Synopsis & Book Info:
A sweeping novel that brings to life two love stories, ninety years apart, set against the rich backdrop of war-torn India.
In 1947, American historian and veteran of WWII, Martin Mitchell, wins a Fulbright Fellowship to document the end of British rule in India. His wife, Evie, convinces him to take her and their young son along, hoping a shared adventure will mend their marriage, which has been strained by war.
But other places, other wars. Martin and Evie find themselves stranded in a colonial bungalow in the Himalayas due to violence surrounding the partition of India between Hindus and Muslims. In that house, hidden behind a brick wall, Evie discovers a packet of old letters, which tell a strange and compelling story of love and war involving two young Englishwomen who lived in the same house in 1857.
Drawn to their story, Evie embarks on a mission to piece together her Victorian mystery. Her search leads her through the bazaars and temples of India as well as the dying society of the British Raj. Along the way, Martin’s dark secret is exposed, unleashing a new wedge between Evie and him. As India struggles toward Independence, Evie struggles to save her marriage, pursuing her Victorian ghosts for answers.
Bursting with lavish detail and vivid imagery of Calcutta and beyond, The Sandalwood Tree is a powerful story about betrayal, forgiveness, fate, and love.
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Doubleday Books
ISBN-13: 978-0385615426
Purchase at Amazon
Author Bio:
Elle Newmark is an author whose books are inspired by her travels. Her work has been published into 16 languages and she lives in the hills north of San Diego with her husband, a retired physician. She has two grown children and five grandchildren.
To find out more about Elle or learn about her books visit http://ellenewmark.com
©2011
My Opinion:
Now this is a story!
And one I will remember for a while.
I loved the way the author broke up the story between the present and the past, only to create a wonderful future for all the characters.
I fell in love with the little boy, Billy, and feel he really shone through in the book, for being such a subtle and small part. His part had impact on me.
A story of family, love, tradition and doing something new all wrapped in one. I really loved it, and hopefully will read more from Miss Newmark again.
4/5
Recommend? Yes!
~I received a copy from Pump Up Your Book. I was not compensated for my opinion.~
Thanks for the introduction. I am definitely intrigued. I added it to my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteFinding the packet of letters caught my interest, this sounds like a great book. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteSounds good Freda, lovely cover also. I like when characters touch us.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book I would be interested in. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteLynn
I liked this book as well (my review isn't up yet). I think the part I liked best is how Evie's marriage grows.
ReplyDelete