Warten auf den Monsun

by Threes Anna

Eine tragische Reise über den Himalaja, ein verhängnisvoller Bannfluch, ein Schneider mit magischen Kräften – eine hinreißende Liebesgeschichte. Bombay, 1946. Zehn Jahre hat Charlotte Bridgwater in einem Internat in England verbracht. Jetzt steht sie am Hafen von Bombay und wartet auf ihren Vater, einen englischen Major. Aber sie wird nicht mit ihm nach Hause zurückkehren, denn am Kai steht ein englischer Soldat, in den sie sich auf der Stelle verliebt. Rampur, 1995. Charlotte Bridgwater wohnt nach einem bewegten Leben wieder mit ihrem Vater im Haus ihrer Kindheit. Die große Villa ist inzwischen verfallen. Vorbei sind die Zeiten, in denen hohe Militärs in Galauniform sich mit ihren Frauen zu großen Festen einfanden. Das Wegdwood-Service mußte ebenso verkauft werden wie die Rubine aus dem großen Kristallüster. Den letzten Rubin versetzt Charlotte, um Stoff für ein Kleid zu kaufen, das sie zur Gala des New Rampur Club tragen will. Auf dieses Fest freuen sich alle, auch wenn das Leben in der Stadt unerträglich geworden ist, man leidet unter der Hitze, wartet auf den Monsun. Als der Schneider unerwartet stirbt, ruhen alle Hoffnungen auf Madan, der sich vom bettelnden Straßenkind zu einem begnadeten Schneider entwickelt hat. Er mietet sich bei Charlotte ein und beginnt mit seiner Arbeit. Das schönste Kleid aber näht er für Charlotte, die an diesem Abend über die Tanzfläche wirbelt wie »eine feurige Blume«. Da tauchen Wolken am Horizont auf; keine Regenwolken. Vor dem Hintergrund von einhundert Jahren indisch-englischer Geschichte erzählt Threes Anna die wunderbare und anrührende Liebesgeschichte zwischen einer englischen Lady und einem viel jüngeren indischen Schneider.

Genres: Romance, India, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literature

Hardcover

First published November 30, 2010

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because it came highly recommended by Charlotte Stein, owner of Parry Sound Books. Charlotte is well-known in this small, wonderful community for her discriminating, choice taste in literature - only the best books are allowed on her shelves! Although I've moved away from the area, I still follow Charlotte's selections via her e-newsletter. If you want to stay on top of all the best books being published, take the time to check out her reviews at www.parrysoundbooks.com.

I love the intricacy of plotlines that follow numerous strangers whose separate lives gradually intersect as the chapters unfold. Author Threes Anna accomplishes this masterfully in "Waiting for the Monsoon". Some of the mysterious connections between characters are not revealed until the thrilling final pages of the novel, and as a reader, I was left thinking about "What will happen next?" long after I closed the book.

The novel is set in India and shifts back and forth in time, through the opulence of the Raj to the terrors of the Pacific Front to modern times, slowly revealing the ties that bind each character together. I fell in love with India while reading this novel - despite there being so much to deplore. The depravity suffered by some of the characters made each scrap of compassion which surfaced in the story that much more satisfying. Detailed descriptions of the sights, sounds, and smells of India made me feel completely immersed in the setting. This is truly one of those novels that a reader "sinks into", completely losing awareness of everything going on around her.

I also enjoyed the depth of character development in this novel. Many characters, including the protagonist Charlotte Bridgwater, have less-than-admirable qualities and some of them are, at first glance, entirely despicable. Gradually, the author reveals the painful events that have shaped each character into the person - or the monster - that he/she has become. As a reader I was absorbed with the frustrating shortcomings of some of the characters, but appreciated how proficient the author had been in making these people so very, very human.

One of the reviews on the back of the book describes it as "A mixture of drama, comedy, and a little magic...a wonderful story of different, very beautiful, and evocative scenes". I agree wholeheartedly. I highly recommend this thoroughly captivating novel.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of twists and turns that kept my attention in this book. Initially it was challenging to follow the different timelines and stories, but as the novel progressed it was easier, and I can see why the author chose to unveil the information bit by bit. Not a fan of the idea that two of the characters could communicate without speaking aloud, but it worked in this context.

