Beneath a Marble Sky: A Novel of the Taj Mahal - Hardcover

Shors, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0929701712 ISBN 13: 9780929701714

Publisher: McPherson & Company, 2004

Synopsis

In 1632, the Emperor of Hindustan, Shah Jahan, overwhelmed with grief over the death of his beloved wife, Mumatz Mahal, commissioned the building of a grand mausoleum to symbolize the greatness of their love. The story surrounding the construction of the Taj Mahal occurs, however, against a scrim of fratricidal war, murderous rebellion, unimaginable wealth, and, not least of all, religious fundamentalism ruthlessly opposing tolerance and coexistence between the disparate peoples in the empire.

At that time, Hindustan comprised all of modern Pakistan and Kashmir, most of eastern Afghanistan, and two-thirds of the Indian subcontinent (roughly north of Bombay to the Himalayas).

Beneath a Marble Sky, narrated by Princess Jahanara, eldest daughter of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, recounts their story, and her own as well, a parallel tale of forbidden love enduring censure and extreme deprivations. Beneath a Marble Sky brims with action and intrigue befitting an epic era when, alongside continuous war, architecture and its attendant arts reached a pinnacle of perfection.

In a splendid debut, John Shors has crafted an immensely readable and well-researched historical novel of surprisingly contemporary relevance.

About this title

About the Author

John Shors has spent much of his life abroad. After graduating in 1991 from Colorado College, where he studied creative writing and received an English degree, Shors pursued his dream of living in Asia: first in Kyoto, Japan, where he taught English for three years; and then backpacking across the continent. Over the next few years he visited ten countries, climbed the Himalayas of Nepal, and explored the monuments of India. Throughout the Indian subcontinent he acquainted himself intimately with customs and cultures that, at least on the surface, are contrary to Western modes of thought.

After returning to America, John Shors became a newspaper reporter in his home state of Iowa. Within two years he had won a statewide journalism award for investigative reporting. He then moved to Boulder, Colorado, where he began a career as a public relations executive, working for clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to local nonprofits.

Shors currently lives outside Boulder with his wife and two young children. Beneath a Marble Sky is his first novel.

Review

This is superior historical fiction... --BookPleasures.com

The author has obviously done in-depth research of the Taj Mahal and its history. In addition to his fascinating storyline, he weaves in many details about the planning and building of this unique architectural masterpiece. From the exquisite white marble brought in from the quarries of Makrana to the gold and precious gemstones decorating it, Shors enables his readers to visualize the profound wonder of it all. He also depicts the political climate in a clear and concise manner so that readers can better understand the Mogul empire that reigned supreme during this period of India's history. I can highly recommend this novel, a real page-turner throughout. --Historical Novels Review

Beneath a Marble Sky is a story which literally speaks to you. In his first novel, John Shors brilliantly recounts one of the world's greatest love stories, narrated against a backdrop of hatred and violence.--The India Post

There is scarcely a false note in this book and an enjoyable sense of time and place in the occasional description of how people live, what they eat and of what their lives and aspirations consist.... This exciting novel is...recommended to all readers who enjoy historical fiction or who have a particular interest in the Indian subcontinent. --BookIdeas.com

The book is a thrilling tale of the interactions of characters recognizable for their loyalty, duplicity, and passion and will appeal to a wide audience. The author has included enough accurate details to make regular readers of historical fiction hapy, too. Highly recommended for all libraries. --Library Journal

About this edition

• Publisher: McPherson & Company
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0929701712
• ISBN 13: 9780929701714
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 324