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India Tea #3
The Girl from the Tea Garden
In the dying days of the Raj, Anglo-Indian schoolgirl Adela Robson dreams of a glamorous career on the stage. When she sneaks away from school in the back of handsome Sam Jackman’s car, she knows a new life awaits—but it is not the one she imagined.
In Simla, the summer seat of the Raj government, Adela throws herself into all the dazzling entertainments 1930s Indian society can offer a beautiful debutante. But just as her ambitions seem on the cusp of becoming reality, she meets a charming but spoilt prince, setting in motion a devastating chain of events.
The outbreak of the Second World War finds Adela back in England—a country she cannot remember—without hope or love, and hiding a shameful secret. Only exceptional courage and endurance can pull her through these dark times and carry her back to the homeland of her heart.
489 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2021
967 people are currently reading
950 people want to read
About the author
Janet MacLeod Trotter
47 books364 followersJanet was brought up in the North East of England with her four brothers, by Scottish parents. She is a best-selling author of 24 books, including the hugely popular INDIA TEA SERIES, THE JARROW TRILOGY and a childhood memoir, BEATLES & CHIEFS, which was featured on BBC Radio Four. Her novel, THE HUNGRY HILLS, gained her a place on the shortlist of The Sunday Times’ Young Writers’ Award, and the TEA PLANTER’S DAUGHTER and IN THE FAR PASHMINA MOUNTAINS were nominated for the RNA Historical Novel Award. Her India-set novels, such as THE RAJ HOTEL SERIES, are inspired by her grandparents who lived and worked in India from the 1920s to '50s.
A graduate of Edinburgh University, she has been editor of the Clan MacLeod Magazine, a columnist on the Newcastle Journal and has had numerous short stories published in women’s magazines. Aged 18 she climbed on a bus and went to Kathmandu - the result was a mystery novel, THE VANISHING OF RUTH. Her second mystery, THE HAUNTING OF KULAH is set on the remote Outer Isles of Scotland. She has also written a Scottish historical novel, THE JACOBITE LASS, based on the epic story of Scottish heroine, Flora MacDonald.
A graduate of Edinburgh University, she has been editor of the Clan MacLeod Magazine, a columnist on the Newcastle Journal and has had numerous short stories published in women’s magazines. Aged 18 she climbed on a bus and went to Kathmandu - the result was a mystery novel, THE VANISHING OF RUTH. Her second mystery, THE HAUNTING OF KULAH is set on the remote Outer Isles of Scotland. She has also written a Scottish historical novel, THE JACOBITE LASS, based on the epic story of Scottish heroine, Flora MacDonald.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
December 14, 2016
This book was set in India towards the end of British rule and it gave you a good picture of how British colonial society worked. It was very interesting and historically accurate. The writing was very descriptive and it was easy to picture the exotic settings that were a part of the story. I enjoyed reading it.
The main character was Adela, a girl whose parents owned a tea plantation. Adela has a great grandmother who was Indian and works at keeping this secret so that she can function in British colonial society. She ran away from a boarding school because of the harassment that she received from a group of girls (girl bullies are not a new thing). Her parents send her to school in Simla after that and she boards with a British widow. Adela has a passion for the theater and singing and she joins in the local theater group after she finishes school. Her performances in the theater generate a great deal of attention from many admirers including a wealthy Indian prince.
Adela has a schoolgirl crush on Sam Jackson that started when he aided her escape from boarding school and grows into love as she ages. She and Sam encounter each other numerous times during the course of the story and though they both have feelings for each other, neither of them feels free to act on those feelings for many years.
Adela leaves India for a visit to England to visit her relatives and recover from the death of her father and a romance that ended in heartbreak. When she arrives in England, she finds that she is pregnant and with the help of friend, hides away until she gives birth and turns the baby over to a church group for adoption. To get past the heartbreak in her life, she focuses on her acting and singing. Adela finds some success in the theater and after the start of WW2, she joins ENSA to perform for the troops. To get back to her family in India, she volunteers to perform there. After her return to India, she encounters Sam again and finally acts on her feelings for him.
One thing that I really liked about this book was that it went into the problems of the Anglo-Indian people who were caught between two worlds and did not fit in either. The writer also showed how turbulent the political situation was in India towards the end of British rule. This is one of the few books that mentions the fighting that went on in Malaysia and India during WW2.
For those who enjoy tea, the book will give you a good education on how tea is grown, processed and blended.
I received an ARC from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
The main character was Adela, a girl whose parents owned a tea plantation. Adela has a great grandmother who was Indian and works at keeping this secret so that she can function in British colonial society. She ran away from a boarding school because of the harassment that she received from a group of girls (girl bullies are not a new thing). Her parents send her to school in Simla after that and she boards with a British widow. Adela has a passion for the theater and singing and she joins in the local theater group after she finishes school. Her performances in the theater generate a great deal of attention from many admirers including a wealthy Indian prince.
Adela has a schoolgirl crush on Sam Jackson that started when he aided her escape from boarding school and grows into love as she ages. She and Sam encounter each other numerous times during the course of the story and though they both have feelings for each other, neither of them feels free to act on those feelings for many years.
Adela leaves India for a visit to England to visit her relatives and recover from the death of her father and a romance that ended in heartbreak. When she arrives in England, she finds that she is pregnant and with the help of friend, hides away until she gives birth and turns the baby over to a church group for adoption. To get past the heartbreak in her life, she focuses on her acting and singing. Adela finds some success in the theater and after the start of WW2, she joins ENSA to perform for the troops. To get back to her family in India, she volunteers to perform there. After her return to India, she encounters Sam again and finally acts on her feelings for him.
One thing that I really liked about this book was that it went into the problems of the Anglo-Indian people who were caught between two worlds and did not fit in either. The writer also showed how turbulent the political situation was in India towards the end of British rule. This is one of the few books that mentions the fighting that went on in Malaysia and India during WW2.
For those who enjoy tea, the book will give you a good education on how tea is grown, processed and blended.
I received an ARC from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
July 12, 2017
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I had it on Kindle for months and I remembered it because I was having trouble sleeping one night and there was a Tea Documentary on BBC. I started reading it afterwards and could not keep it down. It's like winning a lottery for a reader when they get sucked in by a story and get lost in the world contained in a book. It's like mental quantum physics it's an indescribable feeling and experience. I GOT LOST IN THIS BOOK! When I was done I longed to erase the memory of it and start all over again and again and again. When I was not reading it, I was thinking about it and it was almost as if I was here but also looking into the time the book is set and observing the characters as they went about their lives. I have been chasing the reading high I got from this book but it's proving to be elusive. The characters were flawed and the geographical descriptions surreal. This book will pull at your emotions and some parts might leave you feeling wrecked. I only have one axe to grind with Trotter: I hope there is a sequel because there is an unspoken pact between an author and a reader (TFIOS) - the author has to take it all the way, a reader cannot imagine an ending. Trotter you have to tell us what happened to the baby and whether there was really a HEA. Looking for a novel to get lost in? The Girl from the Tea Garden is it for you. Especially for lovers of historical fiction or colonial literature.
April 15, 2017
As the third and final instalment in the India tea series, this was a wonderfully descriptive novel set not just in India, but also wartime Britain.
The story follows Adela as she grows up and finds her feet in the world of show business. Although it's been a while since I read the second book of the series, many of the characters came to the forefront of my mind as I recalled how the stories began.
This instalment is just as addictive as it's predecessors, well paced and historically accurate. As I stumbled upon this series purely by chance, following my love of Dinah Jefferies' novels, I would heartedly recommend it to fans of historical fiction with an exotic twist.
The story follows Adela as she grows up and finds her feet in the world of show business. Although it's been a while since I read the second book of the series, many of the characters came to the forefront of my mind as I recalled how the stories began.
This instalment is just as addictive as it's predecessors, well paced and historically accurate. As I stumbled upon this series purely by chance, following my love of Dinah Jefferies' novels, I would heartedly recommend it to fans of historical fiction with an exotic twist.
July 5, 2019
Rating: 4.0/5.0
A wonderful historical fiction that takes you to India in the 1930s - 1940s. Part of the events take place in England as well. I love the fine details the author used for that era. This is the third book in the India Tea series and you can read it as a separate story (that is what I did), however it seems that you would understand some of the characters better if you read the first two books. But this book can still be read separately because the protagonist Adela is just 11 years old and the book concentrates on her story for about 10 years or so. Her relationship with her family, with her friends, love interests, aunt etc.
The book is captivating and very well written specially the details of how British people were living in India prior to India's independence. I also liked a lot how the author used world war II within the story. The characters are very detailed and distinctive. I would recommend this book because you will not enjoy it just because of the protagonist's main story but also because of the book's historical and social aspects.
Note: I have won a free copy of this book by participating in a giveaway.
A wonderful historical fiction that takes you to India in the 1930s - 1940s. Part of the events take place in England as well. I love the fine details the author used for that era. This is the third book in the India Tea series and you can read it as a separate story (that is what I did), however it seems that you would understand some of the characters better if you read the first two books. But this book can still be read separately because the protagonist Adela is just 11 years old and the book concentrates on her story for about 10 years or so. Her relationship with her family, with her friends, love interests, aunt etc.
The book is captivating and very well written specially the details of how British people were living in India prior to India's independence. I also liked a lot how the author used world war II within the story. The characters are very detailed and distinctive. I would recommend this book because you will not enjoy it just because of the protagonist's main story but also because of the book's historical and social aspects.
Note: I have won a free copy of this book by participating in a giveaway.
October 1, 2025
Nek se i ovo završilo.
Koliko su prvi i drugi dio bili sjajni toliko je ova dosadna i ubila me u pojam mjesec i po.
Koliko su prvi i drugi dio bili sjajni toliko je ova dosadna i ubila me u pojam mjesec i po.
December 27, 2023
I read the first book in this series, the Tea Planter's Daughter, a few months ago and though it was well written and had a good storyline, I was disappointed as it was set more in Newcastle than in India. I read this book as second in the series, and was totally captivated. Loved every moment of it and though the end was a tiny bit rushed it didn't matter - it kept me captivated. And forced me to read the second in the series, the Tea Planter's Bride, just so I can go back and fill in the background of a few of the characters!
So this book reads very well as a stand-alone; but it's better to read the three books in the right order, otherwise there will be spoilers. I do hope she continues the series. Storytelling at its best, especially if you like books set in India.
So this book reads very well as a stand-alone; but it's better to read the three books in the right order, otherwise there will be spoilers. I do hope she continues the series. Storytelling at its best, especially if you like books set in India.
January 19, 2024
Libro muy descriptivo que narra una de esas historias que duran una vida y que en realidad podrían haberse resuelto desde el minuto uno, con que los personajes hubieran hablado, como hubiera sido lo lógico, dada la situación y su relación. Pero te da igual porque eso no es más que la excusa para mostrarte la vida de la protagonista (a la que conocemos desde niña) que es francamente interesante, no sólo porque vive entre Inglaterra y La India, en la convulsa época, pero muy interesante para un lector, de la Segunda Guerra Mundial desde sus inicios y las escaramuzas en India con los británicos y entre ellos, sino por la propia naturaleza de la protagonista y por la profesión que elige, que permite hacer un recorrido por la época más profundo, sin que lo parezca.
Como es habitual en la saga también trata el tema del mestizaje, el racismo, el machismo y las diferencias culturales.
Todo ello inmerso en una saga familiar que hace que libro a libro coloques la situación de los personajes en el tablero y sus porqués, con muchísima más precisión y un entendimiento mayor, mientras ves a personajes que ya conoces, con otra edad y desde otros ojos en otra generación.
Como es habitual en la saga también trata el tema del mestizaje, el racismo, el machismo y las diferencias culturales.
Todo ello inmerso en una saga familiar que hace que libro a libro coloques la situación de los personajes en el tablero y sus porqués, con muchísima más precisión y un entendimiento mayor, mientras ves a personajes que ya conoces, con otra edad y desde otros ojos en otra generación.
June 2, 2017
‘She’s half the world away, but her heart remains in India’
The Girl from the Tea Garden is Book 3 in the India Tea Series from Janet MacLeod Trotter and is described as ‘an emotional and uplifting novel set in the momentous times of the 1930s and the Second World War’.
Published by Lake Union Publishing in December 2016, The Girl from the Tea Garden, is a stunning novel full of such vivid descriptions of India during the dying days of the Raj.
I have had this beautiful book in my TBR pile for way too long!!
The Girl from the Tea Garden is the third book in this series from Janet MacLeod Trotter. Having not read any of the previous books, there’s always that hesitation about the history of characters and will it be difficult to pick up a plot-line. Well I can honestly state it made no difference to my reading experience.
The story begins in Shillong India in 1933 at a boarding school for girls. Adela Robson is schooled here against her wishes. Not one to get caught up in the politics of the popularity contest, Adela soon finds herself at the tail-end of the class bully and suffers the consequences of a past history she cannot hide.
Adela is a very strong-minded individual with big ambitions from a very young age. With her heart set on becoming an actress, Adela’s journey takes her to Simla, the summer location for the Raj government. Here, Adela blossoms and discovers the joy of the stage and the comradeship that it brings.
In Simla she remains under the guidance of Mrs. Fluffy Hogg, a military widow who remained in the country following the death of her husband. Fluffy, though a septuagenarian, has quite avant-garde views and Adela finds herself in the company of quite a bohemian bunch of people.
