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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
A bit to close to Chic Lit to give it a 5 star!
took till page 200 to get into it but enjoyed it eventually
It took me awhile to get into this book, but the scenes based during the war sucked me in... for the majority of the book I wished that the plot only focused on the past, but the ending of the book convinced me that the present scenes were necessary for the story to end whole. Once I was into the book I didn't want to put it down and I was fascinated by Nerys' story and totally fell in love with her and her friends (but mainly Nerys). At times I found Mair annoying and, as I said, didn't really see the point of her part in the book until the very end; but I grew to find her story interesting too (even if I felt like half of her scenes were unnecessary). The book did throw some great twists in and I'm fairly certain there isn't a single plot-hole, either - it was a really well written book overall. I also feel like I've learnt a little more about India and the war during this read, which, for me, is always a bonus. I enjoyed the book but I'm not sure if it's one I'll read again.
I found the first chapter a bit slow moving (though that may be down to my own personal distaste for fiction with a modern day setting), but once the book arrives in 1940s India I found it difficult to put down! I could almost imagine myself actually in India easily visualising the houseboats, the ice covered lake, and the Vale of Kashmir. I thought the writing was wonderfully descriptive!
I fell in love with Nerys from her very first chapter. I loved her quiet confidence, her strength, and her love for a husband who could be a bit inattentive. I thought her storyline was most interesting, and even found that I was silently rooting for her when she began her affair with Rainer, purely out of wanting to see her happy.
The close friendship between Nerys, Myrtle and Caroline was also a nice addition to the novel, and all three characters were brilliantly written, I thought.
This has joined the list of my favourite historical fiction novels, and it's made me eager to read more books from Rosie Thomas!
I fell in love with Nerys from her very first chapter. I loved her quiet confidence, her strength, and her love for a husband who could be a bit inattentive. I thought her storyline was most interesting, and even found that I was silently rooting for her when she began her affair with Rainer, purely out of wanting to see her happy.
The close friendship between Nerys, Myrtle and Caroline was also a nice addition to the novel, and all three characters were brilliantly written, I thought.
This has joined the list of my favourite historical fiction novels, and it's made me eager to read more books from Rosie Thomas!
Relatively enjoyed it, but it became a bit overly romanticised. The underlying history of Kashmir, etc was interesting.
What a beautiful real novel. I can see why Thomas is a best seller in Europe. This was so true to life and I loved the quest and the backstory.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I envy Ms. Thomas's ability to write such a complex and moving story. It was described to me as "a beautiful book," and after reading it I completely agree.
Really enjoyed this story that intertwines two generations of Welsh women in India. After the death of her father Mair goes to India with her grandmother Nerys' Kashmir shawl to see if she can find out about the shawl and her grandmother's life in Kashmir. Then the story also tells the story of Nerys' time in India as the wife of a missionary. For a little while I thought the stories were going to echo each other too closely but that didn't turn out to be right and I was glad the stories had their own twists and turns. I also had the expectation of a cheesy ending, which I was also happy to find was incorrect and the book had a very decent ending. I'll trust the author next time!
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated