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Epic,
Romantic,
Adventurous

16 reviews

Beneath a Marble Sky

by John Shors

Published: 2006-06-06
Paperback : 344 pages

37 members reading this now
43 clubs reading this now
15 members have read this book

Recommended to book clubs by 15 of 16 members

Journey to dazzling seventeenth-century Hindustan, where the reigning emperor, consumed with grief over the tragic death of his beloved wife, commissioned the building of a grand mausoleum as a testament to the marvel of their love. This monument would soon become known as the ...

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Introduction

Princess Jahanara, the courageous daughter of the emperor and his wife, recounts their mesmerizing tale, while sharing her own parallel story of forbidden love with the celebrated architect of the Taj Mahal. Set during a time of unimaginable wealth and power, murderous sibling rivalries, and cruel despotism, this impressive novel sweeps you away to a historical Hindustan brimming with action and intrigue in an era when, alongside the brutalities of war and oppression, architecture and the art of love and passion reached a pinnacle of perfection.

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Suggested by Members

One question we talked about is if it seemed realistic that the emperor would take the advice from his wife knowing that women were not treated well in that part of the world.

Also that men had many concubines so women were really used and disgarded. Discussion on how the emperor valued his wife.

by rachelsbooks (see profile) 12/01/09

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Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 15 of 16 members.

Member Reviews

Overall rating:

"Beneath a Marble Sky"by Alexis T. (see profile) 08/11/11

This book generated great discussion plus some of us are so interested we may continue to read some non-fiction information about the Taj Mahal! Road trip?!

"Beneath a Marble Sky"by Rita E. (see profile) 07/28/11

A good read, historically fairly accurate...

"Beneath a Marble Sky"by Nancy L. (see profile) 07/28/11

John Shors provides a masculine touch to a haunting love story that survives the ages. His recall of history was only slightly embellished and provided good conversation. This book got a thumbs up from... (read more)

"Beneath a Marble Sky"by Jane S. (see profile) 07/28/11

Historical Fiction, if you're interested in the Taj Mahal or life in 17th century India, this is the book for you.

"Beneath a Marble Sky"by Julie N. (see profile) 06/01/11

Although I knew nothing about the Taj Mahal to start with, I will admit that this peaked my interest in finding out more. It just seemed to be written more like a "dime store" romance than historical... (read more)

"beneath the marble sky"by chris h. (see profile) 04/30/11

A love story set in 1600s Hindustan against background of political intrigue and warrior cruelty--told through the eyes of Princess Jahanara--feat believable tho the author is male. From what I gathered... (read more)

"Beneath a Marble Sky"by Linda K. (see profile) 03/02/11

"Beneath a Marble Sky"by Kim G. (see profile) 02/28/11

Excellent book club selection! I would highly recommend this book to all clubs. BONUS: The author called in to our book club discussion to answer questions. Brilliant!

"To the Sky!"by Kristi F. (see profile) 02/23/11

Great story and very well written. Our bookclubs 2008 "Book of the year!" Romance, Murder, Deception, Friendship and Love; this book has it all.

"Beneath a Marble Sky"by Pat K. (see profile) 11/05/10

One of my Book Club's reads. We all loved this book. So much of it is authentic of the times. It is romantic, sad, and a page turner all at the sdame time.

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