India is on the cusp of change and Adela is intrigued by the rising voice of the radical. She volunteers her services at the local hospital and sees with her own eyes the poverty and desolation of the mountain folk. The prosperity of the Raj and colonialism are in stark contrast to the impoverished native population.
Adela was reared in relative wealth as the daughter of a tea-plantation owner. Well loved by both her mother and father, Adela was never short of opportunities to flourish into a young woman.
From an early age she develops an admiration for a young man, Sam Jackman. As the years pass by, Adela and Sam continue to cross paths. As Adela explores the glamour and glitz of Simla, she becomes fascinated by the lifestyle offered. Adela has dreams of being the next Gracie Fields and this lifestyle appears to be almost a stepping stone for her.
But circumstances have a strange way of changing the course of a life and Adela soon finds herself in England. With the outbreak of the Second World War, life takes on a completely different meaning for Adela. Distanced from her family, she throws herself into the war effort and with fortitude and pure grit, she keeps a stoic attitude facing up to all the challenges she encounters.
The Girl from the Tea Garden is a beautiful book laden with such spectacular descriptions of the Indian countryside. Both the poverty and the wealth are portrayed in sharp contrast to each other, as the author takes the reader on a journey back in time.
It was on discovery of the diaries and letters belonging to her grandparents, Bob and Sydney Gorrie, that inspired Janet MacLeod Trotter to write the India Tea Series. Her grandparents married in Lahore in the 1920s and lived and worked in the Punjab for almost thirty years. The trip the author made to India herself, retracing their steps, makes for a very authentic narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed The Girl from the Tea Garden and was quite disappointed when I had found I had turned the last page.
For all lovers of historical fiction, for lovers of romance and for all who are fascinated with India and colonialism, this is a book for you. I do hope you enjoy it!!
The Girl from the Tea Garden is Book 3 in the India Tea Series from Janet MacLeod Trotter and is described as ‘an emotional and uplifting novel set in the momentous times of the 1930s and the Second World War’.
Published by Lake Union Publishing in December 2016, The Girl from the Tea Garden, is a stunning novel full of such vivid descriptions of India during the dying days of the Raj.
I have had this beautiful book in my TBR pile for way too long!!
The Girl from the Tea Garden is the third book in this series from Janet MacLeod Trotter. Having not read any of the previous books, there’s always that hesitation about the history of characters and will it be difficult to pick up a plot-line. Well I can honestly state it made no difference to my reading experience.
The story begins in Shillong India in 1933 at a boarding school for girls. Adela Robson is schooled here against her wishes. Not one to get caught up in the politics of the popularity contest, Adela soon finds herself at the tail-end of the class bully and suffers the consequences of a past history she cannot hide.
Adela is a very strong-minded individual with big ambitions from a very young age. With her heart set on becoming an actress, Adela’s journey takes her to Simla, the summer location for the Raj government. Here, Adela blossoms and discovers the joy of the stage and the comradeship that it brings.
In Simla she remains under the guidance of Mrs. Fluffy Hogg, a military widow who remained in the country following the death of her husband. Fluffy, though a septuagenarian, has quite avant-garde views and Adela finds herself in the company of quite a bohemian bunch of people.
India is on the cusp of change and Adela is intrigued by the rising voice of the radical. She volunteers her services at the local hospital and sees with her own eyes the poverty and desolation of the mountain folk. The prosperity of the Raj and colonialism are in stark contrast to the impoverished native population.
Adela was reared in relative wealth as the daughter of a tea-plantation owner. Well loved by both her mother and father, Adela was never short of opportunities to flourish into a young woman.
From an early age she develops an admiration for a young man, Sam Jackman. As the years pass by, Adela and Sam continue to cross paths. As Adela explores the glamour and glitz of Simla, she becomes fascinated by the lifestyle offered. Adela has dreams of being the next Gracie Fields and this lifestyle appears to be almost a stepping stone for her.
But circumstances have a strange way of changing the course of a life and Adela soon finds herself in England. With the outbreak of the Second World War, life takes on a completely different meaning for Adela. Distanced from her family, she throws herself into the war effort and with fortitude and pure grit, she keeps a stoic attitude facing up to all the challenges she encounters.
The Girl from the Tea Garden is a beautiful book laden with such spectacular descriptions of the Indian countryside. Both the poverty and the wealth are portrayed in sharp contrast to each other, as the author takes the reader on a journey back in time.
It was on discovery of the diaries and letters belonging to her grandparents, Bob and Sydney Gorrie, that inspired Janet MacLeod Trotter to write the India Tea Series. Her grandparents married in Lahore in the 1920s and lived and worked in the Punjab for almost thirty years. The trip the author made to India herself, retracing their steps, makes for a very authentic narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed The Girl from the Tea Garden and was quite disappointed when I had found I had turned the last page.
For all lovers of historical fiction, for lovers of romance and for all who are fascinated with India and colonialism, this is a book for you. I do hope you enjoy it!!
March 18, 2024
“A quien no pregunta no le mienten”.
4,5
"Volver a Assam" es la tercera entrega de la serie Aromas de té que narra las vidas de varias generaciones de una familia de plantadores de té en la India colonial y postcolonial. La protagonista de esta entrega es Adela Robson, una joven que sueña con ser actriz y que se ve envuelta en una serie de aventuras y desventuras amorosas en la India y en Inglaterra, desde los años 30 hasta los 50, una época de grandes cambios políticos, sociales y culturales.
La novela muestra la vida de los plantadores de té, tanto británicos como indios, y sus relaciones con la población local, así como los conflictos entre las diferentes religiones y etnias. Se describe con mucho detalle y realismo los paisajes, las costumbres, la gastronomía, la música, el arte y la historia de la India, transportando al lector a un mundo fascinante.
El estilo narrativo de la autora en este libro es fluido, con una prosa que combina la descripción de los escenarios y las emociones de los personajes con el diálogo que refleja sus personalidades y sus conflictos. Utiliza la tercera persona para narrar la historia desde el punto de vista de la protagonista, Adela, y de otros personajes secundarios aportando diferentes perspectivas y matices.
Adela, nuestra protagonista, está bien desarrollada, sus luchas y triunfos son retratados con suficiente profundidad, y aunque no empaticé del todo con ella, entendía sus conflictos internos y las decisiones que se ve impulsada a tomar por la época de la que forma parte.
Esta entrega sigue siendo una novela conmovedora sobre la familia, el amor y la pérdida, y el poder del pasado para moldear nuestro futuro… Ahora solo me falta el último libro para completar la serie.
4,5
"Volver a Assam" es la tercera entrega de la serie Aromas de té que narra las vidas de varias generaciones de una familia de plantadores de té en la India colonial y postcolonial. La protagonista de esta entrega es Adela Robson, una joven que sueña con ser actriz y que se ve envuelta en una serie de aventuras y desventuras amorosas en la India y en Inglaterra, desde los años 30 hasta los 50, una época de grandes cambios políticos, sociales y culturales.
