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Tea Country : A Tale of Loss and Love

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This is a contemporary story of adventure, love, nostalgia and tragedy that is set in the tea estates of Dooars—floodplains that lie south of the northeastern Himalayas. TRISHA, a young American field biologist, arrives in Dooars to research human-animal conflict, particularly between elephants and the growing human population that is left unemployed due to the dwindling tea industry.

Brojen and Trisha connect instantly, as they share an enthusiastic admiration and love for the natural world. The extent of personal toll that human-animal conflict exacts is evident in the fact that Brojen had lost his mother in a leopard attack when he was only ten years old. The family comes together when Bhanu, beloved patriarch and an influential and highly regarded businessman in the community, suddenly descends into a coma. Drama unfolds as the facade of Bhanu’s good deeds shatters and ugly truths about his life reveal themselves, including his appetite for a certain aphrodisiacal mad honey that had taken Brojen on a journey across the Nepal Himalayas in the past. 

Alongside this, romance buds between the optimistic and gentle Joy and the hesitant and guarded Trisha as he gets involved in her research, which itself is dappled with incidents of elephant electrocution, forest fires and poaching. Occasional peeks into the past lives of these characters brings to surface the undercurrents of disjunct family relations dictated by desire, prestige, contempt and, above all, love.

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2024

7 people are currently reading
92 people want to read

About the author

Lekha Sharma

18 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for a_geminireader.
288 reviews16 followers
August 10, 2024
"Tea Country – A Tale of Loss and Love" by Lekha Sharma is a story about love, compassion, and loss. Trisha, a girl from America, comes to Chalsa for research purposes. But here, she meets so many people: Indira, Brojen, Joy, Sukumar, and many more. How her life twists and turns with them! She discovers so many secrets about their lives. What are those secrets?

Every character has so many shades, and the author beautifully portrays those shades in the story. It's a tale full of suspense till the end. The author masterfully explores compassion, anger, acceptance, and forgiveness, weaving these emotions into the very essence of the tea garden.

My most favorite character is Brojen. This character gave me a shock till the end. The author has done an amazing job of keeping the suspense alive, making it impossible to put the book down until the very last page.

You can feel the essence of the tea garden throughout the story, making it a vivid and unforgettable read. The author captures the emotions and landscape so beautifully that you feel like you’re right there in the tea gardens, experiencing everything alongside the characters.

I would highly recommend "Tea Country" to anyone who enjoys a story filled with depth, emotion, and a touch of mystery.
Profile Image for Deotima Sarkar.
920 reviews30 followers
July 20, 2024
Tea Country: A Tale of Love and Loss by Lekha Sharma is a very cinematic novel, be it in its storyline or the clear level of language. She has written lucidly and evocatively such that it weaves a intricate world of lush beauty taking you to the tea estates the Dooars. The pace of the book is well-balanced, providing a rhythm that keeps one turning the pages without getting overwhelmed by details. The characters are fleshed out, their feelings and interests characterized on a deep level, making them relatable and engaging.
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The novel brings out timely, insightful exploration into human-animal conflict, adding a layer of environmental consciousness to the narrative. Sharma intelligently manages to weave this theme seamlessly into the narrative to make it part of the characters' lives and struggles. Complex family dynamics and personal tragedies present nuances of how people cope with loss and find resilience.
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At the centre is the story of Trisha, an American field biologist who comes to Dooars to study the elephant-human conflict, which is deepened with her association with Brojen, a local who has suffered his own share of tragedies. Indeed, personal stakes in the human-animal conflict are highlighted in Brojen's history, thereby infusing emotional heft into the narrative.
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As the family patriarch, Bhanu, sinks into a coma, this facade of his benevolence crumbles to reveal years of hidden dark secrets and obsessions. It is this subplot that adds intrigue and drama, making the novel so gripping. The budding romance she has with a local doctor, Joy, provides a tender counterpoint to the heavier themes and gives warmth and hope to the story. The development of their relationship was quite natural and blended into the many problems Trisha faces.
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It was a fresh and engaging read for me. It has a tapestry of adventure, romance, and tragedy, along with good writing and deep themes, making this work, consequently, a very enjoyable read!
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Profile Image for Tejasvi Roy.
23 reviews19 followers
September 12, 2024
"Tea Country is one of the most cinematic, simple, and satisfying books I have ever read."

