Umrao Jan Ada

First published more than a hundred years ago, Umrao Jan Ada tells a story of a Lucknawi courtesan, a woman of great charm with a reputation as a poet and singer. The novel re-creates the gracious ambience of old Lucknow and takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the palaces of wealthy nawabs, the hideouts of colourful vagabounds to the luxurious abodes of the city’s courtesans. It captures the culture and decadence of a way of life that has now vanished forever.