Oxford don Kunal Basu's second novel is a courtly romance set amongst the fragrant palaces of the 16th century Indian Mughal emporer Akbar. When Akbar decides to move his court from the ancient capital of Agra to Fatehpur Sikri, he brings with him the eponymous miniature portrait painter Bihzad. Isolated from his family Bihzad becomes increasingly obsessed with his master until his illicit love is discovered and Akbar is forced to banish him. It's an interesting read, but both the prose and the subject matter are just a bit too heady, delicate and mannered for me.

Released on Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at In Bar Lorca, Stoke Newington Church St, London in London, London United Kingdom.

Amongst the freebies by the door