“The main problem in this book is the uneven quality of the writing - it begins on a vibrant note with a promise to "mirror" a secret, but it seems to lose much of its zest, beauty and linguistic freeflow halfway through. There is a desire to rush through and reach the parts of the novel where Akbar remerges in the tale. Infact, more than Qara Koz, who is supposed to be the central theme, or Enchantress, it is the wonderful characterization of Akbar that dominates and drives the story. Indeed, Akbar, who enchants the reader in this tale with all his human follies, and royal grandeur, is ultimately enchanted by the power of a woman, even if imaginary. Rushdie has spent a lot of time in musing over Akbar's character and has done a good job of it. It is a fairytale for adults and can hook you only if have the penchant to revel in the power of the imagined and the imaginary. The moment you start taking the book on its face-value, start looking at it realistically, the great Mughal Monarch, Akbar, will almost appear insane and instable to you. The book is not about the obvious, the apparent or the real, but about the hidden, the mind's play, secret desires and hopes, dreams and magic, and of child-like love for adventure, mystery and romance. ”
