Review: A well-spun tale based on solid research
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 25, 2013
Ms Yarde had clearly done her homework. Not only when it comes to historical events, but also when it comes to clothes, food, interiors, bath houses - well, everything. Which is probably why it is so easy to slip into the historical context of this book, set in 14th century Moorish Spain.I haven't as yet figured out why the book is titled Sultana: Two Sisters, as there are no sisters in the book, nor is there as much as a whiff of sisterly love between Butayna and Maryam, the two protagonists. Ms Yarde has chosen to mainly tell the story from Butayna's POV, and as the novel progresses, I feel I really get to know this gritty girl. Maryam, on the other hand, remains elusive throughout the book - elusive and, unfortunately, rather one-dimensional, as it seems her life revolves round two things only; to spite Butayna and to ensure her son is made Sultan.Fortunately, the book has other female characters, such as Leila, sister to the Sultan, and Fatima, the Sultan's ancient grandmother. And then there's Yusuf, the Sultan, husband to both Butayna and Maryam. Ms Yarde does a good job in depicting this man, on the one hand the mighty ruler that demands total obedience, on the other a man struggling to find some balance in his domestic arrangements. I did, however, have some problems understanding why a man insisting he was in love with his first wife would go on to marry a woman his beloved spouse hates - and who hates her back.Ms Yarde presents her story in a fluid and poetic prose - at times a tad too poetic. Despite this minor quibble, I found this an enjoyable and interesting read.