[La biblioteca de Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro extraordinariamente bien escrito, es ameno y no se hace nada pesado a pesar de esos saltos de época; la autora supo entrelazar perfectamente  las historias de los protagonistas, en lo que yo he llamado "soltar pequeñas dosis de porqués", en las narraciones segun la fecha.
No es un libro para sentarse a leerlo de un tirón (aunque bien podría serlo), es un libro para degustar, para disfrutar.
Cada detalle del paisaje, los acontecimientos, las texturas, los olores, los colores... todo te transporta al lugar y al momento narrado, casi que lo puedes sentir y percibir.
Es de esos libros que te deja con ganas de saber más, pero con un cierre en justa medida.
 
A pesar que el final me dejo con un sin sabor, esto no le resta ni media estrella... me ha encantado!


P.D. ****ALERTA SPOILER**** Me hubiese gustado que Madan se reencontrara con su familia y que Charlotte por fin pudiera  encaminar su vida... y que con Donald??!! Jamás se preocupó de verdad por su hermana o su Padre... Simplemente se lavó las manos (quizá fue mucho mas inteligente y valiente q Charlotte o fue un total egoista, todo depende del lado por el que se mire).
Ah! pero no tuvo ninguna consideración al enviar a su hija a incordiar y dar mas preocupaciones a la pobre protagonista, al grado de terminar acabando con todo por su falta de sentido común; enserio tenía 19 años y no 12??? (lo siento..eso pienso).

Bueno, no todos los finales pueden ser felices...la realidad es mucho mas compleja que eso.

[Tanya Bellehumeur-Allatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. It was such a gift to me in this season--wholly unexpected, as I came across it seemingly by accident. I was looking for Myriam Towes' Fight Night, and this book was sitting beside it on the library shelf. Since I love books set in India, it caught my eye.
Am I ever glad it did! Threes Anna's finely plotted story swept me up in its 500+ page narrative. There's so much I admire about her storytelling: the non-linear timeline, the omniscient pov, the lush setting, the delightful element of magic, the many plot twists and satisfying connections. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time. It's also inspired me to weave a little magic in my novels and stories. So well done!

[Elizabeth Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this book. The plot was detailed and I enjoyed the way that Anna brought together all of the characters as the novel progressed. I felt real empathy for the central character. The reason I have given this three rather than four stars is because of the way the narrative is structured. Anna cuts scenes frequently and, although this works on many occasions, I found that it made the novel too disjointed for my taste and felt that it disrupted the narrative flow. A shame, as apart from this I really enjoyed the book - there was just too much chopping and changing for me to be able to lose myself in it.

[Norma Toucedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hermosa novela. Una dama inglesa y un niño solo y perdido en las calles de una India convulsa en pleno proceso independentista. Una reina sin reino y un sastre mudo que han recorrido la mayor parte de sus vidas solo para encontrarse, y que no pueden dejar de comunicarse entre sí, de alma a alma, por más muros que se construyan.

. Dos personajes tan entrañables como magistrales, y una historia imposible que se va tejiendo de manera exquisita, con hilos de diferentes colores y texturas, con aromas de flores, tal como este sastre ambulante realiza los vestidos para la fiesta del Monzón. Trozos de historia, saltos en el espacio-tiempo y un final asombroso, que se va revelando como un rompecabezas sutil, como un cuadro que se está pintando delante de nosotros. Los caprichosos laberintos de las callejuelas indias, tan semejantes a los destinos de estos dos personajes, adquieren por fin un sentido y ofrecen a ambos, y a nosotros los lectores, nuevas posibilidades de pensar y resignificar lo leído desde el principio. En suma, a mi juicio: una novela brillantemente escrita, en la que la estructura y el contenido están uno al servicio del otro y en perfecta armonía. Me gustó muchísimo y aún hoy, tras varios meses de haberla terminado, encuentro a menudo resonando en mí los ecos de alguno de sus pasajes.

