This is a delightful book. If you like "Girl With The Pearl Earring", you will love this story. Supposedly based on actual events author, Brian Moore, tells the tale of Emmeline Lambert, wife of magician Henri Lambert, who has been asked by Napoleon III to go to Algeria to perform his illusions before the rebellious Bedouins in hopes of bringing them in line before the French invade their country. Emmeline at first falls in love with the beauty and mystery of North Africa and then begins to understand the people and what will happen to them when the French arrive. Taken from the back cover.... 'Yet it is Emmeline--strangely liberated by Arab custom, shedding inhibitions along with provinical ideas of patriotism and propriety--who threatens the mission's outcome in a dangerous act of courage and betrayal that will have unforeseen consequences and leave her profoundly changed.'

I read this book in one day, just couldn't put it down.

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Large Print Edition.

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I quite enjoyed this novel, especially after reading the fast moving, emotion charged Suzanne Collins series (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay). Wife is a departure from many of the heavier HF novels I pick up. This is light, quick to read and is placed in the era where Napoleon was planning to capture Algeria. Inspired by a true story, it gives one a glance into the culture, political intrigue, and religious beliefs and activities of the time - a most interesting little read.

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Historical fiction about France's occupation of Algiers. A very interesting read-I recommend it!

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Brilliantly written. I loved the tone of this book -- it fits with the time setting, but in an ironic way.

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