Author: Michel Larneuil
Translator(s)/ Editors(s): Ranjit Sinha
Publisher: Sahitya Akademi
Year: 2011
Language: English
Pages: 305
ISBN/UPC (if available): 9788126029860
Description
The backdrop of the Novel by Michel Larneuil, is India in the Mid – 18th century when the French and the British, riding high on the fever of Colonization, were fighting to make India one of their colonies. Farzana Zebunissa, born in a Muslim Family, was forced to take up the life of a prostitute in Delhi.
However, soon the nightmare turned into a dream as Farzana met the charming and Charismatic French General Sombre and sparks flew. Soon Farzana become Begum Samru and after the demise of Sombre, the ruler of Sardana. Thus started a journey of adventure, court intrigues and power play. Begum Samru, the protagonist of this novel, can be described best in her own words.
“I am one of those who has survived, and held sway, on the strength of my sword.”
ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR:
Ranjit Sinha holds a Ph D in French from the Sorbonne University in Paris. He has Combined his love for the language with his passion fro history in this translation. His book Lalkot to Lodhi Gardens: The Delhi of Sultans Captures the essence of Delhi during the Mughal era. He has also written other books on his travels across the world.
Contents
Prologue
Part I
1. Farzana
2. General Sombre
3. Begum Sombre
4. Sardhana
Part II
5. Begum of Sardhana
6. Joanna
7. Sindhia’s Sister
8. Georges Thomas
9. Levassoult
10. Joanna On Trial
11. Afterword