The Fortune Teller of Kathmandu

by Ann Bennett

A sweeping wartime tale of secrets and love, mystery and redemption, moving from the snow-capped Himalayas to the steamy heat of battle in the Burmese jungle. Perfect for fans of Dinah Jeffries, Victoria Hislop and Rosie Thomas.

Hampshire, UK, 2015. When Chloe Harper’s beloved grandmother, Lena dies, a stranger hands her Lena’s wartime diary. Chloe sets out to uncover deep family secrets that Lena guarded to her grave.

Darjeeling, India, 1943, Lena Chatterjee leaves the confines of a strict boarding school to work as assistant to Lieutenant George Harper, an officer in the British Indian Army. She accompanies him to Nepal and deep into the Himalayas to recruit Gurkhas for the failing Burma Campaign. There, she discovers that Lieutenant Harper has a secret, which she vows never to reveal.

In Kathmandu, the prophesy of a mysterious fortune teller sets Lena on a dangerous course. She joins the Women’s Auxiliary Service Burma (the Wasbies), risking her life to follow the man she loves to the front line. What happens there changes the course of her life.

On her quest to uncover her grandmother’s hidden past, Chloe herself encounters mystery and romance. Helped by young Nepalese tour guide, Kiran Rai, she finds history repeating itself when she is swept up in events that spiral out of control..."A great read" Advance Reader." Thank you so much for allowing me to read the advance copy. I could barely put it down!" Advance Reader,"What a wonderful book... I loved it. The dual time lines were delineated to perfection... the settings were perfectly rendered.." Advance Reader.

Genres: Historical Fiction, India, Fiction, Historical, Asia, World War II, British Literature

368 pages, Paperback

Published October 24, 2023

About the author

Same as author Ann^^^Bennett

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Darjeeling to Burma & Back Again

Brew a pot of your best Darjeeling tea, find a comfy chair in a secluded spot, and immerse yourself in this book. This is a World War II story quite unlike any of the others you've read. You'll experience the incomparable beauty of Darjeeling, mysterious locations in Nepal, and the hellish frontlines in Burma. I am in awe of the research done by Ann Bennett for this book as well as the exquisite writing. There were clues dropped in the first chapter that seemed so innocuous but were threaded throughout the story, from beginning to end. This is a unique tale, beautifully told. I loved it.

[Cheryl Ames · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really more of a 4, but since I was just in Nepal a few months ago, I could visualize just about everything and remember tastes and smells! So reading this book was such a pleasure. I found myself continually going back to my photo book and finding my pictures of locations in the story. I remembered stories of rebuilding after the 2015 earthquake, recalled how wonderful chai tasted on cold mornings and evenings when we watched sunrises and sunsets, experienced again the fascinating temples and stupas with their unique architecture. I recalled the delicious flavors of momos and lassis. I fondly remembered the wonderful, jovial, helpful, happy Nepalese people! Nepal was like no other place I’ve ever travelled! And I had the pleasure of reading about the stunning views of the Himalayas, which I missed out on because of constant horizon clouds. Great book if you are going to travel there!!

[Connie Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched historical novel

I really was intrigued by this book. The setting was fascinating and the wartime environment pulled me in. I've read quite a lot of WWII novels and history set in Europe, much fewer set in Asia. The contemporary portion was also well done although the ending was a bit predictable and "romance" more than I would have liked. Otherwise a great read!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book that takes place during the Burmese campaign during WWII. Predictable in parts but I really enjoyed reading about the towns
and lifestyle of the Himalayans.

[Susan Morgan]

Another great story from Ann Bennett

Having read all the books in this series, this new one did not disappoint. The tie in to fortune
telling, added to the mysticism in the perfect location of India & Nepal. I love the historical context along with the added romance. It's really 2 stories in one, as it also reflects the life of the granddaughter who is just learning about her grandmothers war time experience, posthumously. At the same time, she is traveling to those far off places to try to understand what really happened & also to find her own happiness.

[Minu · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book by Ann Bennett is a typical love story during the times of war. The emotions of Chloe as she experiences the life of her Gran through her own words is well portrayed. Certain parallels between the then and the now are also interesting. The overall narration of the book is simple and engaging as it dives into the pages of a diary. However, certain parts where the story divulges into the day to day details of the war are dry and long.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with a great plot and characters, as well as a gorgeous setting in the foothills of the Himalayas. Somewhere in the middle, it became more of a travelogue, but I skimmed this part, although I enjoyed reading about Nepal. The plot became exciting again at the end. For this reason, I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.

[Soma Kar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann Bennett's The Fortune Teller of Kathmandu is a gripping tale set during wartime, full of secrets, love, mystery, and redemption. We travel from the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the sweltering heat of battle in the Burmese jungle.

