The Mountain of Light: A Novel

Glad to see that Ms. Indu Sundaresan has returned to her fine form as a storyteller.The story of the Kohinoor has been a fascinating one full of conquests and treachery. As it passed through the hands of changing dynasties, its myth grows. As the myth grows, it became more legendary and more desirable.Modern India is the creation of the British. For thousands of years, the South Asia subcontinent had been a mishmash of kingdoms big and small. None had control of the entire subcontinent. And there was never any collective consciousness of one people until the anti-British sentiment created the Indian identity. The ownership change of Kohinoor coincided with the changing identity of India.The Mughals acquired the kohinoor as a submission tribute. It was taken from them by the Persians as a war trophy. It was then stolen from Persia by a general who made himself king of Afghanistan. Then Rajit Singh of Punjab wrestled it from Shah Shuja of Afghanistan. In the end, it was removed from Punjab to England by the British. It is less of a curse than karma having the last laugh.The end of an era is always a sad thing and the last king is always a tragic figure, especially if he is a helpless child. The civil war of succession after the death of Rajit Singh, the Lion of Punjab, was what really doomed Punjab. The British, the opportunist with the cunning of the jackal, swooped in and annexed Punjab and exiled the last maharaja, the boy Dalip Singh Bahadur.This “novel” is well researched as is usual with Ms. Sundaresan’s works. The only problem with this book is that it’s in the episodic form. Each episode is a short story that gives a piece of the Kohinoor history. But, as short stories, it’s difficult to develop fully fleshed out characters and for reader to grow attached to them.

I was a little disappointed in this book. I've read other novels by Sundaresan and really enjoyed them, but I felt like this novel was lacking in any actual cohesive story that I could follow throughout the book. It is essentially a series of short stories about the path of the Kohinoor Diamond from Central Asia to South Asia to Britain. From the description, I thought it would provide more narrative about Dulip Singh, last Maharaja of the Punjab. I didn't like the format - introducing characters and getting me interested, but leaving them behind at the next chapter, only to introduce new characters and follow the same cycle. I just didn't like the feeling of incompleteness that came with these little vignettes. I'm still giving it three stars because I think Sundaresan is a very good writer, but from the description of the book, I was expecting a more lengthy and cohesive narrative. I got to a point where I just couldn't connect with any of the characters because I knew that they would disappear at the end of the chapter and then some new characters would be introduced. Perhaps this rating is unfair, but I was expecting a novel, not a series of short stories.

I did enjoy the book. Indu Sundaresan has a wonderful writing style that really pulls you into her stories, and I would strongly suggest to anyone that they try out at least one of her books.I suppose the reason that this book received 4 instead of 5 stars is that, somewhere along the way, this book lost a bit of charm that her other books had. Maybe it was the more "modern" setting, or perhaps the greater focus on the bumbling English aristocrats than the splendor of the Indian dynasties. The Twentieth Wife (and subsequent books in the series) has always been a favorite of mine. Either way, it's still a very good read. I do love how all of her books are tied into real people and real historical events - try Googling some of the main characters sometime, see what you find ;)

This book delivers on historical fiction! The many real characters and situations described herein are brought to life by the author's deep level of writing skills. It is fascinating to watch how a single object, the Kohinoor diamond, can pull so many diverse people into its orbit of intrigue. At times it is a challenge to keep the cast of characters clear, so keep your notes handy. This is especially important if you are reading the ebook, to make references easily availalble The other caution I would add is that this is not a novel about romance, such as her first two books are (and which I loved) so don't set yourself up for that expectation.

This was a much anticipated book but I wasn't thrilled. By husband and I, have both read all of Indu's books and we have been riveted. Her writing and knowledge of the period both educate and enthrall and then there was Mountain of Light. I wouldn't call it a bad book. it was a pretty good book but nothing on the level of her other works. This and the Splendor of Silence were my least favorite books.Truthfully, everytihng pales before, for example the Twentieth wife. I would recommend this book, if for nothing else than it is a book with great narrative. Then read her other books and prepare ot be sleepless. I couldn't put them down.

Mountain of Light as a historical novel includes so many characters and covers such a long period of time. Consequently, it reads more like a non fiction history text book. All of the historical facts seem crammed in and the characters in this novel do not seem as well developed and rounded as in her other novels. An expanded, epic style approach of the material covered in this novel would be more appealing to me.

I gave this four stars because I have enjoyed her previous books more completely. I thought this book started much slower, but I really enjoyed the first person narrative in the second half of the book. this book is good for anyone who is I interested in Indian history, royalty, strong female protagonists, although this story didn't concentrate on a woman as much as her earlier stories have.

very good book

Thanks.

Not as good as the other books by Indu sundaresan.The Taj Trilogy had me completely submerged until i finished it.Although maybe because i personally like the Mughal Period more. But if you haven't read the taj trilogy before you'll find this book really nice. Its a detailed description of how the kohinoor went from the hands of one ruler to other and finally left india....and with it left the last king of punjab....settled in britain.....Its sad how he spends his whole life in the hope that kohinoor must be returned to him. The Diary of Dalip Singh at the end is the best part :)

Follows the life and events of the Kohinoor diamond. Also through light on the lives of the characters revolving around the cursed diamond. One may find it boring as it is too much descriptive of details. However the overall book is a good read

I liked the first and the forth chapter, rest was boring. I didn't like the way the book was indexed it should have been made small chapter. This was organized as it it is an history study material. I would recommend this book to those have patience.