Beneath a Marble Sky
by John Shors
ISBN-10: 0451218469
One of the most touching love stories of all time...the Taj Mahal. Why was it built? Who was the designer behind the grandest testament of love? In John Shors' novel, "Beneath a Marble Sky," readers will be touched by a love that transcends time.
In seventeenth century Hindustan, we meet Princess Jahanara as she tells a secret tale to her two granddaughters. It is a life full of secrets that has kept Jahanara from living as a Princess should, but also it is her secrets that have let her live a life of love. Jahanara's mother was the love for which the Taj Mahal was built, though she never saw the testament to her memory. Jahanara's father, the Emperor, had it built as a mausoleum for his beloved. The building must be as splendid and heartbreakingly beautiful as Arjumand herself. The designer was a common man in standing, Isa.
Jahanara must endure a marriage made for politics, but worse, she must endure a man she could never love, a foul, despicable man. It was her greatest hope to find love as grand as her parents'. Through the years Jahanara came to be nearly as wise as her mother, who was said to have ruled the throne except in name. The people loved her as much as her mother and many would do anything for her. Over the years, two of Jahanara's brothers were destined for great things. One, to be placed on the throne when the time came, the other who sought to take the throne and command the land through violence. This battle took the greatest toll on the kingdom. Jahanara did not stand by and watch it happen, but rather took steps to save them all. Would she succeed? Would she find love? Would she be worthy of her father's love and make her mother proud?
John Shors has taken the pinnacle love story and given it new life. Readers will weep for the Emperor, will feel the adoration Jahanara feels for her mother. The marble blocks will pulse with passion as the Taj Mahal is built, and glow with love forevermore. The plot is perfectly presented and the characters are inspiringly real. This is a story you will not forget, full of life's most glorious truths.
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