Description
A captivating story of triumph and tragedy - and of a powerful, but forbidden love.Brought up as an only child on his father's cotton plantation in Alexandria, Charles Austen had always led a happy and privileged life. But when Charles falls in love with Karima Ismail, his world is suddenly turned upside down. For, although beautiful, and blessed with a magnificent singing talent, Karima is merely the daughter of a servant and her passionate, but forbidden love affair with Charles is destined to fail. All too soon, alone and pregnant, Karima is forced to accept a hastily arranged marriage. Throughout her life will pay dearly for this timely intervention.
Yet, despite the sad circumstances of her marriage, Karima lives contentedly with her husband and daughter, Nadia, the only tangible link that remains between her and Charles. In time, she also becomes one of the most admired singers of her generation - the adored 'Nightingale'.
But Karima's success counts for nothing when her beloved Nadia suddenly disappears amidst the blazing turmoil of a city in the grip of political unrest. For years this traumatic incident casts a dark shadow over Karima's life and the life of her beautiful daughter who, with a new identity and a new name, Gabrielle, grows up thousands of miles away. It is only when an unexpected chain of events leads Gaby back to Alexandria, that she can begin to unravel the mystery of her past and answer the one vital question that stands between her and lasting happiness. ISBN:9780553811865