It is set in the tea estates of Doars.

It's a story of a complex dysfunctional that has everything an Indian family has. The beautiful depictions of nature and the occasional presence of animals made the visualization easy. The characters were layered, raw, and relatable. The way they expressed their emotions felt so real.

It felt like that the entire story was playing right in front of my eyes. This book is a well-balanced portrayal of a family with a realistic plot. Rightly paced with great character development. The book feels whole and complete.

This book has every emotion. You name the emotion and this book has it- love, pain, anger, rage, despair, hope, grief, confusion, betrayal, and so many more.

The side characters are a treat. I loved Brojen the most. The second half is way more gripping than the first half.

If you love nature and you are looking for raw family dynamics, then this book is for you. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Book_withquotes.
627 reviews21 followers
July 18, 2024
“Tea Country” is a captivating contemporary tale set against the lush backdrop of the Dooars tea estates, weaving together adventure, love, nostalgia, and tragedy. The story follows TRISHA, a young American field biologist, who arrives in Dooars to research the increasing human-animal conflict, particularly between elephants and the local population, which has been severely affected by the declining tea industry. Trisha’s immediate connection with Brojen, a local with a profound love for nature despite losing his mother to a leopard attack, brings emotional depth to the narrative.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Bhanu, the revered family patriarch, falls into a coma, revealing dark secrets about his life, including a dangerous obsession with an aphrodisiacal mad honey that once led Brojen on a perilous journey across the Nepal Himalayas. As Trisha delves deeper into her research, the budding romance between her and Joy, an optimistic and gentle local, adds a tender subplot. Joy’s involvement in Trisha’s work highlights the harsh realities of elephant electrocution, forest fires, and poaching, further enriching the story’s emotional landscape.

Through occasional glimpses into the characters’ pasts, themes of desire, prestige, contempt, and love are intricately explored, portraying complex family dynamics. “Tea Country” is a mesmerizing journey through the interconnected lives of Trisha, Brojen, Bhanu, and Joy. The unfolding drama and revealed hidden truths kept me hooked, while the blossoming romance added a touch of warmth. The novel’s portrayal of the intersection between humanity and nature, along with its heartfelt storytelling, makes it a must-read for anyone seeking an engaging and emotionally rich narrative.
Profile Image for REHANA.
484 reviews14 followers
July 26, 2024
📚 BOOK REVIEW
Tea Country : A Tale of Loss and Love
by Lekha Sharma

Our Earth nurtures all the inhabitants like a mother. But the greed of humans never ends which results in ruining our eco-system. The wildlife is a danger for us or Are we a threat for them ??

The tea estates of Dooars situated in Northeast India are beautiful to behold. The lush greenery, the flora and fauna and the scenic hills surrounding beyond the tea estates all adds more charm to it. The wildlife and forests in the area are huge and buried with deep secrets within them.

The story start with a young american girl, Trisha travelling to Chalsa for her research. She is a field biologist who is researching on tea gardens and human-animal conflict in Dooars. Her acquaintance with the inhabitants of Dadabari, Pakhibari and Bhanu's family is spectacular. As the story unfolds further we find the multifaceted aspect of some characters.

Brojen, the simple looking local house help at Dadabari even had some dark secrets buried deep within him. As they unfold the readers are in for a shock.

The story brews amonst the inhabitants of Chalsa. It further delves into the intricacies of human relationships. We find multiple characters in the story which were well developed and I didn't find it difficult to relate with them.

