The Sultan's Daughter [Hardcover]

Ann Chamberlin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1997

Esmikhan, the Sultan's daughter, has so far been unsuccessful in her attempts at bearing sons and becomes ensnared in a plot by Sofia, a former Venetian slave, despite the best efforts of another devoted slave to free her.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

One would assume that a story filled with harems, slaves, infidelity, and intrigue would offer the reader abundant atmosphere and steamy romance. Unfortunately, Chamberlin's latest fails to engage the reader, though she does display a nice feel for the historical aspects of the period. Giorgio, a slave (who appeared previously in Chamberlin's Sofia, LJ 3/15/96) becomes intimately involved in his mistress's consuming desire to bear a healthy child. Several previous attempts have failed, and her despair is heartfelt. Giorgio feels her pain, and his main goal becomes her happiness?whatever the cost. Continued scheming and political plotting at the palace further complicate their relationship and ultimately puts each of them in danger. A somewhat happy ending is achieved as Giorgio realizes that his contentment rests in being with his mistress and watching over her and her new child together. A marginal purchase for most public libraries.?Margaret Ann Hanes, Sterling Heights P.L., Mich.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 348 pages
• Publisher: Forge; 1st edition (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312862032
• ISBN-13: 978-0312862039
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,932,898 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The sequel to Sofia is a great work of historical fiction., April 6, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Sultan's Daughter (Hardcover)

In 1564 Ottoman Empire, Esmikhan, THE SULTAN'S DAUGHTER and wife of the Grand Vizier, learns that she is pregnant. The Quince divines that the unborn is male which pleases everyone except Safiye, formerly Sophia, daughter of a rich Venetian merchant. Safiye, who may have been the real model for Machiavelli, previously caused the deaths of several of her fellow Venetian and turned her lover Giorgio Veniero into Abdullah, a eunuch. While Safiye is the favorite of Murad, Sultan Suleiman's grandson, Abdullah is a slave owned by Esmikhan. ......Safiye has been studying the Turkish power structure. She realizes that she must solidify her current position because that could be as fleeting as the wind. To secure her position, she would need to give Murad a male heir. Of course, being Safiye she cannot do this the old fashion way. Instead, she puts a plan in motion to secure her current position and increase her influence throughout the empire. However, this plan could hurt Esmikhan, leaving it up to Abdullah to keep his mistress from being the latest victim of Safiye's ambitions. ......The second book in Ann Chamberlin's Ottoman Empire series is historical fiction at its greatest level. THE SULTAN'S DAUGHTER is so colorful and real, readers can not only see sixteenth century Turkey, but smell the aromas (pleasant and ugly) of a different society. Like SOFIA (book one), this novel provides rare insight into Ottoman society during its heyday. Ms. Chamberlin is one of the best writers today as she combines teaching her readers with an amazingly entertaining and interesting tale of intrigue. This reviewer strongly recommends this novel and its predecessor because both books are among the best historical fiction written in the nineties. ......Harriet Klausner ---