[Fra Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful that I accidentally stumbled over this book. As a fan of India and with an interest in the colonial era, the story captivated me straight away. It's complex, beautifully and thoughtful written, predictable and somehow not. I loved the tension that built up- from a spark to a fire, from disorder to the moment that every piece fell into place. Dear Threes Anna, thank you for this ending, which was exactly the way I like it. Now I want more, please!

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vond het boek op vakantie omdat ik niks anders te lezen had. Her verhaal duurt wat te lang en de introductie van het nichtje was weinig relevant. Jammer dat het lijkt of het einde wat afgeraffeld voelt. Het verhaal bleef me boeien, het bleef interessant te ontdekken hoe de levens van Charlotte en Madan completer werden. 3,5 ster.

[Lisa Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complex, woven story that unfolds slowly. While extremely well-written and an interesting view of colonial and post-colonial India, a deep sense of sadness throughout, with no happy endings, made the story sometimes heavy to read.

[Kemi looves 2 read · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot is complex, tightly woven and unfolds ever so slowly. It is extremely well-written with a good insight to colonial and post-colonial India. There is a deep sense of sadness throughout the book as one connects the dots right through to the tragic ending.

[Cande Tuyarot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fue un romance muy pobre, esperaba muchísimo más. Sin embargo, no puedo darle menos de tres estrellas porque la trama me resultó muy entretenida
Tiene un plot twist que me sorprendió bastante, a pesar de que era previsible. Yo jamás lo esperé.
Mi personaje preferido fue Madan

[Hawley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a solid 4 star before that horrible ending. Gave it a 3 because the writing had been so good despite the rushed end that almost ruined the book for me.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Que historia tan triste. Una descripción hermosa, unas vidas destrozadas, pero aún así, una esperanza de que el monzón pronto llegará...

[Mer · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://bitacorademislecturas.blogspo...

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a free novel I won through the Goodreads giveaway.

An enchanting novel! I loved it, couldn't wait to find a quiet moment to read a few pages, and then I had a hard time putting it down everytime. I was under its spell from around page 50 until the end, there was no let down, no unwanted lenghts, the pace and rythm were constant and my interest didn't falter. An excellent work. I rarely give a five star note, but I enjoyed this one so much I can't help it!

It took me the first 50 pages to really get into it, simply because each chapter adresses a different character's story or point of view and to top it all the story(ies) isn't told in a linear way, we keep jumping back and forward in time on top of jumping from one character to another. The chapters are very short and I was a little confused in the beginning, wondering who was who and when... The confusion didn't last long and I have to admit that I loved the rythm those jumps in time, places and characters, created.

The small chapters, the different times, places and characters are like threads and little by little the fabric of the entire tale is being weaved, it is such a beautiful way of telling a story. I've never been to India but I saw this country through this book, I felt the heat, I smelled the odors, I saw the colors and I felt how cut off from the rest of the world they were. The tale skillfully takes form, little by little, I never could predict much in advance what was happening and I'm certain that when I could actually predict it, it was because the author wanted me too, because it was time to tell that tale within the bigger tale.

I will definitely be looking for more from this author!

[Dianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a friend of mine lent me The Kitchen House as a recommended read, I took her up on her next recommendation and borrowed this next book called Waiting for the Monsoon. This book is a good read. The author gives you great cultural language to work with and understand without distracting from the storyline. The setting is in India, but crosses over to English territory periodically to give the story some depth. The story does not evoke tears, but it is a sad tale.

The story is a life journey for a white woman who spends most of her life in India, an idea she loves and questions throughout her life. A woman who knows little of love and knows more about responsibility than most people will in a lifetime. The book speaks to the Indian culture and some of their rituals, and superstitions which I always find fascinating.

Although I did not find that the book had a terrible amount of excitement to keep me turning the pages, I did find myself wanting to know what the heck was going to happen to this woman. It was a pick up and put down book, but one that I found I kept picking back up for short spurts.