The story is unique and captivating. A deep contrast between the life of workers and businessmen are shown in the story. How some rich influential businessmen domain over the town. The story highlights love, loss, regret, compassion, repentance, dedication, happiness, greif, sorrow, exploitation, unemployment, human trafficking and poaching.

This book has my heart. While reading it slowly adorned the pages with the beauty of Dooars and adjoining areas. The adventure of the forest and wildlife added more charm to it. The book is inviting and opens up many avenues for us to explore. The picturesque views around the tea estate of Chalsa is along with the forest life is quite tempting.

This story has been written perfectly just like a perfect cup of tea which slowly and steadily simmers to give flavour, while wafting the aroma around it. Days after completing the book I still carry that flavour on my taste buds.
221 reviews4 followers
August 2, 2024
Lekha Sharma has created a beautiful mosaic of a story with Tea Country having myriad stones signifying various characters with vivid personalities and back stories. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Dooars, a region known for its lush tea gardens and untamed wilderness, the novel delves into themes of love, loss, and the hidden shadows of the past.

At the heart of this story is Trisha, a young American field biologist whose arrival in the Dooars marks the beginning of a profound journey. Her scientific endeavors with the nature and the wild in the region are soon intertwined with her personal experiences, particularly her relationship with Brojen, a local who harbors his own deeply rooted pain. I found their connection to be both tender and complex, providing a lens through which the novel examines the intersection of personal grief and the broader human condition.

I was moved by Brojen's tragic backstory which I felt added significant emotional depth to the narrative as he lost his mother to a leopard attack during his childhood. As Trisha learns about his past, she becomes an essential support for him, and their relationship evolves into a poignant exploration of mutual healing. Sharma excels in depicting their bond with nuance and sensitivity, drawing readers into their emotional world.

One of the book’s central themes is the idea of buried secrets and their impact on individuals and communities. The character of Bhanu, a respected patriarch, serves as a focal point for this theme. Bhanu's facade of propriety begins to crumble, revealing the skeletons hidden in his closet and illustrating how the past can haunt even those who appear most unblemished. Sharma’s portrayal of Bhanu’s unraveling is both compelling and thought-provoking, offering a critique of societal expectations and the cost of maintaining appearances.

Tea Country is a testament to the author’s skillful storytelling. She has a lyrical quality in her narrative which breathes life into the story that is as lush and layered as the landscape it describes. The novel’s blend of romance, emotional depth, and social commentary makes it a captivating read that lingers long after the final page.
Profile Image for Solitude and  books.
1,183 reviews53 followers
July 29, 2024
I bought this book because it's set in the Himalayan hills of Northern West Bengal. Having visited Kalimpong in 2022, I was intrigued by Dooars.

When I got it in my hands, the cover with a picture of tea garden in the aftgerglow felt very heartwarming.

As the blurb described about its connection with animal human conflict being an animal lover, I felt more cativated.

So, the story follows Trisha. She is a young American biologist who travels to Dooars to research human-animal conflicts, especially involving elephants.
In newspapers every now and then we get to read how humans are getting affected by these gentle gaints but due to humans these beautiful majestic ones are finding harm.

Trisha’s journey is transformed when she meets few people there. Joy, a charming doctor; Indira, who runs schools for tea estate children; Lalit, a stoic businessman; Leila, coping with miscarriages; Bhanu, a revered family patriarch; and Brojen, the house help with a tragic past involving a leopard attack but still has a lot of respect for nature.

The novel explores the deep connections between humans and nature, illustrating the harsh realities of their conflicts.

As Trisha and Joy grow closer, Joy helps with her research, facing challenges like elephant electrocutions, forest fires, and poaching. These brough a purpose in the story and made me uderstand the scenarios better around it. So, I see, author has taken quite sometime to think thoroughly and include a range of well researched topics intertwined all together into this fiction.

