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Book Reviews of Jahanara: Princess of Princesses, India, 1627 (The Royal Diaries)

Jahanara: Princess of Princesses, India, 1627 (The Royal Diaries)
Jahanara Princess of Princesses India 1627 - The Royal Diaries
Author: Kathryn Lasky
ISBN-13: 9780439223508
ISBN-10: 0439223504
Publication Date: 9/1/2002
Pages: 186
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 34

4 stars, based on 34 ratings
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

6 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

k00kaburra avatar reviewed Jahanara: Princess of Princesses, India, 1627 (The Royal Diaries) on + 62 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
From Amazon.com: Gr. 4-8. Steeped in period detail and related with immediacy by an intelligent, sensitive, 14-year-old princess, this entry in the Royal Diaries series transports readers to seventeenth-century India during the Moghul Dynasty. Jahanara, favorite daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan and the most beloved of his four wives, writes about family jealousies, court intrigues, and war strategies, as well as the extravagant lifestyle of her royal family, who live in a setting where wall murals of flowers crafted in gemstones glitter by lamplight as though in bloom. Readers encounter historical figures, such as Empress Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the Taj Mahal was built, as well as fictional characters introduced to explore the practices of the times--among them, the gardener, whose eyes were stitched closed as punishment for spying. The language seems true to the thoughts and sensitivities of a young teen, and Lasky's meticulous research is evident throughout the journal, which references issues such as religious tolerance, the impact of Islamic extremism, and women's efforts to gain respect--issues that are as vital today as they were during Jahanara's life. Ellen Mandel

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(Before I read this: Should be a good book. I don't know much about the history of India or Indian culture, so I hope to learn at least a little tiny bit from this.
After: I found the book quite enjoyable; for me it truly is a glance into another world.)
reviewed Jahanara: Princess of Princesses, India, 1627 (The Royal Diaries) on + 41 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Another enjoyable read by my 14 yo daughter and myself. Makes a nice change in pace to our schoolwork, yet has some historical value as well.
pilgrimsprogress avatar reviewed Jahanara: Princess of Princesses, India, 1627 (The Royal Diaries) on + 20 more book reviews
Thought it brought up rather mature topics.
nomadmomof4 avatar reviewed Jahanara: Princess of Princesses, India, 1627 (The Royal Diaries) on
this book is really very interesting it tells about the way of life in ancient india from a female standpoint really you should read this book. intersesting and educaational
reviewed Jahanara: Princess of Princesses, India, 1627 (The Royal Diaries) on + 83 more book reviews
A fascinating and informative read by Kathryn Lasky.
knightslady avatar reviewed Jahanara: Princess of Princesses, India, 1627 (The Royal Diaries) on + 96 more book reviews
Very good read.