I would recommend this book as a vacation book. Something you can pick up and put down while going through airports or sunning on a beach. I would give this book a 3 of 5 star rating.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in a free giveaway from Goodreads. It is a highly unusual love story to say the least with many twists in the plot. We are introduced to the heroine, Charlotte Bridgwater, an older widow, who is struggling to maintain her rundown family estate, with the help of one Indian servant, in Rampur, India. She cuts the grass before dawn in the morning to hid her family's impoverished condition from her wealthy Indian social club friends.She also cares for her elderly invalid father, a former decorated British army General from WW2. Through flashbacks of tragedies of different generations in her own family as well as those of Madan, a tailor she has let a room to in order to have income to pay the piles of bills she is hiding from her father, we see how actions in the past affected those in the present and we see a magical love story develop. The scenes with her Indian friends in the social club add humour and are reminiscent of Alexander McCall Smith's characters in his No.1 Ladies' Detective Series. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book, which I highly recommend to everyone.

[Anneka · Rating 3 out of 5]

In compliance with FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

I finally finished it. It was really good in parts, but the format was difficult for me to follow. Keeping track of all the characters while switching to different locations and years was a lot of work. Some days I didn't have the energy.

Overall, though, I liked it. It was a decent read, and the more I got to know the characters and become invested, the better I liked it. I'd like to give it 3.5 stars.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Dutch]

Van de hand van Threes Schreurs verschenen voorafgaand aan haar nieuwe roman Wachten op de moesson al vier andere boeken, twee films en diverse documentaires. Maar wellicht dat toch niet meteen bij iedereen een lichtje gaat branden bij het lezen van haar naam. Threes Schreurs opereert dan ook onder een pseudoniem: Threes Anna.

Lees meer op 8WEEKLY

[Katya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved the visual nature of this book and Ms. Anna's writing style. You could see all the vibrant colours she described and it made you see both the beauty and the poverty of India. Wonderful, vivid characters. The back-forth in time narration and intertwining of stories of the various characters is wonderfully plotted. Enjoyed it very much.

[Angela Hicks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book was translated from Dutch to English - making the prose slightly monotonous and choppy. There were too many random story lines that didn't come together seamlessly. The author took the easy way out with tidying up the loose ends. Not too convincing.
Too many pages to wade through.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wonderful and creative until you get to near the end and you realize how truly tragic the lives of most of the characters has been. The circles and coincidences become a bit incredible. If you ignore that, the writing is lyrical and evocative, and India is still revealed as a country rife with extreme poverty, tenacious people and haunting history. A good choice for a book group!

[Glynis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a couple of chapters to catch the how the changing time and people were weaving together and then I found it difficult to put the book down. Colours are vivid, smells are visceral, characters are those you want to listen to and I wanted them to tell me more about their lives. Not entirely happy with the ending but that did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the read.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book about a fascinating time and place. Ms. Threes Anna has created wonderfully complex and unique characters-- my particular favorite, Madan. Engrossing, entertaining and informative: a great read!

[Anja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book not an easy read: too many storylines all told in short pieces going backward and forward in time. what I did not like about the story are the frequent coincidences which are hard to believe, the story in itself was interesting enough.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Difficult to start - but ultimately very enjoyable. The story spans generations at a time when India as a country and culture were undergoing vast changes. A woman's life intertwined with so many others over generations. Reminded me of E. M. Forrester.

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it..

"A mixture of drama, comedy, and a little magic...a wonderful story of different, very beautiful, and evocative scenes". I agree wholeheartedly. I highly recommend this thoroughly captivating novel.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost abandoned it. There was too much going on and time jumped all over the place. It was worth it in the end. A beautiful story... but I didn't get into it until well past page 150. Don't give up! It's definitely worth it :)

[Jas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of love and loss. Anna elegantly weaves multiple stories, across time and geography, to create an amazing tapestry. It was a great read. I particularly enjoyed the sprinkling of magical realism and the impressive capturing of India.

[Ariane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that has it all: love story, drama, cultural aspects, historical background- it makes you travel to a very hot and very dry summer in India. The characters are vivid, the story wonderfully plotted. Really deserves the 5-star-rating