The family's internal dynamics unravel as Bhanu falls into a coma, revealing hidden truths and personal struggles.
Lekha Sharma's rich descriptions of the landscape and her well-developed characters make the novel a truly a special read. The book’s medium pace and thoughtful plot didnot fail to showcase the intricate ties between human emotions and nature. I mean we all are a part of this mother nature and we have to respect it and thrive in it.

The author’s background and personal experiences in Kalimpong and its nearby areas add authenticity to the story. It felt that makes it a heartfelt and inspiring read.

Thus, Tea Country beautifully blends adventure, sprinkles of love, a tad bit of nostalgia, and the presence of tragedy, leaving readers with a profound understanding of the complexities of life in the tea estates of Dooars. Without any doubt, just grab this book.
Profile Image for Kitabi Keeda.
640 reviews74 followers
July 28, 2024
📍 This book will take you on a journey through the ups and downs of life!

🌱INSIGHT: Set in the lush tea gardens of Dooars in West Bengal, the story kicks off when Trisha, an Indian-American wildlife biologist arrives in Chalsa for a research project on man-animal conflict, & her life gets intertwined with the members of a local family, comprising of Joy, a doctor, his mother, Indira, & their house help, Brojen, among others. As secrets unravel & complications arise, will these characters find the closure they are seeking?

🌱REVIEW: Narrated with the perfect balance of dialogues & descriptions, the novel succeeds in exploring the complexities of interpersonal relationships between people, as well as the ever-evolving bond between humans & nature. The language used is lucid but not over-simplistic, the gentle pace matches the slice-of-life content of the book. Each member of the ensemble of characters is given enough spotlight to develop & shine on their own. Lastly, the book offers an authentic peek into the lifestyle, flora & fauna that forms the very essence of Dooars.

🌱STRENGTH: 1. Though the pace is not very fast, enough suspense is maintained to drive interest & curiosity to keep turning the pages. Unexpected twists in the tale add more depth.
2. All the characters of the ensemble cast are well-developed, endearing themselves to the reader without much effort.
3. The book touches on a variety of themes that add layers to the story, from love, to retribution, to wildlife conservation. It aims at providing a realistic take on the nuances that govern our relationship with nature, & with each other. Lives of the indigenous people of Dooars have been portrayed authentically, after ample research.
4. Language used is lucid, & the writing style matches the overall vibe of the book.

🌱TARGET READERS : Suitable for people aged between 25-45.

🌱GENRE: Contemporary Fiction

🌱RATING: 4.7/5
354 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2024
Books can transport us to far-off places without us ever moving, and this story is a perfect example of that magic. It unfolds in the captivating tea estates of Dooars, a region nestled south of the northeastern Himalayas. The tale begins with Trisha, an American biologist, arriving in Dooars to conduct research. Her visit is inspired by cherished memories of traveling there with her grandparents. Determined to study human-animal conflicts, Trisha's journey takes an unexpected turn when she has an accident. Brojen comes to her rescue, and Joy, a young doctor who treats her, sparks an immediate connection.

Joy’s mother and their neighbor Bhanu hide a troubling past. As Bhanu’s son attempts to sell the family business, he discovers Bhanu’s dangerous obsession with an aphrodisiacal mad honey. Meanwhile, Trisha’s research, aided by Brojen’s passion for nature, reveals grim issues like poaching. Dive into the intertwined lives of Trisha, Brojen, Joy, and Bhanu to uncover the repercussions of Bhanu’s dark secrets.

I really enjoyed this one; it felt like a Bollywood movie in book form. The fast-paced story, packed with numerous characters, grips you once you get into it. Brojen stands out as a particularly compelling character, and I felt deeply for him. I wish he had a chance to express everything and receive the love he deserved.

This book will make you experience a range of emotions—tears, joy, anger, and love. The discussions on sensitive topics like animal safety are thought-provoking. Be prepared; this read might leave you longing for a holiday in the hills.



