'Absolutely brilliant . . . remarkable women, until now almost unknown. I was so gripped I couldn't put it down' - Antonia Fraser


'Thrilling tales...There have been other studies of the British memsahibs but none so focused on the adventurous and unconventional, and none more conscientiously researched, historically sound and compellingly written. An excellent book' - John Keay, Evening Standard


'Successfully challenges the stereotype of the snobbish, matron-like memsahib by deploying a riveting gallery of powerful and often eccentric women ranging from stowaways and runaways through courtesans and society beauties to Generals' feisty wives and Viceroys' waspish sisters...full of surprises and new material'
- William Dalrymple

'Fascinating and informative' - Virginia Nicholson, Sunday Times

'Colourful, witty and elegantly written new perspective' -Daily Mail

'Rich in detail and full of astonishing stories' Country Life

'Deftly negotiates the shifting politics of time and place . . . Hickman has a novelist's touch' - Jane Robinson Times Literary Supplement