Author(s): Jane Johnson

Historical Fiction

The author of "The Salt Road" and "The Tenth Gift" Jane Johnson returns with a captivating historical novel set in Morocco. The year is 1677. Behind the magnificent walls and towering arches of the Palace of Meknes, captive chieftain's son and now a lowly scribe, Nus Nus is framed for murder. As he attempts to evade punishment for the bloody crime, Nus Nus finds himself trapped in a vicious plot, caught between the three most powerful figures in the court: the cruel and arbitrary Sultan Moulay Ismail, one of the most tyrannical rulers in history; his monstrous wife Zidana, famed for her use of poison and black magic; and the conniving Grand Vizier. Meanwhile, a young Englishwoman named Alys Swann has been taken prisoner by Barbary corsairs and brought to the court . She faces a simple choice: renounce her faith and join the Sultan's harem; or die. As they battle for survival, Alys and Nus Nus find themselves thrust into an unlikely alliance - an alliance that will become a deep and moving relationship in which these two outsiders will find sustenance and courage in the most perilous of circumstances.
From the danger and majesty of Meknes to the stinking streets of London and the decadent court of Charles II, The Sultan's Wife brings to life some of the most remarkable characters of history through a captivating tale of intrigue, loyalty and desire. "Imagine the darkest Arabian Tale combined with Tremain's glorious Restoration". (Essie Fox, author of "The Somnambulist"). "An unashamedly escapist page-turner that will be enjoyed by fans of Kate Mosse and Philippa Gregory". ("Daily Mail" on "The Tenth Gift"). "Beautifully written, first-class escapism". (Louise Bagshawe, "Mail on Sunday" on "The Tenth Gift"). "Atmospheric and hugely romantic adventure". (Marie Claire on "The Salt Road"). Jane Johnson was raised in Cornwall but now lives for half the year in a remote mountain village in Morocco. Her first novel set in North Africa is "The Tenth Gift", and this was followed by T"he Salt Road". "The Sultan's Wife" is her third Moroccan novel. She has been involved in the book industry for many years and combines her work as a publisher with writing for both adults and children.