Profile Image for Rahul Vishnoi.
893 reviews30 followers
July 21, 2024
-The Ties that Call you Back-
Review of ‘Tea Country’ by Lekha Sharma
🖋️📖
‘This place has more elephants than the people in Colorado,’ Trisha’s grandfather had remarked once, referring to the floodplains that lie near Himalayas of North-east: Dooars. And it is to these Dooars (meaning doors) that Trisha finds herself drawn back to, once again to dip her toes in the nostalgia, to relive the times when she had visited this land with her grandparents.

An American field biologist, Trisha has come to this region to research about the growing conflicts between humans and animals, especially elephants. Their electrocution, poaching and forest fires weigh heavy on her heart.

Here Trisha comes in contact with an influential family and the drama starts to unfold. A budding romance between Trisha and Joy, and an immediate connect between Trisha and Brohen, who lost his mother in a vicious leopard attack are the highlight of the story. An incident suddenly throws a spanner in everyone’s plan and the reputations made over the years start to crumble. Joy’s uncle Bhanu, addicted to aphrodisiac honey descends into coma and his muddy past starts to come to the front.

Sharma weaves a story replete with drama and environmental consciousness which stays loyal to the indigenous region, celebrating nature and her components. The prose flows smooth like the ‘mad honey’, effectively aided by the drama and the romance.
Profile Image for Aparna Prabhu.
558 reviews43 followers
October 2, 2024

‘Tea Country’ is a contemporary coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of lush scenery of the Dooars tea estates. It explores themes like adventure, love, nostalgia, and tragedy. The story revolves around Trisha, a young American field biologist who comes to the Dooars to study the growing human-animal conflict, particularly between elephants and the local communities impacted by the decline of the tea industry. Trisha forms a connection with Brojen, a native deeply connected to nature, despite the tragedy of losing his mother to a leopard attack, thus adding emotional depth to the narrative.

But there's a twist in the tale when Bhanu, a revered family patriarch experiences a coma attack unraveling hidden secrets from his past, including a dangerous fixation on an aphrodisiac known as mad honey, which once sent Brojen on a perilous trek across the Nepal Himalayas. As Trisha digs deeper into her research, she harbours feelings for Joy, a kind-hearted native. Together, they expose the cruelty meted out to elephants like poaching for their tusks.
Sharma’s depiction of Bhanu’s unraveling is both captivating and insightful, delivering a critique of societal pressures and the price of upholding facades.

Tea Country showcases the author’s masterful storytelling. Lekha's narrative has a lyrical elegance, bringing the story to life in a way that is as rich and intricate as the landscape it portrays.
Profile Image for Dalia (book_o_creativity).
566 reviews74 followers
November 5, 2024
'Tea Country' is a contemporary literary fiction set against the picturesque tea estates of Dooars. This story weaves a beautiful tale of love, loss, grief, and nostalgia, evoking a sense of longing and connection to both the land and its people. The story revolves around several richly developed characters, including Trisha, a biologist who travels to India to research on tea estates and elephants. Although the storyline appears simple on the surface, it flows beautifully, at the same time keeping the narrative engaging and meaningful. I was particularly drawn to the array of dynamic personalities, which captures the essence of life in the hills but more than that, I love the heartfelt journey of these characters. Through the vivid descriptions of the place and gentle pace this book serves each chapter delivers with a taste of warmth and wistfulness.

Coming to the writing, it is written in a loose poignant style, straightforward yet deep. The narrative allowed me to fully connect with the characters on an emotional level. I love the complex interplay between them. The book almost gave me a sense of cool, calm and grey atmospheric vibe that we expect from a book based in hills. Although I love the book, I was zoning out at places. It is a relatively thick book but I went through it in a jiffy. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy literary fiction with rich character development and a cozy, evocative setting.
Profile Image for Srijani Ray.
245 reviews
November 4, 2024
Tea Country by Lekha Sharma is a contemporary novel set in the scenic tea estates of Dooars, where adventure, love, and tragedy unfold. The story centers on Trisha, an American field biologist, who arrives to research human-animal conflicts, especially those involving elephants. Along the way, she forms deep bonds with locals, including Brojen, a man haunted by his past, and Joy, a kind doctor. As family secrets emerge, the characters face challenges that test their strength and relationships.

I enjoyed how the book blended environmental themes with personal stories. The setting was beautifully described, and the characters felt real and relatable. Trisha’s research and her budding romance with Joy were engaging, though the pacing slowed down in some parts. Brojen’s tragic backstory added emotional depth to the novel, making the human-animal conflict more personal. However, the plot sometimes felt crowded with too many subplots.

Tea Country is a heartwarming and thoughtful read that combines love, nature, and family secrets. While it could have been more concise, it offers a rich portrayal of life in the Dooars, making it a worthwhile book for those who enjoy character-driven stories.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Christeena  Thomas.
262 reviews7 followers
July 21, 2024
In "Tea Country", Lekha Sharma masterfully weaves a tale of love, loss, and resilience set against the lush backdrop of Dooars' tea estates. Trisha, a determined field biologist, and Brojen, a local with a tragic past, form the emotional core of the story. Their journeys intersect in unexpected ways, revealing the dark underbelly of the tea industry and the true cost of human progress.

Sharma's vivid prose transports readers to the Dooars landscape, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and scents of the tea estates. The characters' struggles and triumphs are deeply relatable, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their stories.

Through Trisha and Brojen's experiences, Sharma raises important questions about our relationship with the natural world and the impact of human actions on the environment. The novel's themes of love, loss, and resilience are timely and thought-provoking.

Overall, I highly recommend "Tea Country" to fans of literary fiction, romance, and environmental writing. With its complex characters, gripping plot, and vivid prose, this novel is a must-read.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Belle.
299 reviews17 followers
September 25, 2024
Set in the team gardens of Dooars in West Bengal, Tea country follows Trisha, an Indian American biologist who arrives in Chalsa for a research project. As she explores the area, she gets to meet a diverse group of characters, each with their own backstory. From a woman in a bus to an experienced forest dweller who saves her from an elephant attack, her journey is filled with experiences.
The story portrays the complexities of life in the region, highlighting issues like poaching, animal attacks, and the struggles of local communities. One standout moment for me is when a character says, "It's hard for people to care for animals when they are struggling to make their own ends meet", and that captures the reality of balancing the environment with survival.
There's a developing romance which adds warmth while a mystery behind a missing person subplot makes one guessing. When we got to see the connection and know what really happened, I was shocked.
The book, though a bit chunky isn't lengthy and the simple writing was easy to read and I found myself enjoying the pace. If you are in need of a character driven story, and a visit to a tea estate, pick this one.
Profile Image for Swarnali Karar.
593 reviews19 followers
July 21, 2024
It is a captivating novel set in the beautiful Dooars tea estates at the foot of the northeastern Himalayas. The protagonist is Trisha, a young American field biologist studying human-animal conflict in a region affected by the declining tea industry.

Trisha forms a strong bond with Brojen, a local man whose mother was killed by a leopard when he was little. Their shared love for nature connected them deeply. The plot thickens when Bhanu, the respected family patriarch, falls into a coma, revealing hidden truths about his life, including his secret use of an aphrodisiacal mad honey. Amidst this chaos, a gentle romance develops between Trisha and Joy who helped with her research. They're opposite in nature. Their relationship grows amid horrible incidents of forests. What happens next?

The story blends past and present, exploring complex family dynamics. "Tea Country" is a beautifully told story around themes like adventure, desire, love and loss.

