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“The 1857 Indian Sepoy Mutiny was not a part of the ‘Great Game’,” is the opinion of most notable historians. Yet this debut novel throws a new spot light on some of the glossed over events, which took place over a century and half ago in the hot and dusty plains of Central India and in the cool arid mountains of Persia, Afghanistan and Central Europe.
This historic fiction mystery novel of love, blood, sweat and tears for India’s independence from the British Raj, is set in the three continents of America, Europe and Asia. As the time period spans the 19th and 20th centuries, the events are covered in a series, to make this large canvas story painting, interesting and manageable.
The Azadi Series Novels are set in the 1800s North America, England, Crimea and India. The Series elucidates India’s struggle for independence, from the British Raj, as told through the eyes of an American lady doctor, Margaret, and her missionary parents, who get engulfed in the 1857 Rebellion.
Book I: Doctor Margaret’s Sea Chest dramatizes Margaret’s life during her early years in the US, Canada and Europe. She is born to New Jersey clerical parents. Despite facing many obstacles, in 1850, Margaret achieves her heart’s desire, to join the ranks of the first American women doctors. She marries her Canadian cousin. In 1854, they travel to Crimea, where they have to face not only hardships of war, but endure other conflicts as well, before Margaret can continue to India.
In Book II: Doctor Margaret in Delhi, Margaret joins her parents in India who are missionaries at the American Mission in Futtehgurh. She serves at a hospital in Delhi, where she has to not only overcome work pressures, but also deal with her tormentors and intrigues of the Mughals, at the Delhi Red Fort.
Both the books 1 and 2 are available as single and in a box set. They have been translated in multiple languages, and have received excellent reviews. Sales are going well.
Book 1: THE FULL MOON hung in a cloudless sky, like a lantern held by an invisible force. We galloped over a treeless plateau that sloped down to the glittering waters of a wide river. The mighty Ganges, I thought, eyeing the numerous smoldering pyres visible along the ghats*. The river flowed endlessly on, seeming to drain into the star-studded heavens to deposit the ashes of the departed. While I had gazed at the flickering stars countless times before, there seemed something strange about them that night, although I could not determine just what. Was it the weird pattern they had formed, or their unusual brightness? In the hot night-air, sweat poured down my face and body, drenching my light cotton tunic and riding breeches.
Book 2: IT SEEMED AS IF I was back in Delhi, on another assignment from Johns Hopkins Hospital. However, on this visit at the insistence of my aunt and uncle, I was staying with them at our family’s ancient haveli, Sharif Mahal, in Daryaganj. It being a stifling night, and unable to sleep, I decided to go out for a midnight stroll. The full moon shone in the cloudless sky, lighting up the foggy laneway, from the haveli towards the Jamuna River, like a path into a mysterious destination. Stunning mansions cast giant shadows onto impressive gardens that lay on either side of the street. But something seemed strange, for the houses had somehow warped back into their former glory, during the Mughal era. Paying no heed I glided forward, effortlessly. Finding the Daryaganj Gate of the city wall open, I hurried through it and was amazed to see water flowing in the Jamuna River’s branch that had dried up a long time ago. Nobody was around. I walked up to the ghat, and stood by the riverbank watching the gentle waves lapping on the stone steps. The moon reflected in the water, as if bathing in it, scattering moonbeams.
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Afrikaans
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Already translated.
Translated by Adri van Schalkwyk
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Author review: The translation of this combined edition of The Azadi Series Books 1 and 2 was completed by Adri very professionally and on time. Adri is highly recommended as a very competent translator. |
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Italian
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Already translated.
Translated by Riccardo Mainetti
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Author review: The translation of this combined edition of The Azadi Series Books 1 and 2 was completed by Riccardo very professionally and on time. Riccardo is highly recommended as a very competent translator. |
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Spanish
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Already translated.
Translated by John William Whitten
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Author review: As usual, John provided a perfect review of this combined two volumes book of The Azadi Series. |
