City of Victory

First published by Chillibreeze.com, this is a magical historical tale based on the short story of the same name broadcast on BBC Radio. It is a novella about four women in the harem of the King of Vijayanagar (present day Hampi) in the 16th century when this fabled city, touted as the "best provided city in the world" by historians was at its zenith. Meet Jehaan, the lovelorn gypsy who longs for her nomadic life; the courtesan Queen gifted to the teenaged King as teacher, who seeks to evade her inevitable end on the King's funeral pyre; the Vish Kanya or Poison Damsel, whose very breath is poisonous and Meherbanu, mentor to these women who dedicates herself to inculcating acceptance and wisdom in these women. An excerpt from the review written by Ann Hite which appeared in 'Feminist Review.' Ann Hite is the acclaimed author of 'Ghost on Black Mountain', published by Simon & Schuster. Review Anita Saran’s short story, City of Victory, published by Chillibreeze.com, is one of the best crafted stories I’ve read in a long time. She has a knack of bringing the setting to the forefront without intrusion. To call this piece of work a short story is an understatement. I find it to be more of a novella. City of Victory had its debut as a broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2004. So many of the images haunted me and remained in my mind long after I read the work. The photos that illustrate the book are as interesting as the characters. I’m delighted to say I found this ebook a wonderful experience. – Ann Hite, author of 'Ghost on Black Mountain'