La novela muestra la vida de los plantadores de té, tanto británicos como indios, y sus relaciones con la población local, así como los conflictos entre las diferentes religiones y etnias. Se describe con mucho detalle y realismo los paisajes, las costumbres, la gastronomía, la música, el arte y la historia de la India, transportando al lector a un mundo fascinante.
El estilo narrativo de la autora en este libro es fluido, con una prosa que combina la descripción de los escenarios y las emociones de los personajes con el diálogo que refleja sus personalidades y sus conflictos. Utiliza la tercera persona para narrar la historia desde el punto de vista de la protagonista, Adela, y de otros personajes secundarios aportando diferentes perspectivas y matices.
Adela, nuestra protagonista, está bien desarrollada, sus luchas y triunfos son retratados con suficiente profundidad, y aunque no empaticé del todo con ella, entendía sus conflictos internos y las decisiones que se ve impulsada a tomar por la época de la que forma parte.
Esta entrega sigue siendo una novela conmovedora sobre la familia, el amor y la pérdida, y el poder del pasado para moldear nuestro futuro… Ahora solo me falta el último libro para completar la serie.
November 22, 2021
Zbog možda malo previše razvlačenja konačnog raspleta i elemenata sapunice dajem jednu ocjenu manje nego prethodnim dijelovima ovog inače meni dragog serijala. Nadam se da Laguna neće predugo čekati sa objavom posljednjeg nastavka jer je puno toga ostalo neriješeno...
January 24, 2018
Not too bad of a book. I t wasn't what I expected it to be, but It was enjoyable. I like reading historical fiction and this one about colonial India fit the bill. A An Anglo-Indian girl named Adela dreams of leaving her family and India and becoming an actress. Pitfalls along the way, romances, etc... I am sure there are many readers out there who will love this book.
In exchange for a fair review I received a Kindle copy from Netgalley.
In exchange for a fair review I received a Kindle copy from Netgalley.
June 3, 2022
Tercera parte de cuatro, aquí esta todo en plena ebullición, muy interesante como se desarrolla la historia. Un bonito paseo por la India
April 15, 2018
Life in India, beautiful!
January 2, 2017
The Girl from the Tea Garden is the third book in The India Tea Series, ‘stories set against the vivid backdrop of India under the British Raj, post Victorian Britain and the tea trade‘. Unfortunately (due to my total incompetence) I’ve still to read book 1, but thankfully having read book 2 this book sees a welcome return to most of the characters I met there. It should be said at this point, that while the book could be read as a stand-alone, it does pick up on the lives of previous characters so spoilers are inevitable. In this one the focus is primarily on Adela Robson, Tilly’s niece, who we left as a small child at the end of book 2.
Adela when we meet her again, is now 11 and away at boarding school, an experience she hates as she doesn’t fit in. When the opportunity she makes her escape, back to Belgooree, her parents tea plantation by hiding in Sam Jackman’s car. As young as she is, that action brings her into contact with Sam who continues to re-appear and disappear throughout her life, not without consequences. Once safely ensconced at another school in Simla, Adela blossoms and is encouraged to pursue her love of acting. This proves to be the starting point to her joining a local theatre group and mixing in company that will see make choices that have devastating consequences, resulting in her leaving for England. Her eventual return to India sees her older and definitely wiser with her own and other secrets to be resolved.
My feelings for Adela I will admit were mixed and changed throughout the book, but I suspect that to a degree that comes from my vantage point of age. Initially sympathetic as a bullied schoolgirl, she then became a mixture of willful feistiness and selfish naiveté though if I’m honest that could describe many teenagers and adolescents. But it was more interesting to see her grow and develop especially as personal circumstance forced her to grow up a little more quickly. While Adela was undoubtedly the main focus, it was often the lesser characters I took a shine to, I loved Sam, for all his faults and personal demons, he was a decent man, and I was taken with Dr Fatima, Rafi’s sister who spent her time quietly and earnestly tending to the sick and poor as she travelled around the hill station villages.
Outside of the unfolding story of Adela, I was engaged by the political and socio-economic backdrop that was unfolding in both India and England. After years of colonial rule, the British Raj was ruling over a country that was becoming increasingly divided by means of poverty, religion, caste and power imbalances consequently various factions were starting to agitate for independence. While this featured in book 2, it was an aspect that was more to the fore in this one. In England, the outbreak of war also had an impact which saw a change in social mores that saw women gaining more independence and freedom.
I enjoyed this book, not just for Adela’s story, but the way the historical and social aspects were cleverly woven into the plot. It was an interesting insight into the lives of the tea planters and owners, as well as reflecting the wider problems within Indian society. But there was plenty of other threads to add interest and drama, family secrets, unrequited love and forbidden relationships. Just the sort of book that calls for a good cup of tea or two to settle down with.
I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley for the purpose of this review.
Adela when we meet her again, is now 11 and away at boarding school, an experience she hates as she doesn’t fit in. When the opportunity she makes her escape, back to Belgooree, her parents tea plantation by hiding in Sam Jackman’s car. As young as she is, that action brings her into contact with Sam who continues to re-appear and disappear throughout her life, not without consequences. Once safely ensconced at another school in Simla, Adela blossoms and is encouraged to pursue her love of acting. This proves to be the starting point to her joining a local theatre group and mixing in company that will see make choices that have devastating consequences, resulting in her leaving for England. Her eventual return to India sees her older and definitely wiser with her own and other secrets to be resolved.
My feelings for Adela I will admit were mixed and changed throughout the book, but I suspect that to a degree that comes from my vantage point of age. Initially sympathetic as a bullied schoolgirl, she then became a mixture of willful feistiness and selfish naiveté though if I’m honest that could describe many teenagers and adolescents. But it was more interesting to see her grow and develop especially as personal circumstance forced her to grow up a little more quickly. While Adela was undoubtedly the main focus, it was often the lesser characters I took a shine to, I loved Sam, for all his faults and personal demons, he was a decent man, and I was taken with Dr Fatima, Rafi’s sister who spent her time quietly and earnestly tending to the sick and poor as she travelled around the hill station villages.
Outside of the unfolding story of Adela, I was engaged by the political and socio-economic backdrop that was unfolding in both India and England. After years of colonial rule, the British Raj was ruling over a country that was becoming increasingly divided by means of poverty, religion, caste and power imbalances consequently various factions were starting to agitate for independence. While this featured in book 2, it was an aspect that was more to the fore in this one. In England, the outbreak of war also had an impact which saw a change in social mores that saw women gaining more independence and freedom.
I enjoyed this book, not just for Adela’s story, but the way the historical and social aspects were cleverly woven into the plot. It was an interesting insight into the lives of the tea planters and owners, as well as reflecting the wider problems within Indian society. But there was plenty of other threads to add interest and drama, family secrets, unrequited love and forbidden relationships. Just the sort of book that calls for a good cup of tea or two to settle down with.
