Drawing on extensive life experiences that include living in Pakistan and a successful career as a stockbroker, Thalassa Ali crafts compelling narratives. Her work is characterized by a deep understanding of diverse cultures and human connections. Ali explores the complexities of identity and the bonds that unite us across geographical and cultural divides. Her unique voice blends personal insight with engaging storytelling.
Set in the 19th century, Mariana is sent to India to find a husband from amongst the British Raj. Facing the prospect of returning to England still single, she accompanies the Governor-General's party to the Punjab, and is pulled into the fate of a young child being held hostage by the Maharajah.
Mariana Givens nalazi se u Kabulu 1841. godine, neposredno prije početka Prvog afganistanskog rata. Pokušaj ubojstva u Lahoreu, koji je spriječio njezin suprug Hasan Ali Kan, prisilio je Marianu da napusti Lahore. Očajno živi u engleskom društvu koje ne priznaje njezin brak, u kojemu se neprestano održavaju svečane večere i koje je prepuno zainteresiranih prosaca. Hasan se u međuvremenu polako oporavlja od rana. Napetost između Britanaca i Afganistanaca jača i ubrzo će izbiti krvavi rat koje neće mimoići ni Marianu. Fenomenalan spoj povijesnih činjenica i intimne priče u završnici trilogije o viktorijanskoj Indiji.