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The Pagoda Tree
The Pagoda Tree is an epic, sensual novel set in 18th century India. It begins in 1765 in the beautiful temple city of Tanjore, and traces the story of Maya, a young girl destined from birth to be a temple dancer, or devadasi.
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2013
14 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Claire Scobie
7 books17 followersClaire Scobie is an award-winning journalist who has lived and worked in the UK, India and now Sydney. Her first book, Last Seen in Lhasa, is a memoir based on her friendship with a Tibetan nun, and won the Dolman Best Travel Book Award in 2007. Claire teaches writing workshops across Australia. Penguin published her first novel, The Pagoda Tree, in mid-2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 28, 2018
In her fascinating essay at the end of the book, ‘In Search of The Pagoda Tree’, Claire Scobie confides that while writing the book she was conscious that ‘the European men kept wanting to dominate the narrative, just as they did in the archives’. She needn’t have worried because, to my mind, the female characters in the book are front and centre stage throughout and it is their feelings and experiences that resonated most strongly with this reader. I loved the way the book reveals the details of their daily lives and the religious and cultural rituals that bind the women together. It’s a way of life in which the beauty, artistry and cycles of the female body are celebrated.
In comparison, the male characters seem diminished, not because they aren’t finely drawn (they are) but because they seem unworthy of the women with whom they become involved. In their own way, the two main male characters – Walter Sutcliffe and Thomas Pearce – are constrained by past experiences, financial obligations and social expectations. As the book progresses, Walter manages to fight against these constraints and plays what at the time seems an incidental part in Maya’s story but which will turn out to be much more significant in retrospect. I found I could less easily understand or forgive Thomas’s actions, especially towards the end of the book. I hoped he might have been able to absorb some of Maya’s strength of character and resist more robustly the conventions of the day.
One exception to the generally unattractive male characters is the wise Rao, who can see beyond the seemingly conflicting cultural and religious practices, when he observes, ‘There are many ways…to tell the same story’. Later, in what is a neat summation of the aims of the book – namely to tell the stories of those largely unrecorded in history – Rao explains to Maya: ‘The English love to write about themselves. They write letters about their lives here and send them back to their families. They write books and books about us, Maya. Even when they don’t know very much, still they write.’
This is an accusation that can’t be laid at the door of the author because the book is full of wonderful cultural detail. Regular followers of this blog will know that I’m always drawn to descriptions of food. Far be it from me to disappoint on this occasion! ‘Crispy savoury vadais served with white coconut chutney; chunky vegetable and dhal pancakes smeared with butter and dark-brown sugar, and to wash it down, small bowls of tangy rasam, spiced with chilli.’
Maya is the central figure around which the story unfolds and I liked the way she attempts to exercise the little power she possesses in order to influence the course of her life and of those close to her, sadly often without success because of the forces arrayed against her and women like her. The role of a devadasi was something completely new to me with its strange mixture of sanctity and sexuality. There are some fabulous descriptions of Maya’s dancing that really bring to life its artistry and storytelling. ‘Her dance began at the tips of her fingers and moved flame-like through her fingers, wrists, arms, until her entire body undulated… She was down on one knee now, her face anguished, both arms thrust out with the palms upward, pleading to her lover… Her hands caressed the air and her feet moved like quicksilver. The slow tempo quickened and, with a turn, she transformed Phoenix-like from the devoted wife to the scorned woman.’ No wonder it has such an effect on those watching.
The book doesn’t shy away from addressing issues of inequality and colonialism, depicting the worst excesses of British military force and the ill effects of British economic and political influence on the region: ordinary people literally starving in the streets whilst British officials and their wives feast on food supplies stockpiled within their fortresses; cruel mistreatment of native women by soldiers; punitive levels of taxation; and profiteering by members of the British East India Company.
As with the best historical fiction, The Pagoda Tree transported me to a different time and place, immersing me in a culture very different to my own. Richly atmospheric and infused with the sights, sounds and smells of 18th century India, The Pagoda Tree is a treat for the senses and a deeply satisfying reading experience.
Congratulations to the folks at Unbound and all the book’s supporters for spotting the potential of this fantastic novel. I received a review copy courtesy of publishers, Unbound, and Random Things Tours in return for an honest and unbiased review.
In comparison, the male characters seem diminished, not because they aren’t finely drawn (they are) but because they seem unworthy of the women with whom they become involved. In their own way, the two main male characters – Walter Sutcliffe and Thomas Pearce – are constrained by past experiences, financial obligations and social expectations. As the book progresses, Walter manages to fight against these constraints and plays what at the time seems an incidental part in Maya’s story but which will turn out to be much more significant in retrospect. I found I could less easily understand or forgive Thomas’s actions, especially towards the end of the book. I hoped he might have been able to absorb some of Maya’s strength of character and resist more robustly the conventions of the day.
One exception to the generally unattractive male characters is the wise Rao, who can see beyond the seemingly conflicting cultural and religious practices, when he observes, ‘There are many ways…to tell the same story’. Later, in what is a neat summation of the aims of the book – namely to tell the stories of those largely unrecorded in history – Rao explains to Maya: ‘The English love to write about themselves. They write letters about their lives here and send them back to their families. They write books and books about us, Maya. Even when they don’t know very much, still they write.’
This is an accusation that can’t be laid at the door of the author because the book is full of wonderful cultural detail. Regular followers of this blog will know that I’m always drawn to descriptions of food. Far be it from me to disappoint on this occasion! ‘Crispy savoury vadais served with white coconut chutney; chunky vegetable and dhal pancakes smeared with butter and dark-brown sugar, and to wash it down, small bowls of tangy rasam, spiced with chilli.’
Maya is the central figure around which the story unfolds and I liked the way she attempts to exercise the little power she possesses in order to influence the course of her life and of those close to her, sadly often without success because of the forces arrayed against her and women like her. The role of a devadasi was something completely new to me with its strange mixture of sanctity and sexuality. There are some fabulous descriptions of Maya’s dancing that really bring to life its artistry and storytelling. ‘Her dance began at the tips of her fingers and moved flame-like through her fingers, wrists, arms, until her entire body undulated… She was down on one knee now, her face anguished, both arms thrust out with the palms upward, pleading to her lover… Her hands caressed the air and her feet moved like quicksilver. The slow tempo quickened and, with a turn, she transformed Phoenix-like from the devoted wife to the scorned woman.’ No wonder it has such an effect on those watching.
The book doesn’t shy away from addressing issues of inequality and colonialism, depicting the worst excesses of British military force and the ill effects of British economic and political influence on the region: ordinary people literally starving in the streets whilst British officials and their wives feast on food supplies stockpiled within their fortresses; cruel mistreatment of native women by soldiers; punitive levels of taxation; and profiteering by members of the British East India Company.
As with the best historical fiction, The Pagoda Tree transported me to a different time and place, immersing me in a culture very different to my own. Richly atmospheric and infused with the sights, sounds and smells of 18th century India, The Pagoda Tree is a treat for the senses and a deeply satisfying reading experience.
Congratulations to the folks at Unbound and all the book’s supporters for spotting the potential of this fantastic novel. I received a review copy courtesy of publishers, Unbound, and Random Things Tours in return for an honest and unbiased review.
June 13, 2017
Rich and full of historical detail I felt as if I were there experiencing the full details of the Indian culture,smelling the incense and seeing the colorful sights.
September 20, 2017
I enjoyed this - it was set in a place and time period I know nothing about, but still managed to keep me interested. I liked the characters and the storyline, and felt like 1700s India was really brought to life.
October 5, 2017
Well, it was good, but it didn't pass the Kept Me Awake on My Commute test.
November 23, 2018
The premise of this book appealed to me. It is a story set in 18th century India, and involves both the British ex-pats who work for the East India Company and the Indian women whose knowledge of classical dance puts them into a special stratum in that country's rigid caste system.
Lots of elements to pique my interest. But it has failed to do so...
The historical detail is well drawn, and is no doubt based on thorough research. The characterisation is OK though it is a little hard to really empathise with any of the protagonists.
