The Rebel Queen - Michelle Moran

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I have always been interested in the country of India: the culture, the religions, and the history. Thus, to me, this historical fiction was highly satisfying.
Moran's writing is so personal which brings the history alive.
This novel is told from the perspective of one of the guards of the rebel queen named Sita. It follows her since she was little into her adulthood. This addition lets the readers experience the culture as a girl growing up in India from the county, but also lets us discover life in the palace. We also are given a glimpse of the trials and difficulties during the conquest of India by the British.
Sita narrates the story as a history to someone who knows little to nothing about India, giving brief explanations about their religion and also aspects of the religion that have transferred into their culture.
Moran describes the different practices in India as if it were common sense, but also openly expresses the flaws that exists with hope that they can change for the better in the future.
There is a fun section in the book when some of the Indians experience some of the British culture, which exploits some flaws in our culture in a comical way.
This novel is filled with patriotism, loyalty to friends and family, honor, the strength of the individual, and the gravity of the consequences. It is intriguing and inspiring!