A Singular Hostage by Thalassa Ali

This compilation of excerpts centers on Mariana Givens, a young Englishwoman navigating British-controlled India in 1838-1839 during Queen Victoria's reign. The narrative details Mariana's unexpected involvement in the rescue of Saboor, a child hostage of the ailing Maharajah Ranjit Singh, a powerful Sikh ruler. Her journey is complicated by the Great Game, the geopolitical struggle between Britain and Russia, and her forced engagement to Hassan, the Shaikh's son, Saboor's father. The text explores themes of cultural clash, Mariana's evolving understanding of India and its people, and her personal struggles with duty, honor, and forbidden affections.