The cover is beautiful. And the writing style is engaging. Overall I enjoyed the book.
Profile Image for Hema.
356 reviews19 followers
August 2, 2024
3.75 stars
#bookreview : To be very honest when I saw how lengthy this book is, I was scared…this is a bulky book but on the other side this is not a book to bore you. It has few elements that will keep you stuck in the story…
Trisha the main protagonist who is an American field biologist and has come for her research on the bond between Humans and Animals (especially elephants)which is not going on the track that it is suppose to go. Brojen a local man has some wounds from the past. When he was just a kid his mother was targeted by a leopard and she died in that ferocious attack. What connected Trisha and Brojen was Mother Nature.
An influential family comes into picture now. Bhanu a family patriarch goes into coma and a lot of hidden truths starts to unravel… There is also a love interest here named Joy, who helps Trish with her research…
The raw and uniqueness of this book is the location that is Northern West Bengal Himalaya’s Dooars… This will tempt you more to just be in the story.. To get more into the story and on the exciting thrill read this book…
Profile Image for KrisBookishLife.
167 reviews21 followers
September 12, 2024
Set in picturesque Dooars, in the northeast of India, this story begins with a humble bus ride. Trisha, an American researcher comes to understand the issues of human animal conduct in the region and what life actually is like in a place that is well known for its wildlife sanctuaries and constant contact between humans and wildlife. Here she meets some interesting people and as she gets to know them better, we as readers unravel layers of the story and secrets that lie dormant.

For me the unique nature of the interconnected families was the foundation of the story. The secrets that come out one by one… the true face of Bhanu and his story, the impact this has on other people… everything is revealed one by one. Vivid descriptions of locations and events bring the book to life (sometimes in a harsh way) and take you on a journey into this world! As a wildlife enthusiast the reality of elephants clashing with locals and the harm to both sides made it difficult to read, but also made it very real.
136 reviews15 followers
July 3, 2024
Tea Country" is such an amazing book, will take you on a journey through the enchanting tea estates of Dooars. The characters like Trisha, Brojen, Bhanu, and Joy are so interconnected through their personal stories and relationships, making the storyline truly captivating. The exploration of human-animal conflict and personal tragedies in the book adds such depth and emotion, making it a very thought-provoking read. The drama that unfolds and the hidden truths that are revealed kept me hooked, and the budding romance in the story added a beautiful touch of warmth. I could vividly imagine the natural world and the complex relationships between the characters as I read through the pages. "Tea Country" weaves together adventure, love, and tragedy in such a compelling way that I found it hard to put down. It's a book that I believe many readers will truly enjoy for its engaging and heartfelt storytelling.
Profile Image for bookswithkinkita.
437 reviews4 followers
August 26, 2024
Tea Country by Lekha Sharma, is a poignant tale that delves deep into the depths of love, loss, compassion, and forgiveness.
Trisha, an American biologist, ventures into Dooars for her research on animal-human conflict. There, she encounters a vibrant cast of characters, including Indira, Brojen, Bhanu, and Joy, forming deep connections that unravel poignant secrets.
The author intricately portrays the breathtaking beauty of Dooars and its enchanting tea estates, shedding light on the perils of honey hunting and animal poaching. Each character is meticulously crafted with their hardships, while the narrative also bravely addresses the sensitive issue of child abuse.
Love, hate, greed, and forgiveness intertwine to weave an unforgettable tapestry, with the heartwarming character of Brojen leaving a lasting impact.
It is a captivating read that I wholeheartedly recommend.
Profile Image for Mugdha Mahajan.
833 reviews82 followers
September 27, 2024
Tea Country by Lekha Sharma is a profound exploration of the delicate balance between humanity and nature, set against the stunning yet conflict-ridden tea estates of Dooars. Through Trisha’s journey as an American biologist studying human-animal conflict, the novel intricately delves into the harsh realities faced by both humans and wildlife in a region scarred by industrial decline. Sharma crafts a vivid, immersive atmosphere, while intertwining elements of family drama, love, and buried secrets, leaving readers reflecting on the deep connections we share with the world around us. Rich in detail and emotional depth, this novel beautifully encapsulates the coexistence of hope and tragedy in a place where both nature and human lives face constant upheaval.
Profile Image for Pratyusha.
12 reviews
October 6, 2025
My heart goes out for Brojen. In a way it is his story and all the characters around him.