What has really defeated me, and caused me to abandon my reading after 155 pages is the prose style. It is too flat. There is no excitement in this book. It has not sparked my imagination. I'm marking it as DNF, did not finish. Because I own the copy, I'll return it to my bookshelf and perhaps see if I can be bothered finishing it at some stage in the future. But I hold strongly to the belief that life is too short for dull books. There are so many more books to read. Hopefully my next choice will contain that spark that grabs my interest.
Lots of elements to pique my interest. But it has failed to do so...
The historical detail is well drawn, and is no doubt based on thorough research. The characterisation is OK though it is a little hard to really empathise with any of the protagonists.
What has really defeated me, and caused me to abandon my reading after 155 pages is the prose style. It is too flat. There is no excitement in this book. It has not sparked my imagination. I'm marking it as DNF, did not finish. Because I own the copy, I'll return it to my bookshelf and perhaps see if I can be bothered finishing it at some stage in the future. But I hold strongly to the belief that life is too short for dull books. There are so many more books to read. Hopefully my next choice will contain that spark that grabs my interest.
November 2, 2017
The Pagoda tree
This is an immersive reading experience and visit to India during a fascinating time of history. There’s a lot of detail and it’s very carefully crafted. Careful research is evident but it’s layered and slow building to reveal the full and very colourful picture. This is a lifestyle and time period that I know little about, but what a journey of discovery! Initiation ceremonies, dancing, learning the ceremonies and dances, respecting the Gods and realising just what a devadasi is required to do..
The story belonged to Maya, but I would have liked to have stayed with her more. There are several threads with Thomas and Walter who become involved or rather tangled up in each other’s lives. The thread seems to cut off rather short at the end – is there a sequel?
It’s a very strong book for evoking the senses and the country’s turmoil is palpable. I had no idea about the extent of the Easst India Company and loved and feared the “sequences” learning about the devadasi.
A story I will definitely remember
August 8, 2013
I really wanted to like this but it just did not grab me - The insights into the indian culture were good but after 90 pages none of the characters made me care. Also having flicked through I know that the two main charaters fall in "love" or at least in lust and given the age gap and the fact that Maya reminds him (during the firt part of the book)of his (deceased) daughter it just gave me this vaguely peadophilic vibe. Ick factor!!
I know the book is streched over years - first section 1765, next 1770, third 1777 - and maybe if i had continued on I would have a different opinion - but honestly I have no tolerance for drama and angst.
This covers a massively important time in India's (and European) history that has been ignored in historical fiction (to my knowledge) and readers of that genre should give it a go. It just wasn't for me.
I know the book is streched over years - first section 1765, next 1770, third 1777 - and maybe if i had continued on I would have a different opinion - but honestly I have no tolerance for drama and angst.
This covers a massively important time in India's (and European) history that has been ignored in historical fiction (to my knowledge) and readers of that genre should give it a go. It just wasn't for me.
October 10, 2017
The Pagoda Tree by Claire Scobie
Set in Madras in the 1700s, The Pagoda Tree by Claire Scobie, is rich, vivid and absorbing. Scobie writes convincingly from both the Indian and the English points of view. She transports you to the heart of the era, almost like time travel, bringing alive the culture of the time, the heat and humidity, the temples and devadasis, the gentle pace of life, the commerce and the changes wrought as the English became more powerful and cruel in their dealings with the Indians.
Set in Madras in the 1700s, The Pagoda Tree by Claire Scobie, is rich, vivid and absorbing. Scobie writes convincingly from both the Indian and the English points of view. She transports you to the heart of the era, almost like time travel, bringing alive the culture of the time, the heat and humidity, the temples and devadasis, the gentle pace of life, the commerce and the changes wrought as the English became more powerful and cruel in their dealings with the Indians.
July 25, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed The Pagoda Tree. In fact, it was hard to put down at times, and the characters stayed with me through the day. Claire Scobie has a serious talent for storytelling, and for using detail to bring characters and places alive - it was easy to 'see' the story from the written word. I think anyone who loves good stories, historical novels or stories set in interesting times and places will love this book. I did.
