The Moonlit Cage

I grabbed this book right before our camping vacation in the great Canadian countryside--well-- what a journey!The book that is! I couldn't put The Moonlit Cage down and was glued to it for a full three days. The descriptions of the journey of this incredibly drawn young Afghan woman just blew me away. I actually could visulize and almost smell and hear the many scenes that this book takes you through--from Tajik nomadic tribe, Khandahar, the Hindu Kush,northern Pakistan,India and 19th Century customs and culture/including the British Empire's political and cultural influence. Topping this historical novel is the intertwining of a romance that really does surprise and compell the reader on.It's probably one of the best historical(and geographic) reads that I've enjoyed.

Honestly, this was one of the best historical fiction books I have ever read. It opened up a whole new world to me, one that I hardly knew anything about until now. It gave a lot of facts about Afghanistan and India in the 1800's, but not so much that it was more of a non-fiction book. The characters were so incredibly well drawn. Especially Darya, who is one of the strongest, bravest heroines I have ever read about. David was just too amazing for words and Shaliq and Osric were just horrible villains. This story was dripping with deep romance, one that will keep you reading this book just to find out what happens. The only complaint I have about this book was that it was very slow. They story was great, but it moved along slowly, and I think the author could have taked out some parts to make it tighter and more concise. But despite this, it was still and amazing read into the mysterious world of a Muslim woman, one who was determined to live her life and change it for the better.

Every once in a while you come across a book that offers you the chance to enter into someone else's world, share their thoughts and experiences, and come away feeling that you have met an extraordinary person, one who stays with you even after you have finished their story. The Moonlit Cage is such a book. Linda Holeman has done such a wonderful job in creating the character of Darya that I was sorry to finish the book and still wanted to know more about what happens next. Not only were the characters beautifully created but the sights and sounds of 19th century Afganistan, India and London as well. If you enjoy historical fiction with a twist, stories of self-discovery, or a good romance, you won't be disappointed by this book.

Beautifully written. The carachters were so real. A story of love, hate, duty to family even tho it was unfair and cruel.

Having read the author's previous novel, I was eager to embark on her second literary journey. What a wonderful trip! The Moonlit Cage is well researched with a plausible story line and multi-dimensional characters; chock full of interesting and provocative historical detail that stirs the imagination. I read long into the night----several nights! Darya is a testement to the human spirit and all it can, and does, endure. Patiently waiting for this author's next offering.