I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley for the purpose of this review.
December 29, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, the third instalment of the Tea series by the talented author, JMT. I first stumbled across The Tea Planter's Daughter several years ago and have eagerly read the second and third instalments in the series.
Rooted in historical fact, the story weaves its tale and draws threads from the previous tales about Adela's mother, Clarrie and her "auntie" Sophie. Although it is the third in the series, it can easily be read as standalone -- it's clear where the setting takes place -- and when it changes to England and back to India once more.
Good characterisation, a tale with lots of goings on and incidents/episodes to keep the momentum going. JMT weaves a good tale which is written in an easy engaging style and makes you want to find out what is going to happen next.
The political incidents ground the story in realism and help to provide a backdrop to the wider context and unrest before the drama of WWII. This book has made me want to learn even more about the history of India and its fascinating geography.
My only criticism that the ending was very rushed, and a little too neat. Whilst I don't disagree with the outcome, I think there may have been opportunities to develop a stronger ending -- particularly given that it is already a long book... 1/2 star deducted from rating!
MetLineReader rating 4 1/2* (Jubilee)
Rooted in historical fact, the story weaves its tale and draws threads from the previous tales about Adela's mother, Clarrie and her "auntie" Sophie. Although it is the third in the series, it can easily be read as standalone -- it's clear where the setting takes place -- and when it changes to England and back to India once more.
Good characterisation, a tale with lots of goings on and incidents/episodes to keep the momentum going. JMT weaves a good tale which is written in an easy engaging style and makes you want to find out what is going to happen next.
The political incidents ground the story in realism and help to provide a backdrop to the wider context and unrest before the drama of WWII. This book has made me want to learn even more about the history of India and its fascinating geography.
My only criticism that the ending was very rushed, and a little too neat. Whilst I don't disagree with the outcome, I think there may have been opportunities to develop a stronger ending -- particularly given that it is already a long book... 1/2 star deducted from rating!
MetLineReader rating 4 1/2* (Jubilee)
December 19, 2016
1933, Shillong, India. Nina Davidge (classmate) & Margie Munro (classmate) were making sure Flowers Dunlop (aka Weedy, aka Stinky, station master’s daughter) went through her St. Ninian initiation ritual.
Ms. Bensham (house mother) had interrupted the goings on.
She took Adela Robson (Anglo-Indian schoolgirl) to the office to see Ms. Gertrude Black (headmistress).
Dr. Hemmings (MD, Shillong), & Ayah Mimi (nurse), were helping to deliver Clarissa “Clarrie” Robson (wife/mother, recluse) newborn baby.
Wesley Robson (husband/father) was quite pleased with his new son Harry Robson.
6/1935, St. Mary’s College, Simla. Nina has been accepted to another school.
Prudence Briar is her BFF. The 2 are performing at the Davico’s Ballroom.
Mrs. Hogg (aka Fluffy) is the principal.
Colonel Hogg her husband is in the Indian army.
8/1940, Belgooree, India. Josey joined the Entertainments National Service Association & is now in France.
1940, Libby is back in Newcastle.
9/1941, Germany had been bombing many areas.
5/1942, Upper Assam. Burma. General Smyth who led 17th. Infantry Division (Indian Army) had lost the battle.
Rangoon, & Mandalay were next.
10/1943, Adelia, Prue & Helen the Toodle Pips dance trio received a hardy round of applause for their rendition of “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree.”
1944, India. Sophie has volunteered for the Red Cross. Sam “the Padre” Jackman enlisted in the Royal Air Force. Adela & Prue were sent to Bihar to entertain/perform for different camps.
Adelia wrote to Sam.
He was promoted to Lieutenant.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Indian cultural book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great pre-WWII Indian cultural movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Lake Union Publishing; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Ms. Bensham (house mother) had interrupted the goings on.
She took Adela Robson (Anglo-Indian schoolgirl) to the office to see Ms. Gertrude Black (headmistress).
Dr. Hemmings (MD, Shillong), & Ayah Mimi (nurse), were helping to deliver Clarissa “Clarrie” Robson (wife/mother, recluse) newborn baby.
Wesley Robson (husband/father) was quite pleased with his new son Harry Robson.
6/1935, St. Mary’s College, Simla. Nina has been accepted to another school.
Prudence Briar is her BFF. The 2 are performing at the Davico’s Ballroom.
Mrs. Hogg (aka Fluffy) is the principal.
Colonel Hogg her husband is in the Indian army.
8/1940, Belgooree, India. Josey joined the Entertainments National Service Association & is now in France.
1940, Libby is back in Newcastle.
9/1941, Germany had been bombing many areas.
5/1942, Upper Assam. Burma. General Smyth who led 17th. Infantry Division (Indian Army) had lost the battle.
Rangoon, & Mandalay were next.
10/1943, Adelia, Prue & Helen the Toodle Pips dance trio received a hardy round of applause for their rendition of “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree.”
1944, India. Sophie has volunteered for the Red Cross. Sam “the Padre” Jackman enlisted in the Royal Air Force. Adela & Prue were sent to Bihar to entertain/perform for different camps.
Adelia wrote to Sam.
He was promoted to Lieutenant.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Indian cultural book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great pre-WWII Indian cultural movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Lake Union Publishing; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
February 7, 2017
Tea Gardens, Family, and War
As a devoted fan of historical fiction, this wonderful story hits on all things that make historical fiction so great. First, the magical setting of India's lush tea gardens was a treat. I've always dreamt of a visit to India, surrounded by its ancient beauty, the Himalayas, and sites only India can offer. I enjoyed learning a few Hindu words and translating the meanings. Love that sing song language! Janet MacLeod Trotter describes her settings so well that it's entirely possible to visualize an India of my imagination. Secondly, while portions of the story take place during the second World War, it covers a wider range than most historical novels I've read with this period as a backdrop. For instance, MacLeod Trotter's WWII isn't limited to England, Germany, France, and Czechoslovakia. There is plenty of action that takes place at India's surrounding borders, those borders which were threatened by the Japanese troops. Most hist. fiction novels I've come across rarely visit this area. It was interesting and I appreciated the additional knowledge. Thirdly, the storyline was fantastic! I loved the close family ties the characters shared, not only with family, but with a close group of extraordinary friends. I felt this story had lots of originality although it may feel like a familiar theme. What I mean is, sometimes I'll read a story and feel like it's a repeat of a previous read book. While the general theme is somewhat similar, the author here has based her story on actual letters and diaries that she discovered once belonged to her grandparents. MacLeod Trotter's grandparents had married, lived, and worked in the Punjab for nearly thirty years. They were ultimately the inspiration for the India Tea Series.
I'm hoping that I haven't ruined anything by starting with Book Three in the series. Even if I did it was well worth it. Engrossing and rich in historical detail. Loved it!! I'll most certainly be continuing this series from the beginning.