March 24, 2019
Perhaps it's because I am not really into historical fiction that I didn't rate this book. set in the late 1700s. more highly. I am not sorry I read it as I discovered a lot about the social customs of the time and gained some nuggets of information such as the fact that shampoo is from a Hindi word champu and that looter is from the Hindi looties or thief. I did find much to enjoy in this book, but it didn't grab me in the way that some other Indian stories have, notably A Fine Balance which I recall rating at 5 stars.
December 3, 2021
I enjoyed the book. Like the author has mentioned in her essay, the historical narrative is dominated by men. So, it introduced me to a whole new world even though I am from south india myself. It was for the first time that I witnessed devadasis being potrayed in positive light. The journey of a talented temple woman during the rise of the British empire is indeed an interesting premise.
However, the character Thomas was a let down compared to all other characters in the book and this ruined the second half for me, his character dominated it, a lot. I couldn't understand him, did he truly love Maya, was he just fascinated by her exotic presence, and truly despised what he did to her - it was unfair to say the least. The ending felt quite underwhelming and left me feeling disappointed.
PS. Kudos to the author for the extensive research done in getting all the cultural aspects right.
However, the character Thomas was a let down compared to all other characters in the book and this ruined the second half for me, his character dominated it, a lot. I couldn't understand him, did he truly love Maya, was he just fascinated by her exotic presence, and truly despised what he did to her - it was unfair to say the least. The ending felt quite underwhelming and left me feeling disappointed.
PS. Kudos to the author for the extensive research done in getting all the cultural aspects right.
September 2, 2013
Just found this uninspiring.
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December 22, 2020Suggested by Shireen - May 2019 book
December 23, 2017
Picked this book up randomly at the library. Loved the cover art!
What I liked about this book:
1. Setting. I've been fascinated by India for years, and loved learning more about 18th century India when the English were colonizing it.
2. The Devidasi. The writing was very evocative during the dance / temple scenes. I could see the fire flickering on the walls, smell the incense burning, hear the music, feel the mystical qualities the dancer took on as she danced for Shiva. Damn, these were well written.
3. Cultural realities. I enjoyed learning more about the cultural rules (ex. caste system) that dictated how / when people interacted. I was especially fascinated by the customs around childbirth (ex. Maya going away at 7 months pregnant and not coming home until the baby was 12 weeks old).
4. The Spiritual / Mystical elements: Maya can "hear" the paintings and statues talk to her. She feels an unexplained connection to Palani. She bears the mark of the "goddess." While our modern point of view tends to discredit experiences like these, the fact is that human beings have always had the capacity for religious and spiritual experience. I'm very glad that the author didn't shy away from portraying things that we can't explain with our rational minds.
What I didn't like about this book:
1. British Trade and Politics. Now, I wanted to like these chapters. But I found I just skimmed them. They just didn't grab my attention.
2. Thomas Pearce. Based on the teaser, I thought that he would play a larger part in the book. However, he doesn't show up until half way through. And the romance between he and Maya was certainly driven by lust initially, but seemed to fizzle out. I don't know. The love affair that the teaser promised just seemed to fall flat for me.
Overall, an interesting book. A good piece of historical fiction, especially if you enjoy learning about India and Hinduism.
What I liked about this book:
1. Setting. I've been fascinated by India for years, and loved learning more about 18th century India when the English were colonizing it.
2. The Devidasi. The writing was very evocative during the dance / temple scenes. I could see the fire flickering on the walls, smell the incense burning, hear the music, feel the mystical qualities the dancer took on as she danced for Shiva. Damn, these were well written.
3. Cultural realities. I enjoyed learning more about the cultural rules (ex. caste system) that dictated how / when people interacted. I was especially fascinated by the customs around childbirth (ex. Maya going away at 7 months pregnant and not coming home until the baby was 12 weeks old).
