, cast aside the veil, and conducted state business in public, inspiring her subjects in two wars. Her power and influence were so formidable that the British, fearing an uprising, robbed the rebel queen of everything she had, but nothing crushed her indomitable will.
An exquisite love story of a king and a commoner, a cautionary tale about loyalty and betrayal, a powerful parable of the indestructible bond between mother and child, and an inspiration for our times, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's novel brings alive one of the most fearless women of the nineteenth century, one whose story cries out to be told.
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