The novel is a sweeping epic about a British man, brought up as a Hindu during the British Raj. As an adult, he serves in the British army and falls in love with an Indian princess. The novel explores themes of identity, loyalty, and love against the backdrop of the political and social upheaval of late 19th century India. The man and the princess must navigate their complex feelings for each other, their conflicting loyalties to their countries, and the harsh realities of their time.

This novel explores the lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who are brought together by war and fate. Mariam, an illegitimate child, suffers from the stigma surrounding her birth and the abuse she faces from her bitter mother. When she is married off to Rasheed, her life becomes a nightmare. Later, she becomes a co-wife to Laila, a beautiful and educated girl who also ends up as Rasheed's wife due to a series of tragic events. Despite their initial rivalry, the two women form a bond and become sources of support for each other in the face of their husband's brutalities and the war-torn world of Kabul.

This epic novel is a sweeping tale of love and adventure set against the backdrop of the British Raj in India. It follows the life of Ashton Pelham-Martyn, an Englishman brought up as a Hindu, who navigates the complexities of his dual identity amidst the political and military turmoil of the time. His profound connection with India and its people, especially his deep love for the beautiful and spirited Princess Anjuli, drives the narrative. The story weaves through the grandeur of the Indian landscape, the brutal realities of colonial rule, and the personal struggles of its characters, exploring themes of loyalty, identity, and the clash of cultures.