The animal- man co existence and conflict was written beautifully. Also showed how mankind is destroying the natural habitat with development. Yet there are people, tribes who know and understand nature which a lot of urban communities lack the knowledge of.

The story and the characters were interesting. Each character had a part to play and had a character arc.

The last few chapters felt rushed , like the author was trying to finish the story and close the characters' story hastily.

I want to spin off of the Joy & Trisha's life. It was very brief but it's a simple and cute love story that I crave for more of it🙂.
Profile Image for Pavireads.
396 reviews4 followers
July 22, 2024
This story is a mix of adventure, romance, and family drama set in the tea estates of Dooars. It follows Trisha, an American biologist studying human-animal conflict, and her connection with Brojen, who has a personal stake in the issue due to a past tragedy. The plot thickens with the collapse of a respected businessman, Bhanu, and reveals dark secrets. Romance develops between Trisha and Joy, while the story touches on issues like elephant electrocution and poaching. The book is engaging for readers who enjoy tales of love, nature, and complex family dynamics. It's recommended for fans of contemporary fiction with a focus on environmental and social issues.
425 reviews6 followers
October 17, 2024
🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆

𝑻𝒆𝒂 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚: 𝑨 𝑻𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

🆀🅾🆃🅳#: Any book you want to read in October?

Author: Lekha Sharma
Format: Paperback
Pages/Chapters: 446 pages
Publisher: Notion
Genre: Fiction


"With the backdrop of West Bengal and the tea estates of Dooars, this book is a captivating tale of every emotion mixed with some complex characters, shielded by some great additional characters.

𝑻𝒆𝒂 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚: 𝑨 𝑻𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆" is a story that follows Trisha, an American biologist who came to Dooars to understand the relationship between animals and humans, especially with elephants. The book uncovers the dark reality of tea estates. The author has beautifully portrayed every element in the story, from emotions and family dynamics to layered characters and some ugly truths as well.

The book's narrative flows in a picturesque manner, giving readers a cinematic view of the story."

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74 reviews
December 10, 2024
'Poachers as forest guides.'
This read will take you on a research that brought Trisha to Indian territory in order to find answers to her queries and finally turn up to a solution that will give her a proper insight.

While living this journey she encounters varying people that will exhibit qualities worth connecting with leaving one amazed with the same.

A phenomenal delivery and exceptional read to be entertained with
132 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2024
The role of poachers as forest guides This book will take you on a journey of investigation that led Trisha to Indian land to discover answers to her questions and ultimately arrive at a solution that would provide her with a correct understanding. She meets a variety of people along the way, all of them have admirable traits that leave one in awe. A remarkable reading experience and outstanding delivery
Profile Image for Gooogleion.
228 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2024
Tourists have always been excellent at ruining natural beauty. Industrialisation almost always ruins our natural flora and fauna.
And how am I supposed to recognise the global level development amidst of it all?
It pains me to see what’s left behind and what we as a generation are gonna leave behind.
Profile Image for Anurag Kumar.
733 reviews8 followers
December 5, 2024
The book which i had recently been glued with revolves around Trisha who has set foot in the tea estate of Dooars will take you on another adventure which will be an appealing experience.

A fruitful read mastered with the art and excellence of storytelling will make you embrace the beauty of this read.

Inked in a benevolent manner!!!
194 reviews
December 5, 2024
Tea Country, read that narrates the journey of Trisha which will leave you quite amazed with her courage and determination to succeed in finding out the research which will captivate all your senses.

A commendable story to entertain yourself with experiences worth a lifetime.
A read to give one's thought in the most appealing manner.
196 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2024
Lekha Sharma's story titled 'Tea Country' revolved around a girl's approach to find about the human animal conflict which had been a major concern.

The delivery of this read will make you easily connect to every aspect of the story.

The characters had been written with great intensity and clarity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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