Title- The Tiger Queens: The Women of Genghis Khan
Author- Stephanie Thornton
Publisher- New American Library
Pages- 486
Rating- 3.5/5
Summary- Genghis Khan was known to the world as a ruthless conqueror who eventually became the first Great Khan of the largest contiguous empire in history. However few people know about the sacrifices of the women in his life- his mother, wife, daughters and daughters-in-law without whom such a feat would not have been possible. This book throws light on their untold story.
Review- The author did a brilliant job in depicting the life of Mongols around 12th-13th century. Despite being under constant threat of getting attacked by their enemies and enduring the harsh climate of Mongolia, they were not only able to survive but were also able to build such a large empire. It was surprising to know that Genghis Khan did not live in a palace but in a 'ger' because like all Mongols, he led a nomadic life. It was truly amazing how along with managing household chores, his women used to fight in battles and advise him on political matters.
Genghis' first and senior wife Borte had always stayed by his side through thick and thin. Apart from attending to her household duties she used to advise her husband on political matters. It was she who alerted him about his blood brother Jamuka's evil intentions. Her love and dedication helped him in accomplishing his goal. He often left for his conquests leaving the control of his empire to her. Genghis' daughter Alaqai was as fearless as her father. Be it sword fighting, wrestling or riding, she was at par with the men. She helped him in bringing the Ongguds under the Mongol empire. His son Ogodei married Toregene who used to go to fight battles for her father-in-law. After Ogodei's death, she dismissed his advisors and replaced them with her own, thereby assuming complete power as regent until her son Guyuk became capable of carrying out his duties. Genghis' youngest son Tolui married Sorkhokhtani, who helped her son Mongke in assuming power as the Great Khan. Fatima, a Persian captive though not a member of the Golden Family demands attention as she was the chief advisor of Toregene when she assumed power. She was intelligent, well-read, compassionate and a true friend of Toregene. It is heart-rending to know that inspite of having so many qualities women during those times were objectified and after battles, along with the treasures, the winning side gained their opponent's women.
Though the author has mentioned them at the end of the book, I did not like that she distorted some historical facts to reduce the vast number of characters. It was not Al-Altun but some other daughter of Genghis Khan who had ordered the destruction of Nishapur to avenge her husband's death and it was not Genghis' son Jochi but his adopted brother Jelme, who was present when he was injured in the neck. Some parts of the story seemed a bit dragged. Unlike the first half of the book, the latter half failed to arouse interest.
This book definitely helps the readers in knowing about those brave women whose names have been lost in time. Historical fiction lovers must check this out.
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