*Won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Opinions are my own. Thanks to Amazon Publishing for a digital review copy.
As a devoted fan of historical fiction, this wonderful story hits on all things that make historical fiction so great. First, the magical setting of India's lush tea gardens was a treat. I've always dreamt of a visit to India, surrounded by its ancient beauty, the Himalayas, and sites only India can offer. I enjoyed learning a few Hindu words and translating the meanings. Love that sing song language! Janet MacLeod Trotter describes her settings so well that it's entirely possible to visualize an India of my imagination. Secondly, while portions of the story take place during the second World War, it covers a wider range than most historical novels I've read with this period as a backdrop. For instance, MacLeod Trotter's WWII isn't limited to England, Germany, France, and Czechoslovakia. There is plenty of action that takes place at India's surrounding borders, those borders which were threatened by the Japanese troops. Most hist. fiction novels I've come across rarely visit this area. It was interesting and I appreciated the additional knowledge. Thirdly, the storyline was fantastic! I loved the close family ties the characters shared, not only with family, but with a close group of extraordinary friends. I felt this story had lots of originality although it may feel like a familiar theme. What I mean is, sometimes I'll read a story and feel like it's a repeat of a previous read book. While the general theme is somewhat similar, the author here has based her story on actual letters and diaries that she discovered once belonged to her grandparents. MacLeod Trotter's grandparents had married, lived, and worked in the Punjab for nearly thirty years. They were ultimately the inspiration for the India Tea Series.
I'm hoping that I haven't ruined anything by starting with Book Three in the series. Even if I did it was well worth it. Engrossing and rich in historical detail. Loved it!! I'll most certainly be continuing this series from the beginning.
*Won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Opinions are my own. Thanks to Amazon Publishing for a digital review copy.
February 19, 2017
A great late night read
beautifully written with great knowledge of where the story was based . really loved all the characters , it felt like I knew them personally.
beautifully written with great knowledge of where the story was based . really loved all the characters , it felt like I knew them personally.
April 19, 2017
I tried. I really, really did. It took me so long to get into the first book that I did want to give this one a chance, but I was completely unable to bond with the characters. The plot didn't work for me, and I struggled for months to drag myself through it. Probably just me, but I'm done with this series.
July 15, 2020
I really wanted to like this book having read the first two in the series. However I gave up half way through . The main character Alana i found very annoying and shallow and the story had very little plot to keep me reading . Very sad not to have finished it as I enjoyed the others so much
March 29, 2018
“La ragazza nel giardino del tè” è il terzo volume della serie India Tea, libro indipendente che quindi può esser letto senza aver sfogliato i precedenti, dell’autrice best-seller Janet MacLeod Trotter. Un romanzo che mi ha catturata con la magia dell’India e la capacità di rialzarsi della giovane Adela Robson.
L’opera racconta il viaggio di Adela, tredicenne all’inizio del libro, nell’India delle colonie sotto l’impero britannico, un impero che sta per cadere. Adela crescerà affrontando ostacoli fra le due nazioni: la convivenza e la diversità fra i popoli, l’amore, la campagna di disobbedienza di Gandhi, la seconda guerra mondiale e le sue conseguenze.
Adela è la figlia di un coltivatore di tè, nata in Inghilterra, ma vissuta sempre in India, che reputa ormai la sua patria. Vedremo l’India dal suo punto di vista e da quello della sua famiglia, quindi da quello delle colonie britanniche, una popolazione che ha messo radici e si è integrata con quella del luogo. Durante la narrazione, l’autrice ha usato una serie di termini indiani, che possono essere facilmente compresi grazie al mini-dizionario in fondo al libro e che aiutano a intrecciarsi alla realtà dell’epoca e alla cultura indiana.
È una ragazzina solare, affascinante, sognatrice, di etnia-mista (all’inizio a sua insaputa) e per questo dovrà combattere ogni giorno con le sue compagne di scuola alla Saint Ninian. I pregiudizi sono difficili da eliminare e questo la porterà a scappare da scuola, insieme a Sam Jackman, verso la sua adorata Belgoree.
Adela ha un sogno: calcare il palcoscenico e diventare una grande attrice. Nuove amiche e una nuova scuola le apriranno le porte del teatro. La vedremo crescere durante gli anni trenta, la seguiremo nei divertimenti e gli amori, per poi vederla partire per l’Inghilterra, alla fine di una serie di sfortunati eventi. Un’Inghilterra che non sente sua, ma che la accoglierà e dove tenterà di rialzarsi, di ricucire i pezzi. Un Paese che però non vuole lasciare, all’inizio della seconda guerra mondiale, perché non vuole separarsi da qualcosa che la trattiene ancora lì.
Cosa succederà durante la guerra? Tornerà in India? Riabbraccerà i propri cari e il suo amore di una vita? Riuscirà a ricongiungersi a un amore che è nato quando era adolescente, oppure la vita le donerà altro?
Capitolo dopo capitolo, la vita di Adela vi sorprenderà. Una ragazza decisa, che si rialza, che si tira su le maniche per superare le difficoltà della vita, che sa nascondere e superare le sue fragilità per non soccombere alla disperazione della chiusura mentale del periodo storico in cui il libro è ambientato.
Purtroppo ho trovato l’inizio del libro lento, faticando a leggerlo, per questo motivo non ho dato un punteggio pieno, ma, appena la piccola Adela ha iniziato a crescere, le sue avventure mi hanno affascinata. Ho riso e pianto con lei, mi sono emozionata. Sono stata trasportata nell’India e nell’Inghilterra di quegli anni.
Cosa aspettate a viaggiare con lei?
L’opera racconta il viaggio di Adela, tredicenne all’inizio del libro, nell’India delle colonie sotto l’impero britannico, un impero che sta per cadere. Adela crescerà affrontando ostacoli fra le due nazioni: la convivenza e la diversità fra i popoli, l’amore, la campagna di disobbedienza di Gandhi, la seconda guerra mondiale e le sue conseguenze.
Adela è la figlia di un coltivatore di tè, nata in Inghilterra, ma vissuta sempre in India, che reputa ormai la sua patria. Vedremo l’India dal suo punto di vista e da quello della sua famiglia, quindi da quello delle colonie britanniche, una popolazione che ha messo radici e si è integrata con quella del luogo. Durante la narrazione, l’autrice ha usato una serie di termini indiani, che possono essere facilmente compresi grazie al mini-dizionario in fondo al libro e che aiutano a intrecciarsi alla realtà dell’epoca e alla cultura indiana.
È una ragazzina solare, affascinante, sognatrice, di etnia-mista (all’inizio a sua insaputa) e per questo dovrà combattere ogni giorno con le sue compagne di scuola alla Saint Ninian. I pregiudizi sono difficili da eliminare e questo la porterà a scappare da scuola, insieme a Sam Jackman, verso la sua adorata Belgoree.
