Nadia's Song [Paperback]

A captivating story of triumph and tragedy – and of a powerful, but forbidden love. Description: 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.

A powerful story of tragedy and triumph and the forbidden love affair between a wealthy young man who is heir to his father's cotton plantation in Alexandria and a beautiful young servant girl.

Brought up on his father's cotton plantation in Alexandria, Charles Austen had always led a privileged life. But when Charles falls hopelessly in love with Karima Ismail, his world is turned upside down. For although beautiful, and blessed with a magnificent singing talent, Karima is merely a servant and her forbidden love affair with Charles is destined to end in tragedy. All too soon Karima is forced to accept a hastily arranged marriage and learns to live 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 and successful singers of her generation - the adored 'Nightingale'. Yet Karima's success counts for nothing when Nadia suddenly disappears. For years this traumatic event casts a shadow over Karima's life and the life of her beautiful daughter who, with a new identity and a new name, grows up thousands of miles away. It is only when an unexpected chain of events leads 'Gaby' back to Egypt, that she can begin to unravel the mystery of her past - and discover the happiness she longs for.

Soheir Khashoggi was born in Alexandria, Egypt. A member of one of Saudi’s most prominent families, she has used her influence to highlight the plight of women across the Arab world. She has participated in conferences worldwide and was a speaker at the international Women’s World Forum Against Violence, an organization founded by Queen Sofia of Spain. Her acclaimed first novel, Mirage, was published in 1996 and was followed by Nadia's Song in 1999. Her latest novel, Mosaic is also published by Bantam Books. She has four daughters and lives in New York City.