Set in Hampshire, UK in 2015, Chloe Harper's world is turned upside down when her grandmother Lena passes away and a stranger hands her Lena's diary from her time during the war. As she delves into the pages of the diary, Chloe uncovers long-hidden family secrets that Lena took with her to her grave. The story takes us back to Darjeeling, India in 1943 where we follow Lena Chatterjee on her journey outside of a strict boarding school to work as an assistant to Lieutenant George Harper of the British Indian Army. Together they travel to Nepal and deep into the treacherous Himalayas in search of Gurkhas to join their forces in the failing Burma Campaign. Along the way, Lena discovers that Lieutenant Harper has a secret that she vows to keep safe. But while in Kathmandu, a mysterious fortune teller predicts a dangerous future for Lena. Undeterred, she joins the Women's Auxiliary Service Burma (the Wasbies) and risks everything to follow her heart to the front lines. The events that unfold there will change her life forever. As Chloe continues to unravel her grandmother's untold story, she too finds herself caught up in a web of mystery and romance. With the help of young Nepalese tour guide Kiran Rai, she uncovers history repeating itself as she becomes entangled in events that quickly spiral out of control.

While the story lacks depth in its portrayal of Nepalese culture or Kathmandu, the plot is intriguing and the pace is good.

[Louise Steer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminds me of Heat and Dust by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, which is high praise from me. Like Heat and Dust, the story is told in two timestreams, World War II and the present. On her grandmother's death, Chloe is given her wartime journal, which tells a tale revealing more about her grandmother than the proper Englishwoman she appeared to be. Lena was Eurasian, living between two worlds, Indian and British, not knowing where she belongs. Wartime gives her the opportunity to find out who she is and what she is capable of as she spreads her wings and travels from Darjeeling to Nepal and Burma. The war scenes are well written and bring to life the Wasbies, women enlisted by the British to follow the troops in Burma to sell them tea, cake and other items as a way of maintaining troop morale. Inspired by a rather vague prediction by a fortuneteller, Lena joins the Wasbies to find her true love, Billy, who has been to sent to fight in Burma, but learns much more about war and herself. Chloe travels to India to follow Lena's footsteps, and she too finds much more than she expected. Both Lena and Chloe are changed forever - and neither were really in need of having their fortune told. This would make a great movie or even mini series, as there's so many changes of scenery and so many characters. Even the minor characters are well written and come to life.

[Bruce Mendelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It had much more romance than most of the books that I read. The book is set in two time periods; 1943 in India, Burma and Nepal as well as 2015 in the UK- with a trip to Nepal. One of the main characters, Chloe Harper discovers the diary of her grandmother shortly after her grandmother's death. The diary outlines an affair that Lena, the grandmother, had before her eventual marriage to Chloe's grandfather. Lena's story is very interesting and involves the Japanese campaign in Burma during WWII. I knew very little about this campaign and found that portion of the book very interesting and informative. Lena joins the Women's Auxiliary Service Burma (Wasbies) that provides support to the troops very close to the fighting front in Burma. The diary prompts Chloe to retrace some of the steps that her grandmother took. Both characters also travel through Nepal, one of my favorite countries to visit. If you are interested in history and very nice descriptions Nepal and wartime Burma, you will enjoy this book.

[Kaajal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another dual timeline world war 2 book, but based so much closer to home. I haven’t read too many books where India or Indians feature in the context of the war.

UK, 2015; Chloe has just lost her grandmother, Lena, and while she is grieving, she receives an old diary penned by Lena and entrusted to a friend. The diary talks about Lena’s past that no one knew about. Inspired by what she reads, Chloe travels to India and Nepal to try and retrace her grandmother’s life and adventures.

India, 1943: Lena starts work as secretary to Lt. George Harper of the British Indian Army. Part of her work is to travel with him all over Nepal as he recruits soldiers for the Gurkha regiment.

Also through her work, she meets and falls in love with a British soldier, Billy. As the war with the Japanese heats up, he is sent to Burma to defend India and eventually Lena joins the Women’s Auxiliary Service Burma to aid in the war effort and hopefully find Billy.

The process of discovering the un-spoken past leads Chloe on her own path of discovery. She finds love, purpose & happiness in the mountains.

[andrew barlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit lame

I have never been to Darjeeling so I cannot comment,I have however been to Kathmandu and Pokhara and I wonder if the author has. The choice of the Kathmandu guest house as the base is lazy and unimaginative and to describe Pokhara several times without mentioning Machupachure is like describing Paris without mentioning the Eiffel tower. The story is something and nothing and I turned each page in the desperate hope that something, anything would happen to liven up the journey to its predictable Mills and Boon conclusion. I always endeavour to finish a book regardless of how tedious it is , this was possibly the greatest test of my commitment to this self imposed oath. Suffice to say I shan't be troubling myself with the sequel or indeed any of Ann Bennett's other works.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this historical romance for the Blueys’s Bookclub. What lifted this story was the author’s research into the British / Indian campaigns in Northern India, Nepal and Burma during WWII. The perspective of young women and their involvement in the war effort, as well as the social and racial constraints of the time added depth and interest to this charming story.

