Thalassa Ali

I LOVED this book. It is one I have returned to again and again when there is nothing compelling on the book shelf. It functions as a satisfying romance with none of the artificial silliness of the 'romance formula', but offers a breathtaking tour through a very real part of history, the (dare we say 'foolish'?) smug superiority of the British in 19th century India, and a vivid and respectful introduction to Islam and Sufi mysticism as well. Mariana Givens is the awkward, unsophisticated show more heroine, sent to India to find a husband, but never able to suppress either her unladylike interest in military matters or her wide smile. Her interest in 'native' customs horrifies her betters, but of course appeals to the reader hugely. The 'hostage' she rescues, the child Saboor, is a compelling little character, and the incipient romance with Hassan Ali Khan was utterly fascinating. (Horror: romance with a 'native.' Romance with a native Muslim who believes women should be veiled and sheltered!)

I couldn't wait to read the second book in the series ("A Beggar at the Gate") to see where THAT would go, and still feel that the single brief scene of their one night together was more moving and more profound than the endless pages of biological detail so common in romance novels today.

How I wish we could all approach new and different cultures with Mariana's openness. How I wish that U.S. foreign policy had some of Mariana's understanding of and respect for 'other' ways of life. Bravo to Thalassa Ali for opening western eyes to an historical understanding of Pakistan, neatly couched in a compelling and appealing story. show less

In the beginning, I was totally drawn into Mariana's story and had high hopes about this novel. The hints of tragedy in her past, her love of India and her sense of adventure make Mariana a very sympathetic heroine; I for one hoped that she was going to find happiness with Harry Fitzgerald, the one suitor who seemed to understand her. The desciption of life in India, the glimpses into the walled compounds of women, and the mystical undercurrent to Indian life added immeasurably to the show more narrative, until about two-thirds of the way through when the book suddenly took a turn into the absurd. Mariana's inexplicable decision to thrust herself into an untenable situation coupled with her subsequent inability to explain her way out struck me as ridiculous. From the scene in the Maharajah's Citadel to the very end of the book, I was exasperated with Mariana and with the novel itself. The ending was rushed and left everything unresolved, a decision that makes slightly more sense now that I see there are two more installments to the story, but still weakens the quality of the book. I'm just happy to be finished with Mariana and will certainly not be picking up volumes 2 and 3 of this epic. show less

So many emotions running through my mind, I was so moved with what Mariam had sacrificed. She has braved it all like a white woman and yet embraced her path as a Punjab's wife. Though she had to go through a tough journey to learn the nooks, with all the dreams and wars, she has truly prevail it all. Many unexpected turn of events especially since mixed marriage was abhor back then. Definitely a good read and I didn't expect the book to end as it is.

Here's my full review:
show more target="_top">http://www.sholee.net/2016/09/mpov-beggar-at-gate-mariana-givens-2.html show less

A young Englishwoman, shipped off to British India to find a suitable husband among Queen Victoria's military community, becomes entangled with local politics when she is thrust into the position of rescuer and guardian of a young child being held political hostage by the Maharaja of Punjab.

The descriptions of life in northern India (now Pakistan) during the early years of Queen Victoria's reign, is suitably colorful, but the action borders on the melodramatic, with many hair-raising show more escapades, a forced wedding, an escape from the seraglio, an is-it-or-isn't-it romance, and an ending that just kind of dribbles off without a clear resolution.

Ali, American-born and married to a Pakistani, manages (barely) to stay out of bodice-ripper territory, mostly by keeping everyone chaste. But her heroine is cut from the traditional cloth -- an independent, unconventional, headstrong maiden whose curiosity about the exotic locale leads her, step by step, into deeper intrigue and danger.

It's not a bad read, but don't expect much more than light entertainment here. show less