Adela ha un sogno: calcare il palcoscenico e diventare una grande attrice. Nuove amiche e una nuova scuola le apriranno le porte del teatro. La vedremo crescere durante gli anni trenta, la seguiremo nei divertimenti e gli amori, per poi vederla partire per l’Inghilterra, alla fine di una serie di sfortunati eventi. Un’Inghilterra che non sente sua, ma che la accoglierà e dove tenterà di rialzarsi, di ricucire i pezzi. Un Paese che però non vuole lasciare, all’inizio della seconda guerra mondiale, perché non vuole separarsi da qualcosa che la trattiene ancora lì.
Cosa succederà durante la guerra? Tornerà in India? Riabbraccerà i propri cari e il suo amore di una vita? Riuscirà a ricongiungersi a un amore che è nato quando era adolescente, oppure la vita le donerà altro?
Capitolo dopo capitolo, la vita di Adela vi sorprenderà. Una ragazza decisa, che si rialza, che si tira su le maniche per superare le difficoltà della vita, che sa nascondere e superare le sue fragilità per non soccombere alla disperazione della chiusura mentale del periodo storico in cui il libro è ambientato.
Purtroppo ho trovato l’inizio del libro lento, faticando a leggerlo, per questo motivo non ho dato un punteggio pieno, ma, appena la piccola Adela ha iniziato a crescere, le sue avventure mi hanno affascinata. Ho riso e pianto con lei, mi sono emozionata. Sono stata trasportata nell’India e nell’Inghilterra di quegli anni.
Cosa aspettate a viaggiare con lei?
March 23, 2017
The Girl from the Tea Garden by Janet MacLeod Trotter is the third book in the India Tea series. The story centers around Adela Robson, an Anglo-Indian girl, who dreams of life on the stage. When she meets the handsome Sam Jackman, she sees her dream coming more of a possibility. She seems to be at the height of society until she meets the charming yet spoiled Prince and everything seems to fall apart. She soon finds herself in England, a country she doesn’t know. Will she have the courage and bravery to see through the bad times? Will she be able to return to her true home?
The Girl from the Tea Garden is set at the end of British rule in India, the turbulent political and social times are heavily felt as well as the outbreak of World War II. I enjoyed seeing World War II outside of the events in Europe. The author touches on events which occur in India during the war. I enjoy reading books which take the reader to a different part of the world and tells a story of what happened there while the war was going on. When I requested this book, I wasn’t aware it was the third in the series. However, the story was great to read and if there were any references to the first two books, they were subtle enough that it didn’t take away from the story. Now having read this book, I would like to read the first two and then read this one again. The author’s descriptions of the time and places were exquisite. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will enjoy The Girl from the Tea Garden.
The Girl from the Tea Garden
Is available on Amazon
In paperback and on the Kindle
The Girl from the Tea Garden is set at the end of British rule in India, the turbulent political and social times are heavily felt as well as the outbreak of World War II. I enjoyed seeing World War II outside of the events in Europe. The author touches on events which occur in India during the war. I enjoy reading books which take the reader to a different part of the world and tells a story of what happened there while the war was going on. When I requested this book, I wasn’t aware it was the third in the series. However, the story was great to read and if there were any references to the first two books, they were subtle enough that it didn’t take away from the story. Now having read this book, I would like to read the first two and then read this one again. The author’s descriptions of the time and places were exquisite. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will enjoy The Girl from the Tea Garden.
The Girl from the Tea Garden
Is available on Amazon
In paperback and on the Kindle
March 3, 2018
I have long been a fan of Janet McLeod Trotter’s books and, having enjoyed the first two books in the India Tea series, I was really looking forward to reading the Girl from the Tea Garden. I have to say that I didn’t find it quite as well written as Janet’s books normally are, but there is still a lot to enjoy.
One of the wonderful things about the book is the fantastic setting as the author paints a beautiful picture of India and the dying days of the Raj. It’s obvious that she’s visited the area as the descriptions of the countryside and people are so evocative. There are interesting snippets of social history thrown in as well, and I felt like I learnt something during the course of reading the novel.
I like Adela, and Mrs Trotter takes her on quite a journey through the book, beginning as a girl of thirteen right through to a young woman in her 20s. I also enjoyed meeting up with characters from the earlier books again. I did find the storyline a bit hit and miss though – at some points tightly structured and at others a bit meandering -- as well as the ending feeling somewhat rushed and underdeveloped. I hope, and imagine, that there will be a sequel, as there are characters and story threads that didn’t have closure.
Overall though I did enjoy the book and can recommend it and the earlier books in the series.
One of the wonderful things about the book is the fantastic setting as the author paints a beautiful picture of India and the dying days of the Raj. It’s obvious that she’s visited the area as the descriptions of the countryside and people are so evocative. There are interesting snippets of social history thrown in as well, and I felt like I learnt something during the course of reading the novel.
I like Adela, and Mrs Trotter takes her on quite a journey through the book, beginning as a girl of thirteen right through to a young woman in her 20s. I also enjoyed meeting up with characters from the earlier books again. I did find the storyline a bit hit and miss though – at some points tightly structured and at others a bit meandering -- as well as the ending feeling somewhat rushed and underdeveloped. I hope, and imagine, that there will be a sequel, as there are characters and story threads that didn’t have closure.
Overall though I did enjoy the book and can recommend it and the earlier books in the series.
October 24, 2017
Recensione presente anche sul blog: https://nalisshelter.blogspot.com/
Voto: 3.5 stelle
Ho iniziato il romanzo conoscendo solo una trama approssimativa che poi si è rivelata completamente insignificante rispetto al romanzo che mi sono trovata a leggere.
La storia che ci viene raccontata attraversa un arco temporale di più o meno trent'anni e che segue la vita di Adela, una giovane britannica che vive in India con la sua famiglia sin da quando è piccola e che si ritrova a vivere in un epoca caratterizzata da conflitti constanti.
Adela si troverà prima alle prese di un conflitto tra britannici e indiani per il controllo dell'India e assisterà, in seguito, ormai adulta, alla seconda guerra mondiale, una guerra che ha lacerato l'Europa ma che è stata accompagnata da un progressivo avanzamento delle truppe Giapponesi nei territori asiatici (storia che mi era completamente ignota per via della caratteristica della scuola italiana di essere eurocentrica e insofferente nei confronti delle nazioni al di fuori del proprio giardinetto).
Comunque, la sottotrama del romanzo è caratterizzata da una storia d'amore di quelle che piacciono tanto a me... CONTINUA A LEGGERE QUI -> https://goo.gl/Yu7aAN
Voto: 3.5 stelle
Ho iniziato il romanzo conoscendo solo una trama approssimativa che poi si è rivelata completamente insignificante rispetto al romanzo che mi sono trovata a leggere.