4. The Spiritual / Mystical elements: Maya can "hear" the paintings and statues talk to her. She feels an unexplained connection to Palani. She bears the mark of the "goddess." While our modern point of view tends to discredit experiences like these, the fact is that human beings have always had the capacity for religious and spiritual experience. I'm very glad that the author didn't shy away from portraying things that we can't explain with our rational minds.
What I didn't like about this book:
1. British Trade and Politics. Now, I wanted to like these chapters. But I found I just skimmed them. They just didn't grab my attention.
2. Thomas Pearce. Based on the teaser, I thought that he would play a larger part in the book. However, he doesn't show up until half way through. And the romance between he and Maya was certainly driven by lust initially, but seemed to fizzle out. I don't know. The love affair that the teaser promised just seemed to fall flat for me.
Overall, an interesting book. A good piece of historical fiction, especially if you enjoy learning about India and Hinduism.
July 30, 2018
Eighteenth century India is something of a mystery to me but I was very quickly drawn into this colourful story which takes us right back in time to the story of Maya who is destined, as her mother before her, to become one of the devadasi, a temple dancer, well trained in the mystical arts.
However, times are changing and with the rise of British dominance, Maya soon finds that everything about her life is set to change. The Pagoda Tree is very much the story of what happens when two cultures clash especially when Maya comes into contact with an ambitious young Englishman who is enthralled by her personality and her way of life.
The author writes well and has clearly done a huge amount of research in order to bring both the place and its people so vividly to life. I enjoyed getting to know Maya and watching her progress from a young girl into a woman and even though her transition into adulthood is often fraught with difficulty, nevertheless she comes across as an interesting character with lots of personality. Indian culture certainly comes alive in the imagination and its exotic location with all the sights, sounds and colour becomes an integral part of the story.
Overall The Pagoda Tree is an interesting and enlightening story about a time in history when prejudice flourished and cultures clashed, often with devastating consequences.
However, times are changing and with the rise of British dominance, Maya soon finds that everything about her life is set to change. The Pagoda Tree is very much the story of what happens when two cultures clash especially when Maya comes into contact with an ambitious young Englishman who is enthralled by her personality and her way of life.
The author writes well and has clearly done a huge amount of research in order to bring both the place and its people so vividly to life. I enjoyed getting to know Maya and watching her progress from a young girl into a woman and even though her transition into adulthood is often fraught with difficulty, nevertheless she comes across as an interesting character with lots of personality. Indian culture certainly comes alive in the imagination and its exotic location with all the sights, sounds and colour becomes an integral part of the story.
Overall The Pagoda Tree is an interesting and enlightening story about a time in history when prejudice flourished and cultures clashed, often with devastating consequences.
October 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this book: it recreated a period in India I knew nothing about and immersed me in the sights and smells of a completely different time and place. The imagery is beautiful, especially all the birds, who seem to represent what's happening in the story. I could easily imagine myself alongside Maya, particularly at the start when she is learning to dance and is hearing the voices of dancers depicted on the temple walls who are long gone. There's a real sense of history: the devadasis are part of life in Tanjore and have been for centuries, yet now the British have arrived, you know it's all going to change and Indian culture will not be understood or respected. This book is also shocking in places and heartbreakingly brutal: the story has stayed with me and I'm still thinking about it days later.
July 11, 2024
The years between 1765-1786 the town of Tanjore in India. The tale of a Devdasi's journey begins near the precincts of the Big Temple. The story of Maya progresses as India is on the cusp of the colonial invasion. Amidst the fall of princely rulers at the combined onslaught of the British empire with the Mughals, attraction fastens Maya and Thomas leading to an unlikely state of events with lust, greed and diplomacy charting the way.
The beauty of this book is the evocation of sensory and historical details. The plot moves slowly with attention to detail and there is no narrow or skewed POV. It's written for lovers of historical fiction and brilliantly I must admit. However, the protagonist feels dull after a point in the book.
✨You'll love this if you love Sanskrit erotic poetry, narratives on lives of Devdasis or courtesans, or the history of colonial times.
