Join Anushka - a princess of an Indian kingdom - as she joins her father on an incredible journey to England. This double-crossed mystery of danger and discovery takes readers through the shadowy streets of London and the intrigue of mid-19th century Buckingham Palace. They won't be able to put it down!
The British East India Company has been taking land and riches from Anushka's people for years. What she finds most upsetting is that they have helped themselves to her family's most devine jewel, the huge Lakshmi Emerald. Once belonging to a goddess, this treasure should be returned to its rightful place, not sit in a palace in London.
Originally, it's Anushka's twin brother (and heir to the kingdom) Arian who is supposed to join their father on a diplomatic mission to meet Queen Victoria and ask her to intervene on their behalf. However, Arian doesn't feel ready to take on this responsibility and Anushka is desperate to prove she's just as capable as her brother. If England can be ruled by a woman, why can't India?
Anushka is the most wonderful character. Strong and confident, she knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Out in the Indian desert, she is wild. Riding bareback on her beloved horse, Tanu, there is nothing she can't do. Whether it's observing details about new aquaintences, picking locks or coming up with a scheme to solve a mystery, she is a force to be reckoned with.
Exploring themes of birthright and gender, Anushka and Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, Princess Vicky, have very similar views on what their futures should hold. Why should their brothers be the heirs even if they aren't the most suited? These young women are intelligent, strong and capable. Their situation will lead to valuable discussions with young readers.
Nush and the Stolen Emerald is the perfect story to accompany any study of colonisation (or to introduce the concept at home). Alliances, trade, land ownership and protecting heritage are described with brilliant clarity. Anushka can't understand why the British can just help themselves to her people's land. Explanations such as "if they own the land, they no longer have to trade" and Anushka's conversation with Prince Bertie (heir to the British crown) about why it's wrong (when he can't see the problem) help readers see history from a new point of view.
Nush and the Stolen Emerald is a wonderful melting pot of story genres - a brilliant mystery adventure with powerful historical insight. I thoroughly enjoyed travelling with Anushka from India to London and the lovely time she spent with Queen Victoria's children. They find that, when it comes right down to it, the same things are important no matter where in the world you are - friendship, truth, loyalty and courage.
A huge, Lakshmi Emerald-sized thank you to Chicken House Books and Megan Farr for this lovely book!
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