La storia che ci viene raccontata attraversa un arco temporale di più o meno trent'anni e che segue la vita di Adela, una giovane britannica che vive in India con la sua famiglia sin da quando è piccola e che si ritrova a vivere in un epoca caratterizzata da conflitti constanti.
Adela si troverà prima alle prese di un conflitto tra britannici e indiani per il controllo dell'India e assisterà, in seguito, ormai adulta, alla seconda guerra mondiale, una guerra che ha lacerato l'Europa ma che è stata accompagnata da un progressivo avanzamento delle truppe Giapponesi nei territori asiatici (storia che mi era completamente ignota per via della caratteristica della scuola italiana di essere eurocentrica e insofferente nei confronti delle nazioni al di fuori del proprio giardinetto).
Comunque, la sottotrama del romanzo è caratterizzata da una storia d'amore di quelle che piacciono tanto a me... CONTINUA A LEGGERE QUI -> https://goo.gl/Yu7aAN
December 9, 2018
“In the dying days of the Raj, Anglo-Indian schoolgirl Adela Robson dreams of a glamorous career on the stage. When she sneaks away from school in the back of handsome Sam Jackman’s car, she knows a new life awaits—but it is not the one she imagined.
In Simla, the summer seat of the Raj government, Adela throws herself into all the dazzling entertainments 1930s Indian society can offer a beautiful debutante. But just as her ambitions seem on the cusp of becoming reality, she meets a charming but spoilt prince, setting in motion a devastating chain of events.
The outbreak of the Second World War finds Adela back in England—a country she cannot remember—without hope or love, and hiding a shameful secret. Only exceptional courage and endurance can pull her through these dark times and carry her back to the homeland of her heart.”
This was a combination of a love story and historical fiction, as well as a bit of shades of “Tea Planter’s Wife.” I did like how the author was still able to provide historical detail based on her own family’s history in addition to research.
In Simla, the summer seat of the Raj government, Adela throws herself into all the dazzling entertainments 1930s Indian society can offer a beautiful debutante. But just as her ambitions seem on the cusp of becoming reality, she meets a charming but spoilt prince, setting in motion a devastating chain of events.
The outbreak of the Second World War finds Adela back in England—a country she cannot remember—without hope or love, and hiding a shameful secret. Only exceptional courage and endurance can pull her through these dark times and carry her back to the homeland of her heart.”
This was a combination of a love story and historical fiction, as well as a bit of shades of “Tea Planter’s Wife.” I did like how the author was still able to provide historical detail based on her own family’s history in addition to research.
September 12, 2018
Good
down, girls!’ Adela stood rooted to the spot, heart drumming as her classmates grabbed the new girl by her skinny arms and long plait. Nina was lying about having drunk the stuff herself; she had refused any initiation ceremony when she’d joined the school in the summer term. Her delicate bones needed heat, Nina had told them, and that was the only reason why she was in a dump of a school like St Ninian’s in Shillong with the daughters of non-commissioned officers and box-wallahs. Otherwise, according to Nina, she would be at a boarding school at home in England with girls of her own social class. Better for Flowers if she just submitted and got it over with; then Nina might leave her alone. But Flowers was fighting back, squirming out of their hold and shrieking in protest.
down, girls!’ Adela stood rooted to the spot, heart drumming as her classmates grabbed the new girl by her skinny arms and long plait. Nina was lying about having drunk the stuff herself; she had refused any initiation ceremony when she’d joined the school in the summer term. Her delicate bones needed heat, Nina had told them, and that was the only reason why she was in a dump of a school like St Ninian’s in Shillong with the daughters of non-commissioned officers and box-wallahs. Otherwise, according to Nina, she would be at a boarding school at home in England with girls of her own social class. Better for Flowers if she just submitted and got it over with; then Nina might leave her alone. But Flowers was fighting back, squirming out of their hold and shrieking in protest.
January 13, 2017
The third novel in the India Tea Series and for me the best to date. This is a gripping family saga charted between India and the North of England. The story is always gripping and beautifully crafted by the author, enmeshing tragic events with powerful moments, against the backdrop of the Second World War. I grew to love and admire Adela Robson, the main character. I would love to know how her life evolved and so pray there is another story in the series. Trotter's sumptuous descriptions of the Indian hills really captures the imagination and makes one understand why Adela had to return to her homeland after many years in Newcastle.
March 24, 2018
Janet Trotter has a gift marrying India pre partition with England. it's insane how much Adela had to go through including falling into that insane relationship with the Pillock of a man only to end up pregnant and giving up the child. I wish she would write another one about the child Adela had. I would love to find out what happened to him.
When her father dies and she has to deal with the loss seperate from her mother who clearly blamed her a little part of my broke aswell remembering my own loss. It's difficult and yet so relatable seeing this from another person's eyes.
The whole book moved me but the ending was too perfect.
When her father dies and she has to deal with the loss seperate from her mother who clearly blamed her a little part of my broke aswell remembering my own loss. It's difficult and yet so relatable seeing this from another person's eyes.
The whole book moved me but the ending was too perfect.
July 23, 2019
Forced and disappointing
Oh dear, what a shame this book does not live up to the standards of book 2. Throughout the plot is forced and improbable which gets ridiculous towards the end. We are told near the beginning that there is a telephone at Belgoree but it is never used again despite the many times it would have been useful and the years and years of only communicating by letter. This book also suffers from the same problem as the first in that it tries to cover a war but has already spent a great deal of pages on tiny details from the years before. Still, book 2 was good enough that I'll carry on with the series.
Oh dear, what a shame this book does not live up to the standards of book 2. Throughout the plot is forced and improbable which gets ridiculous towards the end. We are told near the beginning that there is a telephone at Belgoree but it is never used again despite the many times it would have been useful and the years and years of only communicating by letter. This book also suffers from the same problem as the first in that it tries to cover a war but has already spent a great deal of pages on tiny details from the years before. Still, book 2 was good enough that I'll carry on with the series.
November 27, 2022
I enjoyed this book. The author’s descriptions of India are so good that you can really imagine what it was like. I liked all the characters as well.
The story just dragged on a bit. Her time in England just kept going on and on with the same details. When she got back to India during the war, I was kinda ready for her and Sam just to hurry up and find each other. I did not like that she had a baby. That plot line seemed cliche. After she had sex with Raj, I was thinking please don’t make her pregnant. It took a while before it came out so I had hope it wouldn’t go in that direction.
Overall, I likes the book.
The story just dragged on a bit. Her time in England just kept going on and on with the same details. When she got back to India during the war, I was kinda ready for her and Sam just to hurry up and find each other. I did not like that she had a baby. That plot line seemed cliche. After she had sex with Raj, I was thinking please don’t make her pregnant. It took a while before it came out so I had hope it wouldn’t go in that direction.
Overall, I likes the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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