First published 1997
A mysterious traveler arrives at the Mughal court, spinning a tale of a legendary beauty with powers of enchantment. As the emperor Akbar becomes obsessed with this woman's story, we journey to the sensual High Renaissance city of Florence, where the infamous Machiavelli learns the brutal price of power. Two far-flung realms collide in this dazzling tale of destiny, desire, and the intoxicating dance between myth and reality.
Genres: literary-fiction, historical-fiction, fantasy, magical-realism
Vibes: atmospheric, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: epic-tale, myth-and-legend
Setting: Mogul Empire, Florence, Italy, Fatehpur Sikri
Period: 16th century
368 pages · Hardcover · Random House