, Kenize Mourad offers a new epic and passionate novel about the true story of an exceptional woman during an extraordinary moment in history.

Almost an entire century before India gained its independence from Britain, one woman - Begum Hazrat Mahal - dares to stand up to the all-powerful British Empire.

She does so in 1856, after the British decided to annex the immensely wealthy state of Awadh, and its King, Wajid Ali Shah, left never to return.

As the King's fourth wife and mother to his son, Hazrat Mahal leads the people's uprising against the British's unwelcome presence. Along side the loyal rajah Jai Lal and with the help of the Cipay, the Indian soldiers who were once members of the British army now rallied to her cause, Hazrat Mahal embodies the resistance movement for two years. Her wisdom, integrity and courage allow this once orphan, now queen to lead India on its first step towards independence.

About the Author
Kenize Mourad is a French novelist and journalist of Turkish-Indian origin.