One quibble was the lengthy span of time that it took Chloe to read her grandmother’s secret diary but without this plot device the structure of the novel would have collapsed.

[Sylvie Rochon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very entertaining read, this novel tells the story in a dual timeline, Chloe in 2015 is taking care of packing her Grandmother's effects after her passing when a friend of her grandmother brings her a journal. While reading this journal she learns about her grandmother's life during the war in 1943 in Kathmandu. It depicts how Indians were treated by the British. Chloe travels to the locations in the journal in an effort to find answers, but she uncovers secrets. I listened to this on audio and was very pleased!

[Dragonladymoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first moment that I saw the title and read a little about the story, I knew this book was the right book for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey with both Chloe and Lena, unable to stop reading until the story ended.

The history, the vivid descriptions of the countries and the back stories in each of the women’s lives, meshed together well enough to keep me entranced from beginning to end.

This is a book that will return to my mind many times; a five star read. 🤗

[susan bellinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite!!!!!!

I have now read almost all of Ann Bennett's books!!! This is my favorite, I finished it in one setting, just couldn't put it down!! Lena's story was so interesting.. Reading her diary along with her granddaughter was beautiful... WW2 was such a awful time and I never realized how India was so devastated....All of the books of Ann Bennett were very interesting but one (which I won't name) kept my engaged until the end... All of the other books get 4 stars.

[Rebecca Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

CharActers were not the stars

I've read many historical fiction,and I just didn't connect with several main characters. The history, the wasbies were detailed and believable. The love affairs and evolution were not what I had hoped for. So, although I read it,it just wasn't emotionally engaging.

[Rodney Michel · Rating 5 out of 5]

a grand trip

The book is a grand trip through Southeast Asia and the lives of so many as the story unfolds. I enjoyed every page and loved the ending. Chloe made the right decision and participated in the happily ever after that I enjoy in a good read. Thank you for story and the trip to the Himalayas.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book uses what seems to be a current standard of young person finds something that ties an older person to an event many years earlier and researches that event. In this case, the locale (India, Burma and Nepal) and the story of the efforts of the Wasbies (Women's Auxiliary Service Burma) during WWII let the book rise above the norm.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite a few inconsistencies I really enjoyed this story. A young woman traces her grandmother's Word War II footsteps in India and Burma. This starts as a journey of curiosity and respect and becomes a journey into self and into love. Harrowing at times and deeply moving, Bennett has created some lovely characters and gives the reader a real sense of time and place throughout.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful trip this was. Such a strong sense of place. Immersive.
I started reading these treasures when I discovered that my grandfather had served in India in WW2. So now I have been to Imphal, Kohima and Darjeeling. Crossed rivers and mountains. Heard the sounds and seen the sights. Actually learned a lot. My interest in all things 'India' is piqued.

[Annett Jummrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice book. I found the descriptions a bit repetitive but overall a good read. Preferred Lena’s story set in the 1940s to Chloe’s journey in 2015. Just thought that when one compares the love stories of both women Lena’s was more believable.

Book didn’t blow me away, but at the same time I don’t regret spending time reading it. May give one of Mrs Bennett’s other novels a go.

3*

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

India

and it’s history as told in this book is fascinating. The duel timeline and diary telling was done to perfection. I do think it bogged down in the telling of the traveling and could use some editing. I very much enjoyed both stories.

[Pamela Grissom · Rating 5 out of 5]

so fabulous

The world Kathmandu and the surrounding Himalayas come alive in this enchanting story of love, loss and family. I felt as though I was there in the heat, dust and moisture of the surrounds.

[Ramendra Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and heart touching

A historical fiction chronicled with raw emotion and passion in the background of WW2 . The story swings between the horror of war and fondnof hearts in adversity. Enjoyed every page of the story.

[Melba Hard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant storey very emotional.

I learnt so much about the Burma campaign. The research that must have gone into this book plus the history of the British raiNfall I feel as if I have been there!.

[dorothy cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

I loved this book. It tells the story of Chloe who inherits her grandmother Lenas estate.
Included in the estate is a diary telling of Lenas early life in Asia.
The book tells both Lena and Chloes story.
It is very descriptive and a throughly enjoyable read.

[Nikki LoRe · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good read.

I enjoyed reading this, even though it was fairly predictable. All of the history and events of World War II in Burma were amazing.. It gave a new insight to parts of the war I was not aware of.

[denise Lecuyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical novel

I have to say I had trouble putting this book down. I'm glad it wasn't short as I got to stay with the characters longer. Well written book where you travel from West India to Nepal and back. Its just a wonderful story

[Mary Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting read!

This was a wonderful change for me. I haven’t read much about this part of the world, or its journey in WW2. It was incredible learning about different traditions and peoples, and kept me interested the entire book!