Namrata reviews An Unholy Drought by Madhulika Liddle (Published by Speaking Tiger, 2024) calling it a historical epic.
Madhulika Liddle’s An Unholy Drought is a sweeping historical epic that masterfully blends personal histories with the grand narrative of a nation in flux. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 16th century—spanning from the decline of the Sultanate to the emergence of the Mughal Empire—the novel is an intricate tapestry of familial ties, political upheavals, and the enduring human spirit.
Plot and Setting
The novel begins in 1556, a year marked by seismic shifts in Indian history. The sudden death of Humayun thrusts the young Akbar onto a throne that is far from secure, while the northern plains suffer from a devastating drought. Amidst these monumental events, an unnamed old man begins documenting the story of his lineage, stretching back over a hundred years. This narrative, spanning multiple generations, serves as the backbone of the novel, allowing Liddle to explore the deeply intertwined fates of a family and a nation.