The beauty of this book is the evocation of sensory and historical details. The plot moves slowly with attention to detail and there is no narrow or skewed POV. It's written for lovers of historical fiction and brilliantly I must admit. However, the protagonist feels dull after a point in the book.
✨You'll love this if you love Sanskrit erotic poetry, narratives on lives of Devdasis or courtesans, or the history of colonial times.
August 30, 2017
The historical detail in The Pagoda Tree by Claire Scobie is fascinating and includes much I did not know about devadasis or about British rule in India in the eighteenth century. Maya's character, particularly her introduction as an innocent child, is an engaging one. The strong woman Maya grows into is a sympathetic character. The history scatters the personal story a bit, but an engaging piece of historical fiction nevertheless.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2017...
Reviewed for NetGalley
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2017...
Reviewed for NetGalley
December 30, 2018
The underlying basis of the story is very intriguing. I would like to read and learn more about this. However, I think that the writer could have done so much more with the characters and the story line. There were a lot of useless characters introduced that had no purpose. There was also a lot of superfluous information that dragged the story along. I agree that it is important that the writer shared the harsh realities of life at those times, I’m just not sure that you ended the story in the best way. It was sudden and a bit confusing and lacking in meaningful information.
November 21, 2017
I had this book as a free giveaway to book groups. I loved the cultural history and colourful images this story created in my mind. I found sonetimes i didn't enjoy some of the characters in the book. I didn't find this book a i have to read this from start ti finish and not put it down. At times i found it a little tedious and a bit too chaotic too many words sometimes used. I could take a break and pick up the story again. I still gave it a 3 stars as a good book to discuss in a book group
December 2, 2018
A beautiful epic telling the story of the life of Maya, a chosen from birth, dancer to the temple and married to the God, Shiva in India 1770's. British taking over India over the decade so Maya has to run. She meets British trader Thomas. I shall not give away any of the many characters though. A disappointing ending though, me thinks.
January 30, 2020
The novel didn't have an ending that'd conclude the story. The story builds up with a promise of showing of showing Maya as it was foreseen when she was born. The end turns out to be just vague. Except that, I can say, it's a very detailed narrative and holds the attention of a reader with his senses.
I absolutely love the cover of the book.
I absolutely love the cover of the book.
May 2, 2024
I loved the cover art and pounced on this in the charity book shop for only $4.
Needless to say it was $4 wasted because the writing was awful. Stilted and clumsy, it had no flow. I didn’t get very far with this one. The premise was certainly interesting as I love books set in India but this was a hard pass.
Needless to say it was $4 wasted because the writing was awful. Stilted and clumsy, it had no flow. I didn’t get very far with this one. The premise was certainly interesting as I love books set in India but this was a hard pass.
June 8, 2017
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The history of a temple dancer or devadasi, is detailed in this delightful book. Descriptions of both the art of dancing and locales in India are well detailed and full. Definitely recommended.
The history of a temple dancer or devadasi, is detailed in this delightful book. Descriptions of both the art of dancing and locales in India are well detailed and full. Definitely recommended.
October 1, 2017
I thought I would like this book a lot, as I did Memoirs of a Geisha, a book on a similar theme. I enjoyed the atmosphere and sense of place but the pace was too slow and the writing a little stilted. I kept going but gave up after the end of part two.
October 6, 2017
I struggled to get into this story or engage with the characters - it seemed that not a lot really happened for a long time. I persisted with it though, and felt it did improve once it picked up some momentum.
February 13, 2018
Excellent novel. Maya is an inspiring person, whose life is entwined with diverse characters during times of chaotic change in India. The author has written with open eyes and honesty to portray the various perspectives in the era.
June 18, 2019
Loved it! Very sad to think of all those Indian childtren being sent to school in England and parted from their mothers.
Just put this down and picked up the next book in my pile, Family Secrets by Deborah Cohen, which starts off with exactly that topic!
Just put this down and picked up the next book in my pile, Family Secrets by Deborah Cohen, which starts off with exactly that topic!
June 13, 2017
Saffron 2017
June 19, 2021
It was an interesting read, very informative also found a glimpse of INDIA then.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews