While it might be easy to simply describe a novel about a nineteenth century Afghanistan woman as a departure from what we usually read about that part of the world-it's a lot more. When we read The Moonlit Cage, by Linda Holeman, we were absorbed by main character Darya's timeless (and placeless) struggle for independence as much as we were captivated by its descriptions of the lush landscape and diverse cultures.
Darya, who was born into a traditional Muslim family, faces many of the same circumstances characteristic of traditional Victorian heroines from that period - namely, having little say in life-changing decisions and facing the consequences when one does stand up to the men responsible for making them. Her fictional life story, which admittedly contains a fair share of religious oppression and territorial conflict, takes us from her small village to a tribe of nomads in Afghanistan, until she escapes to India, and finally to London, where we experience the reaction of polite Western society to her "exotic" appearance.
Finally, no good historical fiction would be worth its plot twists without a great love story, which this has. But, perhaps most important, our heroine must find herself before she discovers true love, and for that, Holeman had us holding our breath until the very end.
Click here (opens in new tab) to purchase The Moonlit Cage by Linda Holeman.
-
Mexico City, A Vibrant Cultural Hot Spot, Is the Perfect Travel Destination
This epicenter of art, history, and food should be on every culture enthusiast's bucket list.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Can Light Therapy Get Rid of My Acne?
Blue and red light are where it’s at.
By Samantha Holender
-
The Best Slip Dresses for Any Season
The humble slip dress could be the most versatile dress you own.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
The 56 Best Musical Movies of All Time: Iconic Movie Musicals
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy
-
29 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
All the nudity of porn, but with the plot and storylines of mainstream film.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s Boyfriend on Season 5 of ‘The Crown’?
Di’s friends have said she referred to the doctor as “the love of her life.”
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Penelope "Penny" Knatchbull?
She and Prince Philip strike up an unlikely friendship throughout the fifth season of 'The Crown.'
By Andrea Park
-
'The Crown' Season 5: Everything We Know
The bombshell fifth season just dropped on Netflix.
By Andrea Park
-
90 Halloween Costume Ideas Inspired By Movies and TV Shows
Most of these Halloween costumes double as stylish additions to your closet.
By Brooke Knappenberger