I have heard a few versions of this tale and this one by far, is the most well developed.

Thank you #NetGalley and Cernunnos Books for giving me the opportunity to read this!

read both books back to back

Really great character development and both character and plot driven which for me is the pinnacle of great and compelling writing.

This is a translated book that was originally written in the 1930's and has recently been (re?)released in English. It is very long when you take both parts of the story together, and unfortunately while it is an interesting concept I just didn't manage to gel with the story by half way through part one. However I am fully of the view that this is due to me and not the book as the story is beautiful and filled with Indian myths, historical figures and legends (especially given it was written almost 100 years ago). Please note it is a very slow burn book that feels as hefty as its 750 page count.

I am not familiar with Indian history or culture. However, this novel made it easy for me to follow along. This was a very moving story, and I felt for the main character. The world-building was very easy to understand. Therefore, this was a beautiful translation of a beautiful work, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Interesting concept. I wish I’d had more time to finish the book though but the few pages that I read seemed interesting.

Bride of the City is a classic of the Indian language and for good reason. Finally translated into English, a beautiful story unfolds of myth and legend, love and loss; a story for the ages.

this is definitely a me-not-the-book situation as i don’t believe it’s my kind of thing- but i do believe others would love this book! it is quite a slowburn, which is what i found difficult to keep up with. However, the story was intriguing and I believe if you don’t mind a slowburn story, this would be a great recommendation!

this was a really unique story, it was a beautifully done set-up and delivered. It really left me wanting to read the second volume right after.

I don't know what's the problem of my NetGalley shelf. This is not visible in my shelf. Anyway, I really appreciate you for granting my request. 😢 The cover is beautiful though.

Bride of the City 1, by Acharya Chatursen, was originally written back in the mid 1900s. It reads much like Siddhartha, with lots of details and not to be hurried. The fact that it's based on actual historical people, who were and were to become, legends, is what makes it incredibly interesting. So, if you have an interest in the Buddha & India and want to learn more, I think you'll enjoy this book.
In ancient Vaishali, a couple finds a lone baby girl in a mango orchard. Therefore her name becomes Ambapali, one who sprouts from a mango. After she turns eighteen, she's made to a courtesan, the Bride of the City, against her and her will. The city of Vaishali’s believes that a such a beautiful woman can't belong to only one man. While she follows the law of her adopted city, she doesn't let herself be crushed by it. She makes terms so that her home, the Palace of Seven Worlds, becomes the centre of power.

I enjoyed it a lot but it's a slow burn. It's a book that requires your full attention. I appreciated the character development in this, for a book with so many characters, they are all distinct.

This was a good story ... hefty but good, I had to read it in stages as I found I got bogged down with all the characters and the sheer length of the book but having said that it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to volume 2

Thoroughly enjoyed book one, real page turner and i was hooked from the start, onwards to book two., i also think the cover is in keeping with the title.

This novel is EXTREAMLY long. It has 90 chapters and this is just the first book. I am going to be honest I had to stop reading it because it just took forever! If you don't want a book with a long haul don't read this one

This is an intense novel and I found it hard going, more so than the books I normally read, ie thrillers and historical novels, but It was ultimately very rewarding, with the Buddha being involved, and an amazing cast of characters.