Regards from the Dead Princess

Regards from the Dead Princess is a 1987 novel based on the life of Selma Rauf Hanim, granddaughter of Ottoman Sultan Murad V. The book spans from her childhood through her adult years, following her journey from Turkey across multiple countries and cultures. The narrative traces Selma's path from her early years at a French Catholic college in Lebanon to her arranged marriage with an Indian prince. Her quest for independence leads her to Paris during World War II, where she faces new challenges and opportunities. Author Kenizé Mourad, herself the daughter of an Ottoman princess, spent four years researching historical details and family history to create this work. The book achieved bestseller status in France and has been translated into 30 languages. The novel explores themes of cultural identity, female autonomy in traditional societies, and the tension between duty and personal freedom. Through Selma's story, it presents a window into the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the changing role of women in the mid-20th century.

Based on reviews, readers found this biographical novel gave them an intimate look into Ottoman royal life and the plight of exiled Turkish royalty. The blend of historical research and personal narrative kept them engaged through the 500+ pages. Readers appreciated: - Details about palace culture and traditions - Character development of Princess Selma - Historical photographs included - Insight into post-Ottoman refugee experiences Common criticisms: - Pacing drags in the middle sections - Too much focus on romance subplots - Some historical context missing for Western readers - Translation issues in English version Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon FR: 4.3/5 (90+ reviews) Babelio: 4.2/5 (300+ ratings) Several French readers noted the book helped them understand Turkey's transformation in the 1920s. Multiple reviews mention crying at the ending. The original French version received stronger reviews than translations.

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🌟 The book's author, Kenizé Mourad, is herself the daughter of an Ottoman princess and wrote this novel based on her mother's life story 🏰 Sultan Murad V, the protagonist's grandfather, ruled the Ottoman Empire for only 93 days in 1876 before being deposed on grounds of mental illness 🌍 The novel spans three distinct cultural spheres - Ottoman Turkey, colonial India, and wartime France - offering a rare perspective on how these worlds intersected 👗 The author conducted over 400 interviews and spent years researching Ottoman court customs, including detailed protocols about dress codes and palace etiquette 💫 The book was originally published in French as "De la part de la princesse morte" in 1987 and became an international bestseller, translated into more than 15 languages